- Nurse Practitioner–led
- In Calgary since 2015
- Free 15-minute cosmetic consultationsFree consultations
- 2025 BNS Best in Business
What is hormone optimization?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, bringing a decline in reproductive hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. It is a normal phase of life, but it can bring physical and emotional changes that some women find challenging. The Hormone Optimization Program is designed to address menopause while also focusing on anti-aging, built on three pillars: lifestyle, hormone optimization, and supplements or prescriptions.
Lifestyle comes first: sleep management, nutrition, exercise and stress management, with personalized dietary guidance, a tailored exercise program, stress reduction techniques and targeted supplementation. Hormone optimization follows, using careful and conservative hormone therapy when needed to restore hormonal balance. Testosterone can also be prescribed to women who have low levels.
Michelle holds certificates from the Elite NP HRT program, the Confident Clinician Menopause Program and the My Menopause Transformation program, a 12-week course for practitioners caring for women in perimenopause and menopause.
Not sure this is the right treatment?
The program starts with its own consultation, in person or virtual, with a $50 deposit when you book that goes toward your treatment. How a consultation works
What it treats
- Hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbance
- Mood swings, anxiety and low energy
- Vaginal dryness and decreased libido
- Bone density and muscle loss after menopause
- Menopausal skin changes: dryness, thinning and reduced elasticity
What patients say
Judgment-free
“The entire team is made up of genuinely caring professionals. They are so knowledgeable and skillful, and what really stood out to me was the judgment-free environment they foster.”
A decade
“DermNurse is my go-to place. I’ve been coming here for years and have always been thrilled with the services.”
Integrity
“I love the integrity of DermNurse. The consistency of professionalism and kindness from staff is what keeps me coming back.”
5 years
“Michelle is honest and will always recommend nothing but the best for you.”
What to expect
Consultation form
You share your health history, menopause symptoms, lifestyle habits and goals, so the program can be tailored to your needs.
In-person or virtual meeting
A 30 to 60 minute private consultation with your practitioner specializing in menopause, to go deeper into your experience, review lifestyle modifications, discuss any other concerns and lay the groundwork for the program.
Blood work and diagnostics
Comprehensive blood work to assess your hormone levels and identify any potential health issues. The results are the foundation of your personalized treatment strategy.
Follow-up meeting
In person or virtual: you review your diagnostic results with the practitioner, what they mean for your menopause journey and the possible courses of action, and receive lifestyle advice and personalized prescriptions.
Monitoring
Ongoing support throughout the program: regular check-ins and follow-up meetings to track your response, refill prescriptions if needed and make adjustments.
FAQ
What is hormone replacement therapy?
One of the most common approaches to managing menopause symptoms: supplementing the declining estrogen and progesterone levels. It can alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings, and with those eased, women can experience improved sleep, enhanced mood and an overall sense of well-being.
Do I need hormones at all?
Not necessarily. The program addresses lifestyle factors first, such as sleep, diet and exercise, and uses careful and conservative hormone therapy only when needed.
Can it help my bones?
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and its decline at menopause raises the risk of osteoporosis. Addressing menopause through interventions like hormone therapy can potentially reduce that risk. Estrogen is also cardiovascular protective.
Does it help the skin?
Menopause can bring increased dryness, thinning and reduced elasticity. Addressing it through hormone therapy or other treatments may help by promoting hydration, increasing collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Can the consultations be virtual?
Yes. The initial meeting and every follow-up can be in person or virtual.
