Clinical Expertise

At the P.O.W.E.R. Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program, our clinical team includes physicians with deep expertise in cardiovascular risk factor management across a woman’s lifespan. From early prevention to advanced diagnostics, we offer tailored care that addresses the unique and often overlooked risk profiles of women. By integrating cutting-edge diagnostics, inclusive clinical assessments, and a commitment to women’s health equity, we deliver precision cardiovascular care designed for and with women.

Microvascular Dysfunction and Heart Attacks with No Major Blockages

Advanced evaluation and management of conditions that disproportionately affect women, including microvascular dysfunction and heart attacks in the absence of major coronary artery blockages.

The HERA Menopause Clinic is dedicated to providing a specialized, multidisciplinary approach to the complex health needs of midlife women. Our mission is to empower patients and physicians with scientifically credible guidance on managing cardiovascular risk factors and menopause symptoms through personalized, evidence-based care.

Together, we are bridging cardiology and menopause.

About HERA

The HERA (Hormone Effects on Cardiovascular Health Research Assessment) Menopause Clinic is a specialized multidisciplinary clinic at the McGill University Health Centre in Montréal, Canada, dedicated to the cardiovascular and hormonal health of women during the menopausal transition. We offer expert evaluation and management of menopausal symptoms in women with cardiovascular risk factors—a population frequently encountered in clinical practice yet underserved by existing care models, where cardiology and menopause medicine rarely intersect.

Our team brings together expertise in cardiology and menopause medicine, allowing us to provide a truly integrated assessment of women navigating the menopausal transition while managing cardiovascular risk factors and related comorbidities.

Dr. Judy Luu, MD/PhD, FRCPC, is a clinician-scientist, Director of Cardiac MRI Research at the McGill University Health Centre, and founder of the P.O.W.E.R. Women's Cardiovascular Health Program. Dr. Luu is an expert in advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and women's cardiovascular health.

Dr. Amytis Heim, MD, is a gynecologist and PhD candidate specializing in menopause and women's cardiovascular health. Dr. Heim's research focuses on the cardiovascular implications of menopause and menopausal hormone therapy using advanced imaging approaches.

Together, we offer a unique, integrated perspective that bridges cardiology and menopause medicine—an intersection that remains rare in clinical practice and is precisely where many women need the greatest support.

For Patients

You’re not alone in navigating menopause. Learn about the differences between perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms you may experience, ways to support your long-term health, and treatment options that may help you feel your best.

Menopause & Perimenopause

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and is a natural biological transition caused by the gradual decline in estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. Menopause is officially confirmed when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, without another medical explanation. In Canada, the average age of menopause is approximately 51 years, although natural menopause can occur earlier or later.

Menopause occurring:

Before age 40 is called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Between ages 40 and 45 is considered early menopause

Both early menopause and POI deserve medical assessment because earlier loss of ovarian hormones can affect long-term health.

How is menopause diagnosed?

Menopause is usually a clinical diagnosis, meaning your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and menstrual history. In most cases, a blood test is not required. Blood tests such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estradiol may sometimes be used when menopause is suspected before age 45, following certain gynecologic surgeries, or when there is uncertainty about the cause of symptoms.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause, sometimes called the menopausal transition, is the period leading up to menopause. During this time, the ovaries gradually change how they produce estrogen and progesterone. Hormone levels can fluctuate considerably from one day or month to another.

Perimenopause typically begins in the mid-to-late 40s, although it may start earlier, and lasts an average of 4 to 8 years. It ends once you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period, at which point menopause is confirmed.

Perimenopause is not a disease. It is a natural hormonal transition, although the symptoms can significantly affect quality of life.

What changes can occur?

The most characteristic sign of perimenopause is a change in menstrual patterns. Periods may:

Become shorter or longer
Come more or less frequently
Become heavier or lighter
Be skipped for several months

Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and fatigue may also begin during this stage.

How is perimenopause diagnosed?

