Online Menopause Care in Canada: Hormone Therapy, Costs and Coverage

Many Canadian women now get menopause care online. Hormone therapy is one treatment option for menopause symptoms, and there are also non hormonal options. This guide explains how online consultations work, what affects the cost and what to check before you book.

Getting hormone therapy online

With Jill Health, you take a short quiz, then complete a secure intake about your symptoms, health history and goals, plus any required blood work. Licensed clinicians review your intake and decide if a prescription is suitable. Prescriptions are issued only when clinically appropriate, so a prescription is not guaranteed. You can also book a free 15 minute call with a Jill clinician. Learn more about Jill Health menopause care.

Online menopause care usually follows these steps:

1. A review of your symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep or mood changes.

2. A review of your personal and family health history.

3. An assessment of the benefits and risks of each treatment option for you.

4. A decision with your clinician about a treatment plan.

5. Follow up to check how the plan works for you and to change it if necessary.

For many women aged 45 or over, clinicians can diagnose perimenopause or menopause from symptoms alone, without blood tests. Your clinician decides if a test is necessary for you.

Hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada says that your health care provider can help you understand the risks and benefits of different treatments. If hormone therapy is not right for you, ask about non hormonal options.

Virtual care also has limits. In Ontario, the doctor must decide that virtual care is appropriate and arrange an in person assessment when an exam is necessary.

Understanding costs and coverage

Ask for the full cost before you book. Separate these parts:

• The program or visit fee.

• The medication.

• Blood work.

• Coaching or extra support.

• Follow up visits.

At the time of writing, the Jill Health menopause program costs $99 every 3 months. It includes your online medical visit, your prescription if eligible, 24/7 private medical chat and ongoing check ins. Medication is billed separately. Coaching is available as an add on for an extra fee.

Coverage depends on your province and your plan. Some clinics say that a provincial health plan covers their visits, so ask each clinic and check with your province. Provincial health plans do not currently cover Jill Health virtual consultation fees. Prescription medications may be covered by a provincial drug plan, depending on your province and the medication. Many private extended health plans pay back virtual care visits and prescription costs, and Jill Health gives itemized receipts for your claim.

Finding menopause care that fits

Compare services by clinical fit, not by a ranking. Check these points:

• Credentials. Ask about the training of the clinicians. For example, the Menopause Society certifies practitioners in menopause care (MSCP). The Jill Health menopause coach is a registered nurse with this certification.

• Symptoms. Ask how the service manages each of your symptoms, such as hot flashes and poor sleep.

• Testing. Ask when the service orders blood tests and who pays for them.

• Access. Ask how soon you can get your first assessment. Jill Health does not need a referral.

• Follow up. Ask how often a clinician checks your plan, and how you can send questions.

To start, visit Jill Health menopause care and take the quiz.

Sources

• NICE: Diagnosing perimenopause and menopause

• SOGC Menopause and U: Hormone therapy

• CPSO: What to expect when receiving virtual care