Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) consultations are a specialized service that is not typically covered by Alberta Health Care. This form of care requires advanced training in hormone health, which goes beyond standard medical education. Very few clinicians specialize in BHRT, as it involves a comprehensive approach to managing complex conditions such as menopause, perimenopause, and andropause. While some public health clinicians may offer limited hormone replacement therapies, BHRT is predominantly provided by private practitioners in a fee-for-service (FFS) model.
The FFS model allows BHRT practitioners to deliver highly personalized care, including extended consultations, detailed hormone assessments, and customized treatment plans. This individualized approach focuses on both immediate symptom relief and long-term health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Patients who choose BHRT invest in access to specialized expertise and a depth of care that is rarely available in the public healthcare system.