Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about our wellness services, what to expect during your visits, and how we support your health journey.
General FAQs
Consultation and follow ups are not covered under OHIP. If you have private insurance plan, they may offer some coverage for the cost of consultations and or prescriptions. It is up to you to contact your insurance provider to determine if you have coverage. There is always the option you could save your receipts and try to submit with taxes.
Custom compound prescriptions are paid directly to the pharmacy. They will ship the prescriptions directly to you via express post with signature. You can submit your receipts to your insurance. Coverage depends of individual plans.
Blood tests are required before each consultation and follow up to assess levels of your new treatment plan. Most lab tests are covered through OHIP. Blood work requisitions can be printed and taken to any lab near you that completes those tests. Some tests require you to return in the afternoon. Most blood work is fasting.
You can request access to your blood work from the lab you go to. Sometimes you will get access before the results are faxed/mailed back to Inner Bliss Care. You can then share them through Practice Better.
That is your discretion. This is a private health service. There may be times that Inner Bliss needs to reach out to your other providers for test results, but that is only done with your full consent and understanding.
Those questions can be answered by going to the booking page but also can be answered by emailing. Secondly follow ups start every 3 months and can be extended based on NP Falan’s discretion.
BHRT FAQs
BHRT is a treatment that involves using hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces. These hormones are derived from plant sources (like yams or soy) and are compounded in a lab. The goal of BHRT is to restore hormone levels to their natural balance, addressing symptoms associated with hormone imbalances.
The main difference is that bioidentical hormones are identical in structure to those your body produces, whereas traditional HRT may use synthetic or non-identical hormones. BHRT is often considered more "natural" because of this similarity. However, both BHRT and traditional HRT aim to alleviate symptoms of hormone imbalances.
BHRT can be used to treat a variety of symptoms related to hormonal imbalance, including:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Mood swings
Fatigue
Decreased libido
Vaginal dryness
Insomnia
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
It can also help with preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
BHRT can be used lifelong. There are several disease prevention benefits from BHRT therapy. BHRT helps with graceful aging and improves your quality of life. Unlike synthetic hormones that can only be used for 5 years, BHRT can be used long term with proper guidance from Inner Bliss Care.
BHRT training is specialized training that is designed for those who seek it out. This is not taught in mainstream Western medicine because there is no FDA approval. BHRT training is comprehensive, heavily based in research and studies, and sought out by those who have an interest in improving quality of life and healthy aging.
When monitored by a knowledgeable healthcare provider, BHRT can be safe and effective. Like any medical treatment, it carries potential risks, so it's essential to have regular follow-ups and testing to ensure proper dosing and avoid adverse effects. The safety of BHRT is still a topic of research, and while it is often marketed as a safer option, it's essential to have an open discussion with your doctor about potential risks and benefits.
Results can vary depending on the individual and the specific hormones used. Many people begin noticing improvements within a few weeks to a couple of months. However, some people may take longer to feel the full benefits of treatment.
The decision to pursue BHRT should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. They may perform blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels and consider your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment and delivery method based on your specific needs.
While BHRT can be effective, there are potential risks and side effects, including:
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Weight gain or fluid retention
Mood swings
Increased risk of blood clots (for some individuals)
Breast cancer or endometrial cancer risk, though these risks are still debated and may be lower with BHRT than synthetic hormones
Since BHRT is individualized, it's important to work with a healthcare provider to monitor your hormone levels and adjust doses to minimize risks.
No, BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body, while synthetic hormones are not identical in structure. The main argument in favor of BHRT is that its molecular similarity to the body's natural hormones may result in fewer side effects compared to synthetic alternatives. However, both types of therapy aim to relieve symptoms caused by hormone imbalances.
Bioidentical hormones can be administered in various forms, including:
Creams or gels (topically applied to the skin)
Patches
Pellets (inserted under the skin)
Injections
Sublingual tablets (dissolved under the tongue)
Women going through menopause or perimenopause, as well as men experiencing andropause (male menopause) or hormonal imbalances, are the primary candidates. BHRT is also used for people with thyroid imbalances, adrenal issues, or those recovering from surgery (like a hysterectomy). BHRT can also be used to aid in pain management, fertility and the aging process.