Perimenopause is usually diagnosed based on your age, symptoms, and menstrual history. There is no single blood test that can reliably confirm perimenopause because hormone levels fluctuate substantially during this transition. FSH and estradiol testing may be considered in selected situations, particularly when symptoms begin before age 45 or the diagnosis is unclear.

Symptoms

Menstrual changes

Changes in menstrual cycles are often one of the first signs of perimenopause. Early in the transition, cycles may become shorter and periods may occur more frequently. Later, cycles often become longer and more irregular, and some periods may be skipped completely. Bleeding may also become heavier or lighter.

Worsening PMS

Some women notice that previously manageable premenstrual symptoms become more noticeable during early perimenopause. These may include:

Bloating
Breast tenderness
Irritability
Mood changes

These symptoms are thought to be related to the greater fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during this stage.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common symptoms of the menopausal transition. A hot flash is a sudden sensation of intense heat, often beginning in the chest and spreading to the neck and face. It may be accompanied by:

Flushing
Sweating
A rapid heartbeat

Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep and may significantly disrupt sleep quality.

Sleep disturbances

Difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, and waking feeling unrefreshed are common during perimenopause and menopause. Sleep problems may be worsened by night sweats, although hormonal changes can also affect sleep independently.

Mood and anxiety

Some women experience:

Irritability
Low mood
Anxiety
Increased emotional sensitivity
Reduced ability to cope with stress

Hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruption, and other changes occurring during midlife may all contribute. Women with a previous history of mood disorders or significant premenstrual symptoms may be more vulnerable to mood changes during the menopausal transition.

Brain fog

Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and a feeling of mental slowing are frequently described during perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms are often referred to as “brain fog.” For most women, these changes are temporary and tend to improve or stabilize after the menopausal transition.

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness is common and is often caused by a combination of disrupted sleep, hormonal changes, stress, and the physical and emotional demands of midlife.

Joint and muscle pain

Joint stiffness, muscle aches, and generalized body discomfort may become more noticeable during perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms may be most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity and may improve with movement.

Weight and body composition

The menopausal transition is associated with changes in body composition and fat distribution. Fat may increasingly accumulate around the abdomen rather than the hips and thighs. This can occur independently of overall weight gain and is relevant to metabolic and cardiovascular health. Healthy eating and regular physical activity remain important throughout this transition.

What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) describes symptoms affecting the vagina, vulva, bladder, and urinary tract that occur as estrogen levels decline. Unlike hot flashes, which often improve over time, GSM may persist or worsen without treatment.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

Vaginal dryness
Burning or irritation
Discomfort or pain during intercourse
Urinary urgency
Frequent urination
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Urinary leakage

These symptoms can affect comfort, sexual health, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life.

What treatments are available?

Treatment options include:

Vaginal moisturizers
Lubricants
Local vaginal estrogen

Vaginal estrogen can be delivered as a cream, ring, or tablet and has minimal systemic absorption.

Long-Term Effects of Menopause

Why does menopause affect cardiovascular health?

Estrogen plays several roles in cardiovascular health, including supporting blood vessel function, cholesterol regulation, inflammation, and blood pressure regulation. As estrogen levels decline, several cardiovascular changes may occur.

What changes can occur?

Changes associated with menopause may include:

Higher LDL cholesterol
Changes in other cholesterol levels
Increasing blood pressure
Greater arterial stiffness
Increased accumulation of abdominal fat
Changes in metabolic health

Subtle changes in the heart and blood vessels may also occur before cardiovascular disease causes noticeable symptoms.

Why does timing matter?

The years surrounding menopause may represent an important period for cardiovascular prevention. This is a useful time to assess and manage:

Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Blood sugar
Smoking
Physical activity
Nutrition
Body composition
Other cardiovascular risk factors

Healthy lifestyle measures and appropriate treatment of cardiovascular risk factors can help protect long-term heart health. Whether menopausal hormone therapy can favorably influence cardiovascular health when started early remains an active area of research and is one of the questions being investigated through the HER BRAVE HEART Trial.

