Dr. Louise Lapensée

Dr. Louise Lapensée diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Reproductive Health & Infertility (Endocrine Aspects)

• Amenorrhea (Absent Menstruation) & Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Menstruation): Absence or infrequent occurrence of menstrual periods, which can be caused by a variety of hormonal imbalances affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
• Hormonal Management of Transgender Individuals (Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy): Prescription and monitoring of hormone therapy for transgender individuals as part of their gender affirmation process, often in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Female Infertility (Ovulatory Dysfunction, PCOS-related, Luteal Phase Defect): Hormonal imbalances that can impair a woman's ability to conceive, such as problems with ovulation (e.g., due to PCOS), or issues with the uterine lining preparation.

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.
• Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic skeletal disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process, resulting in bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and structurally unsound, leading to pain, deformities, and fractures.

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation, requiring careful management to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar - various causes): Abnormally low blood glucose levels, which can occur as a side effect of diabetes treatment (insulin or certain oral medications), or due to other underlying conditions like insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Lapensée 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 OVO is situated in Montréal's vibrant areas near central Montréal, offering convenient access for patients from the surrounding neighborhoods. The clinic is close to landmarks such as Saint Joseph's Oratory and Université de Montréal, making it easily reachable by public transit. Patients can access the clinic via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) (Métro, Bus). The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available at or near the location for added convenience.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Lapensée, an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist), covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) like Dr. Lapensée, 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. Lapensée's office, the hospital/clinic, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Lapensée, 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. Lapensée. 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. Lapensée 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. Lapensée uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.

Does Dr. Lapensée deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?

Yes, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist (REI), Dr. Lapensée has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex hormonal disorders that affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men. This includes conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis-related hormonal issues, premature ovarian insufficiency, male hypogonadism impacting fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She can manage ovulation induction, provide hormonal support for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, and address other intricate reproductive endocrine problems.

I have a thyroid nodule. What can I expect during an evaluation with an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Lapensée will conduct a thorough assessment. This typically involves reviewing your medical history (including any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or family history of thyroid disease), performing a physical examination of your neck and thyroid gland, and ordering blood tests to check your thyroid function (TSH, and possibly free T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is almost always performed to precisely characterize the nodule's size, number, and sonographic features (e.g., solid, cystic, calcifications, irregular margins). Based on these ultrasound characteristics and the nodule's size, Dr. Dr. Lapensée will determine if a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed to obtain cells for microscopic examination to rule out thyroid cancer. Most thyroid nodules are benign.

What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Lapensée 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.

Clinique OVO
8000 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC H4P 2S4

Phone: (514) 798-2000 | Fax: (514) 798-2001

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lapensée is a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral is typically required for consultations with Dr. Lapensée 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=94266