Question 1

Why menopause matters?

Accepted Answer

Every woman will experience menopause. The median age of menopause is 51 years. Many women will spend 10+ years in menopause.

It is paramount that this is an enjoyable time of our lives and that we are maintaining our health during this pivotal time.

Bothersome symptoms impact not only our home life and relationships but also our ability to sleep, work and function day to day.

Menopause impacts not only our mental health, sleep and libido, but also our weight, bone health, and our cardiovascular fitness.

Managing menopause has an impact on our future health and function and it is vital.

Question 2

What is Perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Perimenopause is a completely normal transitional time in our lives when our hormones are changing and we eventually become less fertile.

When we start to run out of eggs in our ovaries, we produce less hormones. Estrogen levels fluctuate erratically. The changing level of hormones from the ovaries leads to the typical symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and many other symptoms you may be experiencing if you are reading this.

Question 3

Do I need hormone testing to determine if I am in menopause?

Accepted Answer

Generally, for most women above 45 years old experiencing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, routine hormone testing is not recommended. Your FSH level in perimenopause fluctuates day to day and it is not a reliable way of assessing if your are menopausal. Menopause is a clinical diagnosis. However, some women, especially those under 45years who have stopped menstruating may require blood tests.

Question 4

Without blood tests, how will I know if I require Menopausal Hormone therapy (MHT)?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate MHT is initiated after a thorough history and physical exam if your symptoms are consistent with perimenopause and menopause. We will have an in-depth discussion with you about the different options available as well as the risks and benefits prior to initiation.

Question 5

How often do I require follow up?

Accepted Answer

When a regimen is first initiated, we prefer to see our patients at a 3 months then a 6 month follow up. This can be done in-person or virtually. We recommend a yearly in-person follow up once a stable regimen is achieved.

Question 6

When will I notice an improvement on MHT?

Accepted Answer

It can take up to 12 weeks to notice peak effect, however some patients notice an improvement earlier at around 4 weeks.

Question 7

What happens after I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We will send you an in-depth health questionnaire to complete for us, we will then review this and any previous blood work you have had and send you an e-invoice to secure your appointment.

Question 8

What do I have to bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any prescribed medications you are currently taking and any menopausal related questions you may have. We are happy to discuss them with you.

Question 9

Will my insurer cover the cost of this appointment?

Accepted Answer

We do not direct bill, but we are registered with Blue cross. Please confirm with your policy that you are covered and you can apply for reimbursement by selecting ‘practioner-other’

Menopause

Care Saint John

FAQ