Why does menopause affect bone health?

Estrogen helps maintain bone strength by slowing the natural process of bone breakdown. When estrogen levels decline during menopause, bone loss accelerates. Women can lose a substantial amount of bone density during the first several years after menopause.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weaker and more likely to fracture. Common fractures involve the:

Spine
Wrist
Hip

Osteoporosis can develop without symptoms and may not be recognized until a fracture occurs.

Who is at greater risk?

Risk factors include:

Early menopause
Premature ovarian insufficiency
Low body weight
Smoking
Low calcium intake
Physical inactivity
Family history of osteoporosis

How can bone health be protected?

Bone density can be measured using a DXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry).

Strategies that support bone health include:

Weight-bearing and resistance exercise
Adequate calcium intake
Adequate vitamin D
Avoiding smoking
Screening for osteoporosis when appropriate
Medical treatment when indicated

Menopausal hormone therapy can also help preserve bone density in appropriately selected women.

Why does menopause affect the brain?

Estrogen has important effects on brain function. Estrogen receptors are found throughout the brain, including areas involved in:

Memory
Mood
Attention
Cognitive processing

As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, the brain undergoes a period of adaptation that may contribute to changes in how women think, feel, and remember.

What happens to memory and concentration?

Many women report difficulties with memory, concentration, and mental sharpness during perimenopause and menopause.

These symptoms are often described as “brain fog.” Research suggests that certain aspects of cognitive performance, particularly verbal memory, may temporarily decline during the menopausal transition before stabilizing after menopause in most women.

What about dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers are actively studying the relationship between menopause and long-term brain health. Women account for a large proportion of Alzheimer's disease cases, and research is investigating whether menopausal hormonal changes may contribute through effects on:

Brain energy metabolism
Inflammation
Vascular health
Other biological pathways involved in cognitive aging

Women who experience early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency may have a higher risk of cognitive decline later in life. Some observational studies suggest that hormone therapy started around menopause may influence brain health, but this has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized trials.

How can brain health be supported?

Strategies that support brain health include:

Regular physical activity
A heart-healthy diet
Good sleep
Stress management
Staying socially connected
Remaining intellectually engaged

Whether hormone therapy started early in menopause can influence long-term brain health remains an important area of research, including within the HER BRAVE HEART Trial.

Treatment Options

What is menopausal hormone therapy?

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment available for menopausal vasomotor symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats. It works by replacing some of the estrogen that declines during menopause.

Depending on the individual, MHT may improve:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep disturbances related to menopausal symptoms
Vaginal symptoms
Other bothersome menopausal symptoms

MHT can also help preserve bone density and may play a role in osteoporosis prevention or treatment in appropriately selected women.

Estrogen

Estrogen is the main component of menopausal hormone therapy. Estradiol is commonly used and is the same form of estrogen produced naturally by the ovaries. It can be given in different ways:

Transdermal estrogen - Transdermal estrogen is delivered through the skin using a patch or gel. Because it enters the bloodstream through the skin rather than first passing through the liver, it has less effect on liver production of clotting factors than oral estrogen. For this reason, transdermal estradiol may be preferred for some women, particularly when cardiovascular or blood-clot risk factors are present.

Oral estrogen - Estrogen can also be taken as a pill. Oral estrogen passes through the liver before entering the circulation and therefore has different effects on clotting and metabolism compared with transdermal estrogen. The most appropriate route depends on your medical history, symptoms, risk factors, and preferences.

Progesterone - If you still have your uterus, estrogen therapy generally needs to be combined with a progestogen. Estrogen alone stimulates the lining of the uterus and can increase the risk of endometrial cancer over time. Progesterone or another progestogen protects the uterine lining. Women who have had a hysterectomy generally do not require progesterone solely for uterine protection. Micronized progesterone, available as Prometrium® in Canada, is one commonly used option.

Who may benefit from MHT?

