Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses synthetic hormones that are chemically different from the hormones naturally produced in the body. Because of these differences, synthetic hormones are not always utilized efficiently by the body, leading to altered metabolism and potential side effects. Additionally, the “one-size-fits-all” doses set by manufacturers and the additives in these synthetic hormones can contribute to unwanted reactions. Although synthetic hormones have been used for many years and do relieve symptoms, current scientific literature has shown they can cause harm in some patients.

Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, have the exact chemical structure as the hormones your body naturally produces. This similarity allows them to be metabolized more efficiently by the body, leading to fewer side effects. Because BHRT is compounded, the dose and method of administration can be tailored to meet your individual needs, creating a more personalized treatment plan. Essentially, bioidentical hormones are made just for you.

An increasing body of research suggests that BHRT may offer protective and preventive health benefits, in addition to alleviating menopause symptoms. With fewer side effects and more effective results, it’s an option that aligns more closely with your body's natural hormone balance.

The concerns about the safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often stem from a large synthetic HRT study conducted in the early 2000s. This study suggested an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke in women using synthetic hormones. These results led many to question the safety of hormone therapy.

However, further review of the study has shown significant flaws in both the study's methods and the population chosen, which skewed the findings. It was determined that the participants in the trial were not representative of the broader population, and the type of synthetic hormones used may not reflect modern HRT practices.

In fact, more recent research is increasingly demonstrating that hormone therapy, when started early in menopause and administered properly, can be both safe and beneficial. Properly managed hormone therapy has shown to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms of menopause, and even reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

What You Need to Know:

When considering Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), it’s important to understand that treatment should always be personalized. During your appointment, your provider will:

• Discuss the risks and benefits of BHRT based on your unique health history.

• Assess whether BHRT is the right approach for your specific needs.

• Ensure that the treatment is tailored to you, with close monitoring for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Together, you and your provider will make an informed decision based on the latest evidence and your personal health goals.

In most cases, your prescriptions can be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. However, if your provider determines that a compounded medication is the best option for you, they may recommend using a specialized compounding pharmacy.

These pharmacies are staffed by pharmacists with expertise in preparing customized medications. In some cases, compounded medications may need to be shipped to you directly.

If you're using a compounding pharmacy, we recommend speaking with the pharmacist about shipping options, timelines, and potential coverage through your insurance.

Our practice is currently primarily virtual, making it easy and convenient to begin your care from the comfort of your home.

To get started, please email info@infinityfhc.ca with the following information:

• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Alberta Health Care Number

• Gender

Once we receive your information, our administrative assistant will send you an invitation to AVA Connect, along with consent and intake forms to complete.

After your forms have been reviewed, you’ll receive a lab requisition via your secure AVA Connect portal, along with collection instructions. Please print the requisition and take it to the nearest AHS lab for sample collection.

Lab results typically take 5–7 business days to be processed. You are welcome to pre-book your appointment, but please ensure it is scheduled at least 5–7 business days after your lab collection to allow time for all results to be received.

Booking Your Initial Appointment

Appointments are booked through your AVA Connect portal. For your initial visit, please be sure to select one of the following appointment types:

• Initial Phone Appointment

• Initial Video Appointment

• Initial In-person Appointment

⚠️ Please do not book a follow-up appointment as your initial visit — it will be canceled, as follow-up slots do not allow sufficient time for a comprehensive initial consultation.

Appointment Details

• Phone Appointments: Your provider will call you at the scheduled time. If the call is not answered, a second attempt will be made five minutes later.

• Video Appointments: A secure video link will be sent to your email at the time of your appointment.

• In-Person Appointments:

  • With Nicole McKell at Stoney Creek Clinic in Camrose, Alberta
  • With Hope Rabel at Refresh Wellness Centre in Wetaskwin, Alberta

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced graduate-level education and clinical training. This additional qualification allows NPs to work as independent healthcare providers with an expanded scope of practice. Nurse Practitioners can:

• Perform physical exams

• Take detailed health histories

• Diagnose and manage a wide range of health conditions

• Order and interpret lab tests and diagnostic imaging

• Prescribe medications

• Refer patients to specialists when needed

NPs combine a strong nursing foundation with medical expertise to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care

Only Alberta residents are able to utilize our service at this time due to our Nurse Practitioners(NP) being only licensed in Alberta.

Please note that all services provided at our clinic are private and are not covered by Alberta Health Care. Patients are responsible for the full cost of services at the time of booking or as per the agreed payment plan.

Some extended health benefits, or Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) may offer reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding your individual coverage.

Private Insurance Coverage and Tax Information

Some private insurance plans may reimburse Nurse Practitioner (NP) services through a Health Spending Account (HSA). We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your individual coverage.

Please note that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are not the same as Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), and coverage for ND services does not apply to NP services.

Additionally, services provided by Nurse Practitioners are eligible for federal tax deductions as a medical expense.

Annual Costs for New Patients – Hope Rabel, NP

Functional Health 1-Year Package – $800.00

• Lab requisition (completed at AHS lab, covered by Alberta Health Care).

• Initial 60-minute consultation with provider.

• Up to two 45-minute follow-up appointments.

• 15 AVA Connect messages to your provider (some exclusions may apply).

• Additional appointments beyond the three included will be billed at $75 per 15 minutes.

OR

Split Payment Option:

• Initial Consult – $450.00
  Includes:

  • Lab requisition

  • 60-minute appointment

  • 7 AVA Connect messages
    Note: This fee does not include the 3-month follow-up.

• Follow-Up Consult – $350.00
  Includes:

  • Labs as needed

  • Up to two 45-minute follow-up appointments

  • Additional 8 AVA Connect messages

Annual Costs for New Patients – Nicole McKell, NP & Zahraa Bhimji, NP

Functional Health 1-Year Package – $650.00

• Lab requisition (AHS lab, covered by Alberta Health Care).

• Initial 60-minute consultation with provider.

• Up to two 45-minute follow-up appointments.

• 15 AVA Connect messages (some exclusions may apply).

• Additional appointments billed at $75 per 15 minutes.

OR

Split Payment Option:

• Initial Consult – $375.00
  Includes:

  • Lab requisition

  • 60-minute appointment

  • 7 AVA Connect messages
    Note: This fee does not include the 3-month follow-up.

• Follow-Up Consult – $275.00
  Includes:

  • Labs as needed

  • Up to two 45-minute appointments

  • Additional 8 AVA Connect messages

Returning Patients – Tiered Plans

SILVER – $525.00/year

• Annual lab requisition & 45-minute consultation

• One 45-minute follow-up

• 10 AVA Connect messages
  (Messages to admin team are not counted)

GOLD – $650.00/year

• Annual lab requisition & 45-minute consultation

• Two 45-minute follow-ups

• 15 AVA Connect messages
  (Messages to admin team are not counted)

PLATINUM – $775.00/year

• Annual lab requisition & 45-minute consultation

• Three 45-minute follow-ups

• Unlimited Medeo messages

New! Blended Primary & Functional Healthcare – Nicole McKell, NP

Nicole now offers in-person appointments at:
Stoney Creek Clinic, Unit 100, 5014 49 Street, Camrose

Annual Fee: $800.00

Payment Structure:

• Invoices issued upon appointment booking.

• Payment must be made within 1 week to secure the appointment.

• One reminder email will be sent; if unpaid within 24 hours after that, the appointment will be cancelled.

• Flexible payment options available