Frequently Asked Questions

Your most common questions clearly answered.

About Naturopathic Care

  • I support adults, teens, and children with a wide range of concerns, including hormones, perimenopause and menopause, thyroid and adrenal issues, digestion and gut health (including IBS and SIBO), metabolic changes, fatigue, sleep issues, chronic symptoms, migraines, mood changes, immune challenges, and pediatric concerns such as eczema, constipation, and allergies.

  • Yes. I provide virtual care across all of Ontario, along with phone and in-person visits in Whitestone. You can choose whichever format works best, and switch at any time.

  • As a licensed ND with prescribing authority in Ontario, I may prescribe:

    • Bio-identical estrogen and progesterone

    • Vaginal estradiol suppositories

    • Thyroid medication (desiccated thyroid)

    • Vitamin B12 injections

    • Other ND-scope prescription therapies.

  • Yes. I see children from infancy onward for digestion, eczema, allergies, sleep issues, immune function, and behaviour/mood regulation.

About Hormones & BHRT

  • Bio-identical hormone therapy uses hormones that are structurally identical to what your body naturally produces. They can be used to support perimenopause, menopause, sleep, mood, vaginal health, cycle changes, and overall hormonal stability.

  • Within ND scope, I prescribe:

    • Bio-identical estrogen and progesterone

    • Vaginal bio-identical estrogen suppositories

    • Thyroid medication

    • Vitamin B12 injections

    Oral micronized progesterone must be prescribed by an MD or NP — I can facilitate this if needed.

  • This varies, but most women notice improvements within:

    • 2–6 weeks for sleep, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood

    • 6–12 weeks for metabolic and energy changes

    • 1–3 months for full cycle stabilization

  • Typical monitoring schedule:

    • Every 3 months during dose changes or early treatment

    • Every 6 months once stable

    • Every 9–12 months for long-term stable hormone users with consistent labs and symptoms

  • Bloodwork ensures dosing is safe, effective, and aligned with your physiology. It confirms estrogen and progesterone are balanced and helps prevent under- or over-dosing.

    For BHRT refills, I typically request:

    • Estradiol (E2)

    • Progesterone

    Typical out-of-pocket cost: ~$60–$65 total (hormones + blood draw fee).

  • Yes, absolutely — as long as:

    • The labs are within the past 1–2 months (preferably 4 weeks)

    • They include the markers needed

    • Timing aligns with your cycle (if cycling)

    • Results match your symptom picture

    If anything is missing, I only request the additional markers needed — not a full repeat panel.

  • No. Ontario regulations require an established practitioner–patient relationship, which begins after your first appointment.

    You can ask your MD or NP to run tests ahead of time. I can tell you what to request.

    1. You attend your initial visit.

    2. You receive your treatment plan within 1–2 business days.

    3. I send your lab requisition immediately afterward.

    4. You complete your bloodwork (LifeLabs, Dynacare, or private lab).

    5. We meet for your complimentary 15-minute treatment-plan review call.

    6. If BHRT is appropriate, I send the prescription to:

      • A compounding pharmacy that ships to you, or

      • Your preferred local pharmacy.

Digestion, IBS & SIBO

  • Yes — but importantly, many patients diagnosed with IBS actually have underlying SIBO, disrupted motility, microbial imbalance, or food sensitivities.
    We explore the root cause rather than managing symptoms alone.

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that belong in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine, causing:

    • Bloating

    • Gas

    • Constipation or diarrhea

    • Pain after eating

    • Reflux

    • Food intolerances

    • Brain fog

    • Fatigue

  • Through a SIBO breath test — a 3-hour test measuring hydrogen and methane gas production after drinking a standard sugar substrate.

    Cost: $230
    This is a pass-through cost (no markup).
    You can complete it at home.

  • A SIBO test is recommended if:

    • IBS symptoms persist

    • You experience bloating that worsens throughout the day

    • You have alternating constipation and diarrhea

    • You are sensitive to many foods

    • Symptoms flare with stress

    • You've been treated for IBS without improvement

  • Yes.
    IBD must be ruled out by your physician before diagnosing functional digestive conditions.
    I can still provide supportive care alongside your GI specialist if you have Crohn’s or colitis.

Appointments, Visits & Booking

  • Your initial visit (60–90 minutes depending on age) includes:

    • Comprehensive health history

    • Digestion, hormones, thyroid, stress, sleep, and metabolic assessment

    • Review of labs from other providers

    • Discussion of goals and priorities

    • Clear next steps

    • A personalized treatment plan delivered within 1–2 business days

  • This is included with every new patient visit.
    It is scheduled during your intake appointment and takes place shortly after you receive your treatment plan.

    We use it to:

    • Review your plan

    • Clarify instructions and timelines

    • Prevent supplement confusion

    • Decide on sequencing

    • Release Fullscript recommendations

    • Review early lab results (if available)

    This step improves clarity and long-term success.

  • No, just a credit card on file.

  • It secures your appointment and helps maintain fairness for all patients by reducing last-minute cancellations.

    • Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

    • Missed appointments or cancellations with <24 hours’ notice incur a $50 fee.

    • This fee covers the time already spent preparing for your visit and the appointment time that could have gone to another patient.

    In the rare case of inclement weather or service interruptions, Lalaine will contact you to switch to a virtual or phone appointment.

  • Contact Lalaine at support@whitestonewellness.ca.
    She manages all scheduling a    nd will gladly assist you.

Labwork & Testing

  • At:

    • LifeLabs

    • Dynacare

    • Any private lab in your area

    All ND-ordered labs are out-of-pocket and billed directly by the lab (no markup).

  • Typical follow-up hormone monitoring:

    • Estradiol

    • Progesterone

    • Blood draw fee

    Estimated total: ~$60–$65

    Initial hormone panels range $85–$120, depending on markers.

  • For perimenopause or menopause:

    • Non-cycling: any day

    • Predictable cycles: Day 21 for progesterone assessment

  • Yes — and I encourage it.
    Older labs (even 1–5 years old) help identify trends.

    They may be used for BHRT refills if recent enough.

Supplements & Fullscript

  • No — it is completely optional.

    However, Fullscript offers:

    • 10% discount

    • Optional 5% auto-refill savings

    • Professional-grade, vetted brands

    • Automated tracking of your plan

    • Easy reordering

    If you prefer to shop elsewhere, please send alternative products for review so I can ensure they are safe and appropriate.

  • Different brands may use:

    • Low-quality raw materials

    • Forms that are less absorbable

    • Fillers or additives

    • Incorrect dosages

    This can impact your results, which is why quality matters.

Billing, Coverage & Insurance

  • Yes — MOST extended health plans in Ontario cover naturopathic visits.
    After your appointment, you will receive a receipt to submit for reimbursement.

  • Usually no — ND-ordered bloodwork is typically not covered.
    Some health insurance plans reimburse through:

    • Health Spending Accounts

    • Diagnostic testing benefits

    Check with your health insurance provider.

  • BHRT may or may not be covered; it depends on your health insurance plan.

WORKING WITH LALAINE (PATIENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR)

  • Lalaine is your first point of contact for:

    • Scheduling and rescheduling

    • Intake form reminders

    • Questions about forms, links, or technical issues

    • Insurance receipt requests

    • Non-clinical questions

    She can be reached at support@whitestonewellness.ca.

Want More Support?

If you’re ready for personalized guidance, you can book a naturopathic visit at any time.