MHT is primarily used to treat bothersome menopausal symptoms, particularly:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep disruption related to menopausal symptoms
Other symptoms affecting quality of life

It may also be considered for bone protection in selected women.

Who may NOT be able to use systemic MHT?

MHT is not appropriate for everyone. Important conditions that require careful assessment include:

A personal history of heart attack or stroke
A personal history of certain hormone-dependent cancers, particularly breast cancer
Active or recent venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Active severe liver disease
Certain clotting disorders

Your healthcare provider should review your complete medical history before recommending treatment.

What do we know about MHT and long-term health?

MHT is well established for treating menopausal symptoms and protecting bone health in appropriately selected women. However, MHT has not been definitively proven in randomized clinical trials to prevent cardiovascular disease or increase life expectancy. Research continues to investigate whether the timing, formulation, and route of hormone therapy influence cardiovascular and other long-term health outcomes.

An individualized decision

MHT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The decision to start, continue, modify, or stop hormone therapy should consider:

Your symptoms
Your age and stage of menopause
Your medical history
Your cardiovascular risk factors
Your bone health
Your personal preferences and priorities

For women with cardiovascular risk factors or questions about whether hormone therapy is appropriate, the HERA Menopause Clinic can help guide individualized treatment decisions.

A symptom-by-symptom approach

Non-hormonal treatments are important options for women who cannot take hormone therapy or prefer not to use it. Unlike MHT, which can improve several symptoms at once, non-hormonal treatments are often chosen according to the specific symptoms that are most bothersome.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Fezolinetant (Veoza®) - a non-hormonal medication specifically developed to treat hot flashes and night sweats. It acts on brain pathways involved in temperature regulation and provides an alternative for women who cannot or prefer not to use estrogen.

SSRIs and SNRIs - certain antidepressants can reduce hot flashes even in women who do not have depression. Examples include Paroxetine, Escitalopram, and Venlafaxine. These medications may be particularly useful when hot flashes occur alongside anxiety, irritability, or mood symptoms.

Gabapentin - can reduce hot flashes and may be particularly helpful when night sweats are significantly interfering with sleep.

Oxybutynin - also used to treat overactive bladder, has been shown to reduce hot flashes and may provide another option when other treatments are not suitable.

Sleep difficulties

Sleep problems during menopause may be related to:

Night sweats
Hormonal changes
Anxiety
Mood symptoms
Other sleep disorders

When night sweats are the main cause, treating the vasomotor symptoms themselves may improve sleep. Other options include:

Melatonin - may help with sleep onset and is generally well tolerated.

Lemborexant (Dayvigo®) - a prescription medication that works on brain pathways involved in wakefulness and can help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) - a structured, non-drug treatment considered an important first-line therapy for chronic insomnia.

Vaginal and urinary symptoms

Non-hormonal options include:

Vaginal moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid
Lubricants used during intercourse

These can help relieve dryness and discomfort without systemic hormone exposure.

Lifestyle measures

Lifestyle measures are an important part of menopause management regardless of whether medications or hormone therapy are used. Helpful strategies include:

Regular physical activity to support cardiovascular health, bone health, sleep, mood, and overall function
A balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
Stress-management strategies, including mindfulness or yoga
Identifying individual triggers for hot flashes

Some women find that reducing triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and overheating helps reduce symptoms.

Finding the right treatment

What works well for one person may not work for another. Treatment often involves finding the right combination of therapies based on:

Your symptoms
Your medical history
Your health risks
Your preferences
Your lifestyle

Working with a healthcare provider can help identify an approach that is both effective and appropriate for you.

For Physicians

Refer patients to the HERA Menopause Clinic for integrated assessment of menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk, with individualized guidance on menopausal hormone therapy and long-term cardiovascular health.

Who to Refer

The HERA Menopause Clinic welcomes referrals for perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with bothersome menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors. Appropriate referrals may include patients with:

Menopausal symptoms

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep disruption related to vasomotor symptoms
Menopausal symptoms significantly affecting quality of life

At least one cardiovascular risk factor

Hypertension or elevated blood pressure
Dyslipidemia or elevated LDL cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose
Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²)
Current smoking
Family history of premature cardiovascular disease

Questions regarding menopausal hormone therapy

Referral may also be appropriate for patients in whom there are questions about the safety, suitability, or choice of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in the context of cardiovascular risk.

