Dr. Catherine Labrecque

Dr. Catherine Labrecque diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy for survival and glucose management.
• Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X, Insulin Resistance Syndrome): A cluster of conditions (central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels) occurring together, elevating the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
• Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• Pituitary Adenomas & Tumors (e.g., Prolactinoma, Non-Functioning Adenoma, GH-secreting/Acromegaly, ACTH-secreting/Cushing's Disease): Mostly benign growths in the pituitary gland that can cause symptoms due to hormone overproduction (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH), hormone deficiency (hypopituitarism), or pressure effects on surrounding structures.
• 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.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders

• Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A disorder where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and potential bone and kidney problems.
• Thyroid Cancer (Differentiated - Papillary, Follicular; Medullary - follow-up care): Malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. Endocrinologists are involved in post-operative management, hormone suppression, and long-term surveillance.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Clinique d’endocrinologie de Trois-Rivières is situated in the Saint-Louis-de-France Sector neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The practice benefits from proximity to the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), facilitating collaboration and access to academic resources. Patients can reach the clinic via public transit provided by the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and paid parking options are conveniently located nearby for ease of access.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Labrecque, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Labrecque, 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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. Labrecque's office, the hospital/clinic, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Labrecque, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?

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 Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Labrecque. 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.

What treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Labrecque discuss?

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Labrecque will discuss a management plan aimed at reducing your risk of fractures. This starts with lifestyle modifications, including ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D (through diet and/or supplements), engaging in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake. Fall prevention strategies are also important. If medication is indicated based on your bone density (DXA scan) and fracture risk assessment (e.g., using FRAX or CAROC tools), options include antiresorptive medications that slow bone loss (like bisphosphonates or denosumab) or anabolic agents that stimulate new bone formation (like teriparatide or romosozumab). She will help choose the most appropriate therapy based on your individual circumstances, potential side effects, and treatment goals.

Dr. Labrecque 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. Labrecque uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.

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

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves taking medication to replace hormones that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. Dr. Labrecque 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. Labrecque will discuss thoroughly.

Clinique d’endocrinologie de Trois-Rivières
5050 Boul des Forges
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Y 1X2

Phone: (819) 379-1442 | Fax: (819) 379-9708

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Labrecque is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Labrecque for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=10590