For Health Care Providers

Perimenopause & Menopause Care

Dr. Shannon Lockhart provides referral-based, education-focused care for patients experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Presentations are often multi-system, including sleep disruption, mood changes, cognitive concerns, metabolic shifts, and musculoskeletal symptoms.

This model is designed to complement primary care, not replace it, by providing structured education and additional time for counselling and decision-making.

Core Model: MSP-Covered Group Medical Visits (GMV)

  • MSP-covered virtual GMVs are the cornerstone of this practice

  • Provide structured, evidence-based education on:

    • Menopause physiology

    • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): risks, benefits, and individualized use

    • Lifestyle interventions (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress)

  • Support patient understanding, informed decision-making, and behaviour change

  • Reduce the need for multiple visits addressing foundational questions

Patients can be referred directly to GMVs.

When to Refer

Referral may be helpful for patients with:

  • Persistent perimenopause or menopause symptoms despite initial management

  • Uncertainty regarding MHT (including in the context of family history)

  • Multi-system presentations (sleep, mood, cognition, pain, metabolic changes)

  • Repeated visits without clear resolution or understanding of symptom drivers

  • Need for more time for education than is feasible in routine care

Common Clinical Presentations

  • Sleep disruption (early morning awakening, non-restorative sleep)

  • Mood changes, anxiety, irritability

  • Cognitive symptoms (brain fog, reduced focus)

  • Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)

  • Musculoskeletal symptoms (joint pain, frozen shoulder)

  • Abdominal weight gain or metabolic changes

  • Menstrual irregularity (perimenopause)

Role of Individual Consultations

Private one-on-one consultations are available but not required.

  • Offered only if the patient desires additional individualized care

  • No expectation or pressure to proceed beyond GMVs

  • Used to support more complex or individualized decision-making when needed

Why Refer

  • Education-first model improves patient understanding and adherence

  • MSP-covered GMVs increase access to high-quality menopause care

  • Collaborative approach supports, rather than replaces, primary care

  • Clear communication with referring providers to support continuity

Referral Process

  • Referrals accepted across British Columbia

  • Fax: 778-729-1243

  • Patients may also request referral through their provider

  • Referring providers will receive a consultation summary and recommendations as appropriate.