Timing

The clinic is particularly focused on women who are less than 10 years since menopause.

What We Assess

Our assessment considers both menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular health to support individualized treatment decisions.

Evaluation may include:

Menopausal and reproductive history
Nature, severity, and impact of menopausal symptoms
Personal and family cardiovascular history
Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors
Lipid and metabolic profile
Smoking status
Weight and body composition
Current medications and relevant medical conditions
Previous or current use of menopausal hormone therapy
Potential benefits and risks of hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options

The goal is to provide an individualized assessment that places menopausal treatment decisions within the context of the patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy Assessment

For patients considering MHT, we provide an individualized benefit-risk assessment based on their symptoms, medical history, cardiovascular risk factors, and stage of menopause.

Assessment may address:

Whether MHT is an appropriate treatment option
Potential contraindications or factors requiring additional consideration
Choice of estrogen formulation and route of administration
Need for endometrial protection with a progestogen
Considerations related to transdermal versus oral estrogen
Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors relevant to treatment
Non-hormonal alternatives when MHT is not appropriate or preferred

Our aim is to support evidence-based shared decision-making between the patient and her healthcare providers.

What Your Patient Can Expect

Patients referred to the HERA Menopause Clinic will receive:

A comprehensive cardiovascular and menopause assessment
Individualized evaluation of menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk
A personalized benefit-risk assessment for menopausal hormone therapy, when relevant
Guidance on hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options
A clear management and follow-up plan
Communication of relevant findings and recommendations back to the referring healthcare provider

Appointments are available in English and French.

Our Research

The HER BRAVE HEART Trial is studying how menopause and menopausal hormone therapy may influence early changes in heart and brain health, with the goal of improving care for women during the menopausal transition.

About the Hormone thERapy Effects on BRAin-HEART Health During the Menopausal Transition (HER BRAVE HEART) Trial

Menopause is a universal transition in women’s lives, yet its effects on the heart and brain remain incompletely understood. At the HERA Menopause Clinic, we are conducting the HER BRAVE HEART Trial to better understand how menopause and menopausal hormone therapy may affect early cardiovascular and brain health. The study focuses on symptomatic menopausal women with cardiovascular risk factors and is conducted at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montréal.

Why this research matters

Menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors frequently occur together. More than 70% of postmenopausal women have at least one cardiovascular risk factor, while up to 80% experience vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Despite how often these conditions coexist, important questions remain about whether menopausal hormone therapy is safe, beneficial, or neutral for cardiovascular health in this population. Much of the existing evidence comes from older studies involving women who were many years beyond menopause and who received hormone preparations that differ from those commonly prescribed today.

Contemporary transdermal hormone therapy, delivered through the skin using a patch or gel, has not been evaluated in a dedicated randomized cardiovascular trial in this population. Menopause may also represent an important period for brain aging. Hormonal changes during the menopausal transition have been linked to changes in memory, brain metabolism, and other processes involved in cognitive aging. Women account for nearly two thirds of Alzheimer’s disease cases, but the role of menopause in this vulnerability remains an active area of research.

The HER BRAVE HEART Trial was designed to begin addressing these important gaps in knowledge.

How The Study Works

The HER BRAVE HEART Trial is a randomized controlled feasibility trial comparing two treatment strategies in symptomatic menopausal women with cardiovascular risk factors.

Group A, Menopausal Hormone Therapy — Participants assigned to this group begin transdermal menopausal hormone therapy within approximately 2 weeks of enrollment.
Group B, No Menopausal Hormone Therapy Initially — Participants assigned to this group do not receive systemic menopausal hormone therapy during the first 12 weeks of the study.

Non-hormonal treatment options remain available to help manage menopausal symptoms. Participants are followed for 12 months.

