
Menopause is a natural phase of life that every woman experiences, yet it often comes with challenges. With nearly 4 billion women worldwide, every single one will go through perimenopause and menopause. Lately, menopause has been in the spotlight—frequently discussed in the news and on social media. While the conversation can sometimes feel overwhelming, our goal is to support you in feeling your best during this transition. Menopause doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom—we’re here to help you navigate it with balance and ease.
With hormones starting to shift 10 years BEFORE menopause (perimenopause), this can leave women feeling they are on a major rollercoaster ride of symptoms, feeling like a rug was pulled right out from beneath them and they are left trying to scramble to find their balance again.
Here are some comments we hear when speaking to women – some may resonate with you or your partner.
“I don’t recognize myself”
“My whole body aches”
“I’m doing everything right and I cannot sleep”
”I have meno-rage”
“I am a losing words and having brain fog and I am a professional, it’s mind blowing, embarrassing and scary”
“I have no sex drive”
“My workouts are not working anymore”
“My hot flashes and brain fog are crippling me”
“Nothing I do is helping me lose weight”
“I am working out but feel weaker”
“HRT scares me”
“We need comprehensive support from people that understand what is happening, it’s much more than hot flashes”
Perimenopause: This transitional phase can begin several years before menopause, typically in a woman’s 40s but sometimes as early as the late 30s. During this time, estrogen levels fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and various profound symptoms.
Menopause: Truthfully this stage is actually defined by one day – officially reached when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age for menopause is around 51. At this point, the ovaries significantly reduce hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of menstruation and various symptoms.
Postmenopause: This stage follows menopause and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. While some symptoms may diminish, others can persist. Women in this stage may experience long-term health considerations related to decreased hormone levels, such as bone density loss and cardiovascular health risks.
The gradual or rapid decline in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause affects women in various ways, both physically AND emotionally. These hormones play essential roles in regulating the reproductive system, but they also impact other bodily systems.
This is a list of symptoms that can occur but it’s important to recognize that all women have unique experiences and they go far beyond the hot flashes! This is also not an exhaustive list. It might be helpful for you to see things on this list that you are experiencing and didn’t realize were hormone related.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Sometimes referred to as vasomotor symptoms.
Irregular Periods: Changes in frequency, flow, and duration of menstrual cycles leading up to menopause.
Vaginal Dryness: Reduced lubrication, which may cause discomfort during intercourse.
Loss of Libido: Decreased sexual drive or arousal.
Weight Gain: Especially around the abdomen.
Thinning Hair: Hair loss or changes in hair texture.
Dry Skin: Reduced skin elasticity and hydration.
Breast Tenderness: Similar to premenstrual symptoms but may persist.
Urinary Issues: Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), incontinence, or frequent urination.
Joint Pain: Stiffness or aches in joints (feet, knees, shoulders, elbows, and hands) and muscles.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy.
Headaches: Changes in headache patterns, including more frequent migraines.
Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, including irritability or anger.
Anxiety: Feelings of unease or panic.
Depression: Persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities.
Memory Problems: Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness (“brain fog”).
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
Bone Loss (Osteoporosis): Decreased bone density, increasing fracture risk.
Heart Health Risks: Increased likelihood of cardiovascular issues due to hormonal shifts.
Changes in Body Composition: Loss of muscle mass and increased fat distribution.
Tingling Sensations: Numbness or tingling in extremities.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: Sensation of burning in the mouth, lips, or tongue.
Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, or indigestion.
Allergies: Exacerbation of existing allergies or development of new ones.
Electric Shock Sensations: Sudden feelings of an electric jolt under the skin.
Our Naturopathic Doctors listen and support you holistically with personalized care – we’re on a mission to get you feeling like you again. At Longév Clinic we want all women to feel that they are seen and heard – we use our expertise to educate our patients and help them feel the best they can during all stages of menopause.
By focusing on the interplay between hormones, stress, metabolism, inflammation, lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional health, we aim to empower women with the knowledge and tools to navigate this transformative period with confidence and vitality. We delve into the science behind hormonal changes, discuss common symptoms, and share practical strategies for managing this transition gracefully. With the right support and understanding, perimenopause and menopause can be a time of renewal and empowerment rather than discomfort and uncertainty.
We have created a great resource called HRT Unplugged – which goes beyond just Hormone Replacement Therapy. We explain what happens during Naturopathic Doctor appointments as well as some areas we like to focus on when treating patients in perimenopause – menopause. All of our information is evidence based and we only utilize treatments that have research to support their effectiveness and safety.
Our menopause focused naturopathic doctors offer a 15 minute complimentary exploratory call if you have questions before booking an initial appointment.
Contact us today for more information: email info@longevclinictoronto.com or phone 416 594-9994