Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in Ottawa
Menopause is natural—but struggling through it doesn’t have to be. Hot flashes, brain fog, sleep issues, and mood swings can leave you feeling unlike yourself. At NutriChem, we’ve spent over 25 years helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with safe, effective bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). You deserve to feel like you again—and we’re here to help you thrive.
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What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
When hormone therapy first became available for menopausal women, it was often used with estrogens made from animals. One common type, called conjugated equine estrogens (CEE), comes from the urine of pregnant mares. Later, synthetic (man-made) estrogens were developed. Both forms were usually taken orally as pills and have been linked to more side effects and higher health risks than bioidentical hormones.
Due to their unfavourable side effect profile and health risks, bio-identical hormones have become the preferred prescription choice for menopausal hormone therapy. Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. Estradiol, a potent type of estrogen that exhibits many positive effects in the body, is the most widely used bio-identical hormone prescription. It is typically prescribed in a topical format (Estrogel, Divigel, Estradot). It is generally very well tolerated, easy to provide individualized dosing, and has minimal long-term health risks compared to oral, conjugated synthetic estrogens. BHRT allows for individualized dosing, so each treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and health history.
What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy for menopausal or perimenopausal women includes estrogen therapy (ET), estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) or progestogen alone. There are many different forms, dosages and prescription therapies available.
The terms “estrogen replacement therapy” and “hormone replacement therapy” are often used interchangeably. However, the term “replacement” is misleading, as low estrogen levels after menopause are normal for all women. This is not considered a deficiency that inherently requires replacement.
Hormone therapy is used to treat and manage symptoms of the menopause transition.
Who Might Benefit from Hormone Therapy?
Women who are good candidates for bioidentical hormone therapy treatment include:
- Women experiencing severe perimenopause or menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep issues, vaginal dryness, joint pain or brain fog
- Women who do not have a personal history of breast cancer or other estrogen-related cancers
- Women who have a healthy cardiovascular profile without any personal history of blood clots or stroke
- Women at high risk of osteoporosis
- Women who have not found relief with other prescription therapies, such as antidepressants or over-the-counter medications
Benefits of Hormone Therapy
The purpose of hormone replacement therapy is not to ‘fix’ or ‘reverse’ menopause. It is simply to support a woman’s quality of life through this transitional time. As such, BHRT has numerous valuable benefits in preventing the various side effects of menopause and perimenopause, alongside other health improvements:
- Fewer menopausal symptoms: Relief from hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia
- Increase in cognitive function: Improved mood stability & mental clarity
- Higher energy levels: Improved sleep quality and increased vitality
- Stronger bones: Support for bone density and joint health
- Improved skin health: Healthier, hydrated skin and improved elasticity
Support for metabolic health: Weight management, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved cardiovascular health
Our Approach to Hormone Replacement Therapy
At NutriChem, BHRT is never a one-size-fits-all approach. We combine clinical expertise, evidence-based treatment protocol, lab testing, and personalized care to design a program that supports your well-being now and in the future. Our Naturopathic doctors have additional qualifications to provide a higher standard of care for our patients. Dr. Sophie Pollon-MacLeod, Dr. Emma Pollon-MacLeod, Dr. Holly, and Dr. Laeticia are all Menopause Society Certified Practitioners.
1. Thoughtful Consultation
It all begins with a detailed, judgment-free conversation about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and health goals. Whether you’re experiencing hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes, we take the time to understand what you’re going through.
2. Comprehensive Screening & Testing
Before starting BHRT, we use bloodwork to assess your baseline health and ensure HRT is safe for you. The type of bloodwork recommended is based on age, menopause status (perimenopause or post-menopause) and other current health conditions. Some of the testing recommendations include:
- Hormonal status: FSH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone
- Cardiovascular health: Cholesterol, Apo(B), Lipo(a)
- Thyroid function: TSH, T3, T4
- Liver health: AST, ALT, GGT
- Blood sugar regulation: Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c
- Nutrient levels: Vitamin D, B12, calcium, iron
- Kidney function: Creatinine, eGFR
- Inflammation markers: hsCRP
We tailor the timing and scope of your lab work based on your cycle and personal health history.
Additional testing and screening recommendations may also include a mammogram, comprehensive cardiovascular testing or transvaginal or pelvic ultrasounds.
3. Customized Treatment Options
Our compounding pharmacy creates high-quality, bioidentical hormone formulations in the form that works best for you—whether that’s a capsule, cream, or suppository. Everything is personalized to your unique needs.
4. Ongoing Care & Optimization
Your body changes, and your treatment should too. We monitor your progress and adjust your plan to ensure it remains safe and effective. Our team of pharmacists provide an extra layer of expertise in your care.
Types of BHRT Offered at NutriChem
If you’re unsure whether you’re interested in the treatment as a cream or a capsule, Nutrichem offers a range of treatments to suit you best.
- Topical creams and gels give flexibility with dosing
- Vaginal creams and suppositories for localized symptoms
- Custom-compounded formulations such as lozenges or liquids for individualized care
NutriChem is a NAPRA Compliant Compounding Pharmacy
As Canada’s leading Compounding Pharmacy, NutriChem moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility to ensure full compliance with the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) in 2019. From extremely high ceilings to highly sophisticated air filtration and ventilation to designated rooms for hazardous, sterile and non-sterile preparations, you can rest assured that our custom compounds and formulations meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Book a consultation with our clinical pharmacists or naturopathic doctors and start your journey to balanced hormones today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most women notice improvement within a few weeks, with full benefits in 2–3 months.
Yes, it can be highly effective for many women experiencing menopause symptoms, as bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body.
This requires careful evaluation. Our team provides comprehensive risk assessments to guide your decision.
Coverage varies; check with your provider to determine whether you’re eligible for partial coverage.
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