Is it right for me?
"Just try it and see how you feel."
Hormone therapy isn't right for everyone. We'll tell you if it's not for you.
This is our screening, in plain words: who we go carefully with, what we won't do, what happens if hormones are a no, and what can't wait for an appointment. Your history comes first, and nothing is prescribed on a form.
We go carefully if you've had
- Breast cancer, or another hormone-sensitive cancer
- A blood clot, stroke or heart attack
- Liver disease
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
That's why your history comes first, and nothing is prescribed on a form.
"Carefully" means we go through it with you at the assessment. Sometimes that ends in hormone therapy with closer follow-up. Sometimes it ends in plan B. Either way, you hear the reasons.
This isn't the place for
- Custom-compounded creams and saliva-tested doses. Custom-compounded "BHRT" isn't Health Canada approved, and the Endocrine Society says claims that saliva tests can customise hormone doses lack supporting data.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- A quick prescription with no follow-up. Follow-ups are part of the plan: check in, adjust, repeat bloodwork when it's due.
Source: SOGC, Menopause and U; Endocrine Society (2019).
For women under 60, or within 10 years of menopause, with no reason to avoid it, the benefits for bothersome hot flashes, night sweats and bone loss outweigh the risks.
Source: The Menopause Society, 2022 position statement. Your clinician goes through your own risks.
There's a plan B.
Non-hormonal prescription options exist for hot flashes and night sweats.
Source: SOGC Guideline No. 422a (2021).
If hormone therapy isn't right for you, the assessment doesn't end there. You get the non-hormonal options that fit, and the reasons either way.
Some things don't wait for a list.
Bleeding after menopause, or a new breast lump: contact a clinician promptly or call Health811 (811).
Chest pain, sudden weakness or stroke signs: call 911.
Not sure which side of the line you're on?
That's what the assessment is for. Bring your history and your list. If hormone therapy isn't for you, we'll tell you, and tell you what is.
Information on this site is general and isn't a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911.