Participation includes:

Two in-person visits at the MUHC — one at baseline and one at approximately 12 months
One telephone check-in at approximately 12 weeks
Random assignment to one of the two study groups

At each in-person visit, participants undergo:

Cardiac MRI — approximately 40 minutes
Retinal imaging — approximately 10 minutes
Cognitive testing — approximately 30 minutes
A blood draw
Questionnaires

Because the study is randomized, participants cannot choose which treatment group they are assigned to.

What We Measure

We use several complementary approaches to study early changes in heart, vascular, and brain health.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provides detailed information about heart structure, function, and vascular health. We assess:

Native T1 mapping — sensitive to changes in heart muscle tissue, including processes associated with myocardial fibrosis
Aortic distensibility — a measure of arterial stiffness
Myocardial oxygenation — how the heart muscle responds during standardized vasoactive breathing maneuvers
Heart structure and function — including size, shape, and pumping function

Retinal Imaging

Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), we can visualize the smallest blood vessels of the retina through a painless, non-invasive eye scan. Because retinal vessels share important characteristics with blood vessels elsewhere in the body, retinal imaging may provide insight into microvascular and brain vascular health.

Cognitive Testing

Participants complete the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), which evaluates:

Memory
Attention
Language
Visuospatial abilities

Participants also complete validated questionnaires on:

Cognitive symptoms
Sleep
Stress
Menopausal symptom burden

Blood Biomarkers

Blood samples are collected and stored for future analysis of biomarkers related to:

Cardiovascular remodeling
Inflammation
Neurodegeneration
Endothelial function
Microvascular health

Together, these assessments allow us to study the heart, blood vessels, and brain as interconnected systems.

Who Can Participate?

You may be eligible if you:

Are a woman aged 45 years or older
Are perimenopausal or postmenopausal
Are less than 10 years from your last menstrual period
Experience bothersome hot flashes or night sweats
Have at least one cardiovascular risk factor, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking
A family history of premature cardiovascular disease
Are not currently taking systemic menopausal hormone therapy
Are able to attend two in-person visits at the MUHC over 12 months

You may not be eligible if you have:

A personal history of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
A personal history of a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast cancer
A history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
A contraindication to MRI, such as certain metal implants or severe claustrophobia
More than 10 years since your last menstrual period

Additional eligibility criteria may apply and will be reviewed by the research team.

Potential benefits

Regardless of study group, participants receive care to help manage menopausal symptoms.

Participants assigned to the hormone therapy group will begin transdermal menopausal hormone therapy. Participants assigned to the no-hormone-therapy group will have access to non-hormonal symptom management and will be closely followed by the study team. Hormone therapy may still be considered later if clinically appropriate.

All participants undergo detailed cardiac and retinal imaging as part of the research study. If a clinically significant finding is identified during study testing, the participant and their healthcare provider will be informed.

Participation also contributes to research that may help improve future care for women navigating menopause.

Potential risks

Potential side effects of menopausal hormone therapy may include:

Breast tenderness
Irregular vaginal bleeding
Other medication-related side effects
Rare but potentially more serious complications

These risks are reviewed in detail before informed consent is obtained. The cardiac MRI does not use ionizing radiation or contrast dye and is generally well tolerated. The retinal scan is non-invasive and painless.

Is participation voluntary?

Yes. Participation is completely voluntary.

Choosing to participate or decline will not affect your medical care, and participants may withdraw at any time without providing a reason.

What languages are available?

The study is conducted in English and French.

Study visits, questionnaires, and communications are available in both languages.

Contact Us

Whether you are seeking care, interested in participating in the HER BRAVE HEART Trial, referring a patient (download the referral form HERE), or have another question about the trial or the HERA Menopause Clinic, complete the form below and our team will follow up with you.

Please do NOT include urgent or highly sensitive medical information in this form.

Submitting this form does not confirm an appointment, referral acceptance, or eligibility for the HER BRAVE HEART Trial.