LDN FAQs
LDN is a low-dose version of the drug Naltrexone, which is typically used in higher doses (50 mg) for opioid addiction treatment. In low doses (1.5 mg to 4.5 mg), it has a different effect. LDN is believed to temporarily block opioid receptors in the brain, which causes the body to increase its natural production of endorphins, improving immune function, mood, and reducing inflammation.
LDN has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease)
Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome)
Neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease)
Inflammatory conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)
Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Cancer (in some cases, LDN is used as an adjunctive treatment, though more research is needed)
LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors in the brain. This leads to an increase in the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that also improve mood. The increased endorphin levels are believed to help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms of pain or disease.
LDN is typically taken orally in pill or capsule form, though it can also be found in liquid or cream form. It is usually taken at night, as it works by briefly blocking opioid receptors, which can disrupt sleep patterns if taken during the day. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage based on your condition.
The potential benefits of LDN include:
Pain relief: Many people report a reduction in chronic pain and inflammation.
Improved mood: Increased endorphin production can lead to better mood and mental well-being.
Better immune regulation: LDN may help reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by balancing immune function.
Improved sleep: Many people find that LDN helps improve sleep quality.
It can take several weeks or even months to see the full benefits of LDN. Some people notice improvements in sleep or pain levels within a few weeks, while others may take a few months to feel the full effects. Patience is important, as LDN works gradually.
Here’s a general timeline for when people often notice benefits:
First few weeks: Some individuals feel subtle changes, such as improved sleep, better mood, or less pain, but these effects might be mild at first.
1–3 months: This is when many people report more noticeable improvements in symptoms, especially for conditions like chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, or fatigue.
Up to 6 months: In some cases, it can take up to six months to feel the full benefit, especially for conditions that are more complex or long-standing.
It’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress. If you're not seeing any benefits after a few months, they may consider adjusting your dosage or exploring other treatment options.
LDN is generally well-tolerated, but some people experience mild side effects, including:
Vivid dreams or disturbed sleep (which often resolves after a few days)
Mild headaches
Digestive issues (e.g., nausea, bloating)
Increased energy levels (which can be either a positive or negative effect, depending on the person)
Side effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience severe side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider.
LDN is generally considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. It’s been used for decades in higher doses for opioid addiction treatment, and the lower doses used for other conditions are typically well-tolerated. However, because LDN is not FDA-approved for many of the conditions it's used to treat (such as autoimmune diseases), it is considered an off-label treatment. It’s important to work with a doctor who is experienced in LDN therapy.
LDN is typically used for individuals with chronic or autoimmune conditions who have not found relief with other treatments. It can be used for both adults and children (under a doctor's supervision), but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it's appropriate for your specific health condition.
LDN generally has few interactions with other medications, but it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you're on other drugs. For instance, LDN may interact with certain medications used to treat pain (like opioids), as it works on the opioid receptors. Your provider may adjust your dosages or recommend an alternative therapy if necessary.
LDN is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid addiction at higher doses (50 mg), but it is not FDA-approved for many of the other conditions it is used to treat (such as autoimmune diseases or chronic pain). Despite this, many healthcare providers use it off-label to treat these conditions, and it has shown promise in clinical and anecdotal reports.
Starting LDN therapy typically involves:
Consulting with a healthcare provider who is familiar with LDN and its uses.
Getting a prescription for LDN, usually starting with a low dose to minimize side effects.
Monitoring progress through follow-up appointments, where your doctor will assess how well the treatment is working and whether the dosage needs adjustment.
LDN is often used as a long-term therapy, especially for chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases and chronic pain. As long as it remains effective and well-tolerated, there’s no established limit on how long it can be taken. However, it’s important to have regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to assess your response to the therapy.
LDN is being explored as a possible adjunctive treatment for cancer, though this is still an area of ongoing research. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that LDN may help boost the immune system and slow the growth of cancer cells, but more research is needed before it becomes a standard cancer treatment.
The cost of LDN can vary depending on where you live, whether it's compounded, and your insurance coverage. Since LDN is often prescribed off-label, it may not always be covered by insurance, but it is generally inexpensive compared to other treatments. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide more specific information about costs.
LDN and opioids bind to the same receptors. It is not recommended you are on both opioid pain management and LDN use. Best practice would be to safely wean off opioids and trial LDN therapy. If acute pain occurs from surgery, LDN can be stopped and opioids used post-surgery safely with medical guidance. Once opioid use is stopped LDN can be restarted/resumed. NSAIDS can be used with LDN therapy.