Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that is marked by various physical and mental-emotional changes that occur with the decline of ovarian function, and subsequently the decline in estrogen and progesterone. While hot flashes and night sweats are commonly associated with menopause, many women also experience cognitive changes, mood swings, and brain fog during this period. In his article I will review the relationship between menopause, mood, and cognitive related

Perimenopause is a transitional phase that precedes menopause where our ovarian function slowly starts to decline. It is characterized by hormonal fluctuations and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before menopause occurs. During this time, the levels of various hormones in a woman's body undergo significant changes, which can have a profound impact on her overall well-being. In my naturopathic practice, in order to assess and manage these hormonal changes effectively, I o

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life that marks the end of her reproductive years. The definition of menopause is a point of time 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period, and occurs on average at age 51. Alongside common symptoms such as hot flashes that occur during menopause, there are also significant effects on bone health. The decline in hormones, particularly estrogen, can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of developing osteoporo

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common condition that affects between 27-84% of postmenopausal women, yet it is often not talked about enough. This syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms, including vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, pain with sexual activity, burning on urination, increased frequency of urination, and increased risk of urinary tract infections. The decline in estrogen that comes with menopause is the main cause of GSM. Est

If you are actively trying to conceive, determining your fertile window is an essential piece of knowledge. The fertile window refers to the time period when successful conception is most likely to occur. In this article, we will explore the three methods of determining your fertile window - the calendar method, ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), and basal body temperature tracking (BBTs). We will also discuss the reasoning behind the fertile window and understand the lifespan

When preparing for a pregnancy, hormone testing plays a vital role in a comprehensive fertility assessment for the female partner. In my naturopathic practice, I will often recommend hormone testing for those trying to conceive so we can understand baseline numbers, and provide early intervention, guidance and referrals when needed. In this article, we will discuss various hormones relevant to fertility and the significance of testing them. Let's dive in! Hormones in the Fer