Common Questions

The Ontario Menopause Clinic is a Canadian virtual care clinic dedicated to supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. We provide comprehensive, personalized care for women experiencing hormonal changes - addressing symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hot flashes, mood changes, and more.

Our approach goes beyond simply treating hormones. We take the time to understand how your symptoms are affecting your daily life - your sleep, your mood, your energy, your relationships, and your overall sense of well-being.

Treatment plans are individualized and may include hormonal therapies, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle strategies, and access to diagnostic testing such as blood work, hormone testing (when appropriate), and bone density assessments. All care is delivered through a secure telemedicine platform and is available to women across Ontario.

We provide care to women across Ontario through a secure virtual platform. This allows you to access specialized menopause care regardless of where you live, without needing to travel long distances or wait for in-person specialist appointments.

Many online services rely on questionnaires or text-based care, which can feel impersonal and may miss important details.

At our clinic, you receive direct, one-on-one care through video visits with a single provider who follows you over time. This allows for a more personalized, consistent, and comprehensive approach.

We understand that many women have been searching for answers for months - or even years. At the Ontario Menopause Clinic, we prioritize timely access to care. Most patients are able to book their initial consultation within a few days.

You can contact the clinic by phone or email at any time. Our team will respond within two business days.

Yes. Our care is designed to complement your existing healthcare - not replace it.

Many family doctors are managing a wide range of conditions within limited time. Our clinic provides more focused, in-depth support for perimenopause and menopause, which can be difficult to address fully in a typical primary care visit.

No. This clinic is focused on midlife health, specializing in perimenopause and menopause care. It is designed to complement - not replace - your primary healthcare provider.

We support a collaborative approach to care. With your consent, we can send a summary of your visit and treatment plan to your family doctor.

If you prefer to keep your care private, that is completely your choice.

Yes. At this time, we are only able to provide care to patients located in Ontario due to licensing requirements.

No referral is needed. As a Nurse Practitioner, Andrea can see patients directly. Simply book online to get started - begin with a free Discovery Call if you’d like to talk things through first.

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause and can begin in your 40s. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, which can lead to symptoms even if your periods are still regular.

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Diagnosis is primarily based on your symptoms and menstrual history - not just blood tests.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but commonly include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep disruption
• Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Low energy or fatigue
• Weight changes
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Changes in libido

Many women experience multiple symptoms at once, which can significantly impact quality of life.

Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during perimenopause, and a single blood test may not capture these changes.

It is very common for women to not feel like themselves despite “normal” lab results. Your symptoms are real, and they are a key part of how we assess and guide treatment.

This is very common.

Many menopause-related symptoms don’t show up clearly on tests, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real or treatable.

We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs. This may include hormonal therapies (such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone when appropriate), as well as non-hormonal medications and lifestyle strategies to support your health during menopause.

Lifestyle recommendations may include nutrition, exercise, sleep optimization, and stress management. Most care plans involve a combination of approaches to support your overall health and well-being.

This question can be challenging to answer because the term “bioidentical” is often used in different ways.

First, the term is often used in marketing to describe hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that are manufactured to be chemically identical to the hormones your ovaries produced before menopause. These hormones may be derived from plant sources such as soy or yams, which can make them sound more “natural.” However, they are still processed and made in a lab. The more accurate term is “body-identical” hormones, meaning hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces.

Second, the term “bioidentical” is also used to describe custom-compounded hormones, which are mixed individually by pharmacies. These products are not government-approved, are often not covered by insurance, and may have less predictable dosing, absorption, and safety.

With that in mind, YES - the Ontario Menopause Clinic offers body-identical hormone therapy through government-approved treatments that are carefully tested for safety, effectiveness, and consistent dosing and regulated by Health Canada. However, we do not prescribe custom-compounded hormones, as these are not supported by the current menopause guidelines due to concerns about safety, consistency, and lack of evidence.

The key difference is testing, regulation, and reliability.

Health Canada–approved hormone therapy contains hormones like estradiol and progesterone that are body-identical and have undergone rigorous testing. These products are standardized, meaning you receive the same dose and absorption each time, and they include clear information about risks and side effects. They are the recommended and evidence-based option for treating menopause symptoms.

Custom-compounded hormone therapy, on the other hand, is mixed individually by a pharmacy based on a prescription. While this allows for personalized formulations, these products are not government-approved, meaning they are not tested for consistent dosing, absorption, or safety. The amount of hormone can vary between batches, and there is no evidence that compounded hormones are safer, more effective, or anti-aging. They also carry the same risks as approved therapies, but without the same quality control. In some cases, compounded progesterone may not adequately protect the uterus.

