Dr. Rebecca Dayan

Dr. Rebecca Dayan diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Reproductive Health & Infertility (Endocrine Aspects)

• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Endocrine Evaluation): Investigation into potential underlying hormonal factors that may contribute to repeated miscarriages, such as thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or progesterone deficiency.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass): A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal peak density but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It indicates an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• 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.
• Monogenic Forms of Diabetes (e.g., MODY, Neonatal Diabetes): Rare types of diabetes caused by mutations in a single gene, differing from the more common Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in presentation and management.

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

• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Dayan 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. Dayan practices within an endocrinology clinic or hospital department located in the vibrant James Bay neighborhood of Victoria, BC, near Beacon Hill Park. The facility is easily accessible via the Major North-South Route and provides convenient access to Saanich and Highway connections. Public transit is readily available through the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexible parking solutions for patients arriving by car.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Dayan, 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. Dayan, 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. Dayan's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Dayan, 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. Dayan. 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.

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

When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dayan 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. Dayan 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.

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

Dr. Dayan'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 treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Dayan discuss?

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Dayan 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.

What types of diagnostic tests are commonly used by an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) like Dr. Dayan?

An Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) like Dr. Dayan utilizes a variety of tests to diagnose endocrine disorders. Blood tests are fundamental for measuring levels of specific hormones (e.g., TSH, free T4, cortisol, ACTH, testosterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, insulin, HbA1c, prolactin, PTH, calcium, vitamin D). She often orders dynamic endocrine function tests, where hormone levels are measured after administering a stimulating or suppressing agent (e.g., ACTH stimulation test for adrenal function, oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes/acromegaly, dexamethasone suppression test for Cushing's). Imaging studies like thyroid ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs of the pituitary or adrenal glands are common. Bone mineral density (DXA) scans assess for osteoporosis. For thyroid nodules, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy might be performed or arranged.

545 Superior St, Olive Fertility Centre Victoria
Victoria, BC V8V 0C5

Phone: (250) 410-1664

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dayan 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. Dayan 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/336907/Dayan%2CRebecca