Dr. Caitlin Maureen Dunne – Reproductive Endocrinologist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Caitlin Maureen Dunne, a Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist), specializes in hormonal disorders related to reproduction, fertility, and gynecology. Practicing at an endocrinology clinic or hospital department in Burnaby, BC, she is a key member of the local medical community. She has a special focus on evaluating and treating infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual irregularities, and other hormonal conditions affecting reproductive health. Dr. Dunne adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), providing expert care tailored to each patient's unique needs.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Western Ontario in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist). Dr. Dunne's certifications include those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her adherence to high standards of clinical excellence and ongoing professional development in her subspecialty.

Her clinical philosophy centers on offering sensitive, comprehensive, and evidence-based care for fertility and reproductive hormone issues. Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic options, she supports patients through their reproductive health journey in a compassionate and confidential setting. Dr. Dunne provides care primarily in English and is dedicated to supporting her patients in Burnaby with personalized, patient-focused management of their endocrine and reproductive concerns.

Dr. Caitlin Dunne diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Reproductive Health & Infertility (Endocrine Aspects)

• Male Infertility (Hormonal Causes, e.g., Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism): Endocrine disorders contributing to male infertility, such as low testosterone production due to pituitary or testicular issues, affecting sperm production and function.
• Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin hormone in the blood, which can cause irregular periods, infertility, and milky nipple discharge (galactorrhea) in women, and low libido or erectile dysfunction in men.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Disorders of Phosphate Homeostasis (Hypophosphatemia, Hyperphosphatemia): Imbalances in blood phosphate levels, which can be caused by various underlying conditions and affect bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
• Rickets & Osteomalacia: Conditions characterized by softening and weakening of bones, typically due to severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency. Rickets occurs in children, leading to skeletal deformities, while osteomalacia occurs in adults.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• Diabetes Insipidus (Central or Nephrogenic): A rare disorder characterized by intense thirst and the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, caused by problems with the hormone vasopressin (ADH) or the kidneys' response to it.
• Male Hypogonadism (Primary & Secondary Testosterone Deficiency): Condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone, leading to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and infertility. Can be due to testicular failure or pituitary/hypothalamic issues.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Caitlin Dunne.

• Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
• Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
• Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
• Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
• Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
• Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Dunne for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Caitlin Dunne's practice is located within an endocrinology clinic in Burnaby's Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighbourhood. The facility is situated conveniently along a Commercial Corridor with excellent Highway 1 access, making it easily reachable by car. Public transit options include TransLink services, with SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as multiple bus routes serving the area. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for visitors, providing flexible options for those attending appointments.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Dunne, an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist), covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) like Dr. Dunne, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Dunne's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Dunne, an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist)?

Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) such as Dr. Dunne. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.

Dr. Dunne mentioned 'dynamic endocrine testing'. What does that mean?

Dynamic endocrine testing involves tests that assess how your endocrine glands respond when stimulated or suppressed by specific substances. Unlike simple blood tests that measure baseline hormone levels, these tests evaluate the gland's functional reserve or its responsiveness to normal control mechanisms. For example, an ACTH stimulation test checks how well your adrenal glands produce cortisol when stimulated. A dexamethasone suppression test helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome by seeing if cortisol production can be suppressed. An oral glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose diabetes or acromegaly. These tests usually involve taking a baseline blood sample, then administering a medication or substance, followed by one or more timed blood samples to measure hormone changes. Dr. Dunne uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.

How does Dr. Dunne typically approach managing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)?

Dr. Dunne's approach to diabetes management is comprehensive and individualized. For Type 1 diabetes, the focus is on intensive insulin therapy (using multiple daily injections or an insulin pump), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), carbohydrate counting, and education on managing blood sugar fluctuations and preventing hypoglycemia. For Type 2 diabetes, management often starts with lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight loss), followed by oral medications if needed. Newer injectable medications (like GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors) or insulin may be added as the disease progresses or if blood sugar targets aren't met. In both types, a key goal is to achieve optimal glycemic control (measured by HbA1c and glucose monitoring) while minimizing side effects and preventing long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system. This often involves a multidisciplinary team approach.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and when might Dr. Dunne recommend it?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves taking medication to replace hormones that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. Dr. Dunne might recommend HRT for various conditions. For example, thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) is used for hypothyroidism. For women experiencing troublesome menopausal symptoms, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT, using estrogen with or without progestogen) can be considered. For men with confirmed hypogonadism (low testosterone) and symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy may be an option. HRT is also crucial for individuals with adrenal insufficiency (cortisol/aldosterone replacement) or hypopituitarism (replacing deficient pituitary hormones). The decision to use HRT is highly individualized, based on the specific condition, symptoms, benefits, and potential risks, which Dr. Dunne will discuss thoroughly.

What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dunne?

Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dunne if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.

4601 Canada Way, Suite 500
Burnaby, BC V5G 4X7

Phone: (604) 422-7276

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dunne is a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral is typically required for consultations with Dr. Dunne for services covered by the provincial health plan. Patients seeking fertility assessment may also be referred by their family physician or gynecologist.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333399/Dunne%2CCaitlin