Truebalance - our approach to BHRT.

All hormones operate in a lined and co-operative fashion that has been compared to the web of a spider. No change in levels of one hormone goes unnoticed by the entire system. Too often conventional medical treatments have looked at one or two hormones in isolation.  This approach often fails to optimize the function of the entire system.

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Safety is a basic guiding principle to the True Balance Clinics. Replacement with the least amount of hormones to effect symptom relief minimizes the chance of untoward side effects. Hormone levels are obtained before and upon treatment to accomplish this goal.​

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What does my first visit look like?​

Booking your first visit begins with registering yourself on the patient portal or contacting us by phone or email.  Through the patient portal, you may download a lab requisition or our staff can email you this if you prefer.   The blood requisition form is to be taken to the lab that will collect your complete blood panel.



Prior to your first visit we encourage all patients to fill out the hormone questionnaires that are in the "My Vitals" section of the patient portal.

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When you arrive at our clinic you will review your completed questionnaire and meet with Dr Darby who will consult with you on your background and health and based on your blood and lab values design a customized hormone replacement regime detailed to your body’s needs. 

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We then fax your prescription off to the compounding pharmacy who will then contact you when your prescription is ready. 

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Please note that our clinic requires 48 hours notice for any cancellation or a $75 fee is charged.  



 

Will you become my new doctor now?

Although our office is happy to liaison and communicate with your local physician you will continue as a patient under their general care.  True Balance specializes in BHRT which ultimately treats aging, not diseases. We supplement your physician’s care, not replace. We do, on occasion, consult with your physician when appropriate.



Where do I get my prescriptions and how will I know when they are ready?

Our clinic will fax your prescription to a compounding pharmacy and they will contact you when your prescription is ready. Once ready, you have the option for your prescription to be picked up or mailed to you.    A good compounding pharmacy is critical to the effectiveness of a BHRT program. 



Transdermal creams are individualized preparations designed to specifically match the values indicated in your blood work. Unlike conventional pharmacies, which prescribe a “one size fits all” synthetic hormone prescription, compounding pharmacies design hormone replacement therapies detailed to your body’s individualized levels.  They acquire the pure pharmaceutical-grade hormones and compound it into the form and dosage ordered by your physician as pills, capsules, liquids and creams. They are prepared specifically for you, making your treatment program customized and personalized.

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Is BHRT covered by my Canadian Health Plan?

Because BHRT is still an emerging breakthrough in conventional medicine, True Balance is a private clinic whose consultation services are not yet covered by health insurance. However, most insurance providers cover all bio-identical transdermal hormone creams. 

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Keep in mind that at our True Balance Clinics we are treating the aging process. Since aging is not considered a disease, insurance companies are not required to cover the cost. The insurance companies do not focus on preventive medicine at this time. Our hope is that this will change in the near future as health-promoting benefits of BHRT become more widely recognized.

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What are the costs involved with BHRT?

 

The initial consultation fee is $350.  Follow up consults are $175 (typically twice a year).  The cost of monthly prescriptions and supplements will vary with each individual.



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