--- title: "FAQs" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.drlisaweeks.com/faqs" markdown_url: "https://www.drlisaweeks.com/llms/page/faqs" lastmod: "2026-10-23T23:04:17.657Z" --- Frequently Asked Questions # Everything you might be wondering, answered honestly . If your question isn’t here, a free 15-minute Discovery Call is the easiest way to ask it. Book a Free Discovery Call ## Getting Started What happens during my first appointment? Your initial appointment is a comprehensive assessment designed to understand the bigger picture, not just your individual symptoms. We’ll review your health history, current concerns, medications and supplements, nutrition, sleep, stress, lifestyle, menstrual and hormonal history when relevant, and your health goals. Depending on your individual needs, we may also discuss laboratory testing and treatment options. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms and a personalized plan for moving forward. Do I need to know exactly what is wrong before I book? No. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or know which tests you need. If you know that you don’t feel like yourself, something has changed, you’ve been told your results are “normal” but you’re still experiencing symptoms, or you want to be proactive as you age, that’s enough to start the conversation. Together, we’ll work through your history, symptoms, and available information to determine what needs further investigation. What if I don’t know which appointment to book? If you’re a new patient and aren’t sure which appointment is right for you, you can book a free 15-minute Discovery Call. This is an opportunity to briefly discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether my approach is a good fit for your needs. How often will I need to see you? This depends on your individual goals, symptoms, treatment plan, and how you’re responding. Your initial appointment establishes your health picture and priorities. Follow-up appointments allow us to review progress, discuss testing, adjust treatment, and continue building a sustainable plan. Some patients need more frequent follow-up initially, while others may transition to less frequent visits as their health goals are addressed. What can I expect from treatment? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your care may include nutrition and lifestyle medicine, targeted supplementation, herbal medicine, acupuncture, nervous system support, laboratory testing, and body-identical hormone therapy when appropriate. The goal isn’t simply to give you a list of supplements. It’s to help you understand why you’re experiencing symptoms, what your options are, and what steps make the most sense for you. ## Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormones Do you have experience treating women in perimenopause and menopause? Yes. Women’s health, perimenopause, menopause, and hormone health are a major focus of my practice. I work with women experiencing concerns such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, brain fog, anxiety, mood changes, fatigue, weight changes, low libido, vaginal dryness, and menstrual changes. I am a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and can prescribe body-identical hormone therapy when appropriate. I was the former co-host of the Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast. We released 271 episodes that reached listeners in more than 120 countries, helping thousands of women better understand hormones, sleep, anxiety, and midlife health. Do you prescribe hormone therapy? Yes. I can prescribe body-identical hormone therapy when it is appropriate for your individual situation. We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical and family history, risks and benefits, treatment options, and whether hormone therapy is appropriate for you. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor your response and adjust treatment as needed. Do I need hormone testing to determine if I need hormone therapy? Not necessarily. The decision to use hormone therapy is based on your individual symptoms, health history, age, menstrual status, risks, and goals. Laboratory testing may be recommended in certain situations, but hormone levels are not always necessary to determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate. ## Testing, Medications & Working With Your Doctor Do you order laboratory testing? Yes. When appropriate, I can order and review laboratory testing to help investigate symptoms, monitor health, or guide treatment. Testing is individualized rather than automatically ordering a large panel of tests. Depending on your situation, this may include blood, urine, stool, saliva, or other testing. Can you help me if my conventional blood work is “normal”? Yes. Having results within the conventional reference range does not always explain how you are feeling. We’ll look at your symptoms, health history, trends in your results, risk factors, and the bigger clinical picture. When appropriate, I may recommend additional investigation or supportive strategies. I also work alongside your family doctor and other healthcare providers when additional medical assessment or treatment is needed. Can naturopathic medicine be used alongside my medications? Yes. Naturopathic care can often be integrated with conventional medical treatment. I review your medications and supplements when developing your treatment plan and consider potential interactions, nutrient depletions and contraindications. I will also recommend that you continue working with your physician or specialist when their care is needed. Do I need to stop taking my medications or supplements before my appointment? No. Continue your prescribed medications unless your prescribing healthcare provider has told you otherwise. Please bring an up-to-date list of your medications, supplements, and other health products to your appointment so we can review them together. What if I need care from another healthcare professional? Your care does not have to be either naturopathic or conventional. If your symptoms or health concerns require medical assessment, diagnostic imaging, prescription medication, specialist care, or another service outside my scope of practice, I will recommend that you work with the appropriate healthcare professional. My goal is to work collaboratively with your existing healthcare team whenever appropriate. ## Appointments, Coverage & Cost Do you offer virtual appointments? Yes. Virtual appointments are available by secure video or phone for eligible services. Some services, including acupuncture, B12 injections, and certain in-person assessments, require an in-person appointment. Do you see patients in person? Yes. In-person appointments are available in East York, Toronto, as well as virtual appointments for eligible services. Can I book an appointment if I live outside Ontario? Naturopathic medical care is regulated by province, and there are restrictions around providing care to patients located outside Ontario. If you are outside Ontario, please contact me before booking a virtual appointment so we can determine whether I can provide care based on your location and the type of service you are seeking. Are naturopathic services covered by OHIP? No. Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health benefit plans include coverage for naturopathic services. Coverage varies by plan, so please check directly with your insurance provider. Payment is due at the time of your appointment, and you will receive a naturopathic receipt to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. What forms of payment do you accept? Payment is due at the time of your appointment. I accept debit, credit and e-transfer payments. How much do appointments cost? Current fees are listed on the Fees & Appointments page. View Fee Schedule ## Who I See Do you treat conditions outside of women’s health? Yes. While women’s health, perimenopause, menopause, hormone health, and metabolic health are major areas of my practice, I welcome patients of all ages and genders and tailor care to each person’s individual health concerns and goals. I also work with patients experiencing digestive concerns, sleep and stress issues, frequent illnesses, metabolic concerns, and other chronic health concerns. My approach is personalized to each patient’s age, health history, concerns, and goals. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your partner, your child, or your family, my goal is to provide practical, evidence-informed care that supports health at every stage of life. See How I Can Help ## Still Have Questions? If you’re not sure whether naturopathic care is right for you, you don’t need to figure that out before reaching out. Book a Free Discovery Call Free, 15 minutes, no pressure. Virtual across Ontario, or in-person at my clinic in East York, Toronto.