Group Medical Visits: Virtual Perimenopause & Menopause Education
The cornerstones of this practice are education and self-empowerment: helping women understand their health and take an active role in improving it.
These perimenopause and menopause education sessions are MSP-covered group medical visits (GMV) that combine evidence-based education, structured discussion, and practical strategies for managing hormonal and metabolic changes or other chronic conditions.
These sessions focus on helping participants understand the science behind their symptoms, learn evidence-based tools for symptom management, and apply lifestyle and behavioural strategies that support long-term wellbeing.
Each GMV series typically includes six 90-120 mins sessions, blending:
– Education on hormonal, metabolic, and physiological processes
– Skill-building in sleep, stress regulation, nutrition, and movement
– Collaborative discussion in a supportive, physician-led environment
These sessions are available to eligible patients following a referral from their physician or nurse practitioner.
Topics Covered
Foundational Education Series (MSP-Covered Group Medical Visits)
A structured, evidence-based six-session virtual series designed to provide patients with a physiology-first understanding of perimenopause and menopause, followed by practical, sustainable strategies for implementation. Behavioural change principles are integrated throughout to support long-term adherence.
1. Perimenopause & Menopause Physiology and Healthcare Context
Overview of hormonal changes across the menopausal transition and their effects on multiple systems (sleep, mood, cognition, metabolism, musculoskeletal health). Includes discussion of current gaps in standard care, common misconceptions, and how symptoms are often misattributed or under-recognized.
2. Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT): Evidence, Risks, and Individualization
Comprehensive review of indications, benefits, and risks of MHT, including route, dosing, and patient selection. Addresses common concerns (e.g., breast cancer risk, cardiovascular risk) and supports individualized, evidence-informed decision-making.
3. Nutrition and Metabolic Health in Perimenopause and Menopause
Discussion of shifting metabolic physiology, including insulin sensitivity, body composition, protein requirements, and inflammatory pathways. Provides practical, evidence-based nutritional strategies tailored to this life stage.
4. Exercise Prescription in Midlife Women
How hormonal changes impact muscle mass, fat distribution, recovery, and stress response. Focus on resistance training, metabolic health, and aligning exercise with physiologic capacity to optimize outcomes.
5. Sleep and Stress Regulation
Examination of sleep disruption and increased nervous system sensitivity during perimenopause, including early morning awakening and hyperarousal. Introduces strategies to support sleep quality and stress regulation using behavioural and physiologic approaches.
6. Behavioural Change and Implementation
Integration of identity-based and habit-based strategies to support sustainable lifestyle change. Focus on translating knowledge into consistent action within the context of competing demands and cognitive load.
Clinical Rationale
This model provides patients with a depth of understanding not typically achievable within standard time-limited visits. By addressing common questions and misconceptions in a structured format, it:
Improves patient understanding of symptom drivers
Supports informed decision-making regarding MHT and lifestyle interventions
Reduces the need for multiple follow-up visits to address foundational education
Allows one-to-one consultations to focus on individualized care and clinical complexity
Format
Six sessions, scheduled weekly.
Sessions last approximately 90-120 minutes and combine evidence-based education, guided group discussion, and time for questions and discussion.
Visits are billed directly to MSP. There is no private charge for participation.
Eligibility
A referral is required for all patients to participate.
Why Group Medical Visits?
Group education allows patients to receive deeper, evidence-based medical teaching than is possible in a standard office visit.
It also fosters a sense of connection and shared experience, helping participants learn from one another, reduce isolation, and feel supported in making lasting changes.
This format enables involvement of multidisciplinary experts, offering practical education, self-management strategies, and tools that patients can integrate into daily life.
Research shows that group medical visits can improve health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and self-efficacy, particularly for individuals managing chronic or lifestyle-responsive conditions.
By combining education, support, and shared learning, GEMS sessions help women move from information to action—building the confidence and skills needed for long-term health and resilience.
References:
¹ Cunningham, A., et al. Group Medical Care: A Systematic Review of Health Service Use, Costs, and Patient Experience. Annals of Family Medicine. 2021; 19(6): 518–528.
² Quiñones, A. R., et al. Educational Group Visits for the Management of Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review. Patient Education and Counseling. 2014; 96(1): 3–12.