For these reasons, The Ontario Menopause Clinic uses Health Canada approved therapies to ensure safety, effectiveness, and predictable results.

Yes. Testosterone therapy may be considered if you are experiencing low libido that is distressing or impacting your quality of life.

We assess carefully to ensure it is appropriate and safe for you.

Yes. Hormone therapy is not the only option.

If you cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy, we offer effective non-hormonal options such as SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, oxybutynin, and Veozah.

We will help you find the approach that best fits your needs and preferences.

Yes. Lifestyle management is a key part of menopause care.

Every consultation includes personalized guidance around nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.

That’s completely okay.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before booking your discovery call. We’ll guide you through the process and help you understand your options.

Some women notice improvement within a few weeks. However, it can take up to three months to fully assess the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

That’s the goal.

With the right combination of treatment and support, many women experience significant improvement in how they feel day to day.

In the past, it was commonly believed that hormone therapy should be limited to a short duration (often around five years). We now understand that there is no single timeline that applies to everyone, and that outcomes can vary widely between individuals.

Treatment is individualized and adjusted based on your response. Once your symptoms are stable, we typically re-evaluate to ensure ongoing safety and effectiveness.

As long as symptoms are well controlled - and recognizing that symptoms can last for many years, sometimes up to 20 - treatment may be continued for as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.

Decisions about continuing or stopping therapy are made through shared decision-making, weighing the benefits and risks in the context of your individual health and preferences.

There are several reasons why your primary care provider may not prescribe hormone therapy. Some clinicians were trained using older studies that raised concerns about safety, and may not be fully up to date with newer evidence. Others may not have specialized training in menopause care or may feel less comfortable prescribing and managing hormone therapy. In busy primary care settings, time constraints can also make it challenging to provide the detailed counselling and follow-up that hormone therapy often requires.

Menopause care is a specialized area, and recommendations have evolved significantly. Our focus is exclusively on menopause care. We stay current with the latest evidence and clinical guidelines, and take the time to assess whether treatment is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your individual needs.

Yes - 100%.

This is the foundation of our approach. Every treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms, health history, and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause care.

We conduct a thorough review of your medical history, family history, and symptoms before recommending treatment.

We will review the risks, benefits, and any potential contraindications with you so that you can make an informed decision.

Yes. If you are still having regular or irregular periods, you may be in perimenopause. This stage often comes with hormonal changes that can cause symptoms.

We create personalized treatment plans to help manage these symptoms, and hormone therapy can be used safely in many cases during this time.

Yes. We will complete a thorough assessment to determine the best approach for you. Restarting hormone therapy depends on your health history, symptoms, and individual risk factors.

If you have a history of estrogen-sensitive cancer, we will carefully review your history and discuss both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options to find a safe approach for you.

If you are under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, you may be a candidate for hormone therapy.

If you are over 60 or further from menopause, we will complete an individualized assessment to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment options.

Yes. We can tailor treatment options based on your surgical and medical history.

Yes. We can help manage early menopause; however, this often requires a more specialized approach. We may work alongside other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the best care.

Yes. We will review all of your current medications to ensure that any treatment plan is safe and appropriate, and to avoid potential interactions.

Changes in libido are common during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal shifts, sleep disruption, stress, and other factors.

We take a comprehensive approach to address this, which may include hormonal and non-hormonal options.

There are effective treatments available, including non-hormonal options, vaginal estrogen, and other therapies depending on your symptoms and preferences.

Yes. Hormonal changes can affect mood, anxiety, and emotional regulation.

We can support this through both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, as well as lifestyle strategies.

Brain fog can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fatigue.

Treatment may include hormone therapy, sleep optimization, and addressing other contributing factors.

Yes. Menopause can impact bone health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function.

We assess these risks and include prevention strategies as part of your care plan.

Bone density can decrease after menopause.

We assess your risk and may recommend bone density testing, lifestyle changes, and treatment if needed.

No. Menopause is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms and menstrual history.

Blood work may be used to rule out other conditions or assess overall health, but it is not required before starting care.

Not always. Menopause can often be diagnosed without hormone testing.

However, testing may be helpful in certain situations - for example, if you are considering testosterone therapy or if we need to assess how well your body is absorbing treatment.

The initial consultation is $299.

