In recent times, a growing number of Canadians are opting to pay for menopause care from private practitioners outside the public health-care system. Aidan Brame, a 46-year-old resident of Nanaimo, B.C., is among those who have chosen this route. She sought help due to issues like frozen shoulder and nighttime hot flashes, feeling low on energy. Despite reading an article linking frozen shoulder to menopause, her concerns were dismissed by her family doctor, leading to delays in receiving necessary tests and treatments.
The lack of information and limited access to healthcare professionals specializing in menopause has left many women struggling to manage their symptoms effectively. While there is no exact data on the number of Canadians seeking private menopause care, a study in British Columbia revealed that 43.5% of women between 39 and 60 years old sought help from various health-care providers in the past year, including naturopaths, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals, often paying significant amounts for these services.
Opting for a virtual clinic named Modern Menopause, Aidan Brame paid for an initial consultation that involved a detailed medical review and subsequent virtual sessions. The clinic conducted comprehensive tests and adjusted her hormone therapy, leading to significant improvements in her symptoms, including reduced shoulder pain and better sleep quality.
While private menopause clinics offer personalized care and timely access, there are concerns about unqualified operators providing medical advice and promoting unproven treatments. Dr. Kelsey Mills, an obstetrician-gynecologist, warns about the financial risks and potential harm associated with such practices. Despite the challenges in the public health-care system, efforts are being made to improve menopause care access, with Manitoba being the only province with a specific billing code for menopause services.
Private menopause clinics employ various models, including membership fees and utilizing nurse practitioners to deliver care. Dr. Eileen Wang, founder of Modern Menopause, highlighted the necessity for such clinics due to the unmet needs of women facing dismissive attitudes and limited access to specialized care. Aidan Brame acknowledged the financial strain of paying for necessary care but expressed gratitude for the positive impact it had on her well-being.