This includes a comprehensive assessment, review of your health history, symptoms, requisitions for any required blood work or imaging, and a personalized treatment plan. Referrals are provided when needed.

Our consultation fees may be eligible for reimbursement through private insurance plans or health spending accounts. Please check with your provider for specific coverage details.

They may also qualify as a medical expense for income tax purposes. We recommend confirming this with your tax professional.

Menopause treatments - including both hormonal and non-hormonal options - are often covered by private insurance plans, though coverage varies depending on your specific policy. Please check with your provider for specific coverage details.

Blood work and diagnostic imaging are typically covered under the Ontario provincial healthcare plan.

Nurse Practitioner consultation fees are not currently covered by OHIP. However, many private insurance plans or health spending accounts may reimburse some or all of the cost. We provide detailed receipts to support your claims.

You can click Book Now to select a time that works best for you. Alternatively, you can call our clinic to arrange your initial intake appointment.

You’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a secure video link.

Before your visit, you’ll be asked to complete a consent and intake form. Please complete these at least 24 hours in advance so we can review your information and prepare for your appointment.

During your visit, we take a thorough, patient-centred approach to understand your symptoms, concerns, and goals.

We’ll review appropriate treatment options - including the risks and benefits - and develop a personalized care plan. If any testing is required, requisitions will be provided through our secure patient portal.

Follow-up visits are recommended to monitor how well your treatment is working and to make any necessary adjustments.

We typically see patients every 3–6 months while we are optimizing symptoms and treatment. Once symptoms are stable and your plan is well established, follow-up is usually annual to reassess ongoing care and make any adjustments based on changes in your health or needs.

If you remain stable over time, care can often be transitioned back to your primary health care provider for ongoing prescribing and routine follow-up.

All initial and follow up visits are conducted through a secure, private video platform that meets the Ontario healthcare privacy standards.

At your scheduled appointment time, simply click the link provided in your confirmation email to join - no downloads or special setup required.

Initial consultations are 60 minutes, allowing time for a comprehensive assessment and discussion of your concerns and goals.

Follow-up visits are typically 20–30 minutes, depending on your needs and the complexity of your care.

Follow-up frequency varies depending on your treatment and how you’re feeling.

We typically see patients every 3–6 months while we are optimizing symptoms and treatment. Once symptoms are stable and your plan is well established, follow-up is usually annual to reassess ongoing care and make any adjustments based on changes in your health or needs.

If you remain stable over time, care can often be transitioned back to your primary health care provider for ongoing prescribing and routine follow-up.

Follow up blood work and testing is individualized based on your treatment plan and clinical needs.

Yes. You will be seen by the same provider for all of your visits to ensure continuity and consistency of care.

Yes. Follow-up visits can often be completed by phone, depending on your needs and the type of visit.

If your symptoms are stable, a phone appointment can be a convenient option for care check-ins. We’ll help determine the most appropriate format for your follow-up to ensure your care remains safe and effective.

Yes. You can contact our team with non-urgent questions between visits. We aim to respond within two business days.

No. To ensure safe, effective, and personalized care, a virtual consultation with the nurse practitioner is required before any treatment can be prescribed.

Yes. Before your appointment, you’ll be invited to our secure patient portal to complete your consent and intake forms.

You can also upload relevant documents - such as prior lab results or medical records - so they can be reviewed by your practitioner in advance of your visit. If you need assistance, our team is happy to help.

Please complete your consent and medical questionnaire at least 24 hours before your appointment. This allows us to review your history and better understand your symptoms and goals in advance.

For your visit, choose a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection. If you have any recent test results or medical records, you can upload them to the portal or send them to our team to be added to your chart.

If you need to reschedule, please contact us by phone or email at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

Appointments can be cancelled or rescheduled up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Missed appointments will also be charged in full.

Fees may be waived in compassionate circumstances, such as medical emergencies or unforeseen events.

If your symptoms change or you feel your treatment needs to be adjusted, we recommend booking a follow-up appointment. This allows us to review your response, discuss options, and make any changes safely and appropriately.

It’s normal to experience mild side effects as your body adjusts to treatment. These can last from a few days to a few weeks.

If you experience persistent or concerning symptoms - such as abnormal bleeding - please book a Care Check-In.

For urgent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness, go to the nearest emergency department.

The Ontario Menopause Clinic does not provide emergency care.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency - such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of a stroke - call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Your privacy is a top priority. All personal and medical information is stored securely using encrypted systems, and we follow strict healthcare privacy standards.

For more details, please refer to our privacy policy.