Perimenopause & Menopause Care in Victoria, BC: What to Expect from a Naturopathic Doctor

By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND

Perimenopause and menopause are meaningful and transformative phases of a woman’s life—bringing physical and mental-emotional changes that signal a natural shift in the body. While this transition can come with new experiences, it also offers a powerful opportunity to reconnect with your health. Rather than something to simply move through, this stage is a window of opportunity to take a more proactive, informed, and supportive approach to your overall well-being.

If you’re considering seeing a naturopathic doctor in Victoria, BC for perimenopause or menopause care, this guide will walk you through what to expect—and how personalized, evidence-informed care can support you through midlife and beyond.

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, often beginning in your 40s. Hormonal fluctuations—especially in estrogen and progesterone—can lead to symptoms such as:

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood changes, anxiety, depression or irritability

• Brain fog, fatigue or memory concerns

• Weight changes or cardiometabolic shifts

• Vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms or changes in libido

• Joint and muscular pain

  
  

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, but symptoms can continue well beyond this point.

Midlife as a Window of Opportunity for Deeper Health Care

Rather than focusing only on symptom relief, naturopathic perimenopause and menopause care emphasizes comprehensive, preventive health.

Midlife is an ideal time to assess and optimize:

• Hormonal balance

• Bone health (osteopenia and osteoporosis risk)

• Cardiovascular health (cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation)

• Brain health (cognition, memory, dementia risk reduction)

• Mental health (mood, stress resilience, sleep quality)

• Metabolic health (insulin sensitivity, weight, body composition)

This is your opportunity to build a strong foundation for healthy aging—with a plan tailored specifically to you.

What to Expect When Seeing a Naturopathic Doctor in Victoria, BC

When you work with Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, your care begins with a thorough, individualized assessment.

1. Comprehensive Intake

Your first visit will explore:

• Your symptoms and medical history

• Menstrual and reproductive history

• Stress, sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle habits

• Family health history and long-term risk factors

2. Targeted Lab Work & Screening

Depending on your needs, this may include:

• Hormone testing (when appropriate)

• Nutrient testing (including iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12)

• Blood sugar and insulin markers

• Lipid profile (cholesterol)

• Inflammatory markers

Ensuring you are up to date with breast screening, cervical cancer screening and colon cancer screening will also be discussed. Screening recommendations for

bone density, body composition or cardiovascular risk may also be discussed.

3. A Personalized Treatment Plan

Your plan is tailored to your goals—whether that’s symptom relief, disease prevention, or optimizing energy and vitality.

Training & Expertise in Menopause Care

Not all menopause care is the same. Many menopause providers pursue additional education to better support women in midlife.

Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen has completed continuing education in menopause and women’s health at multiple levels:

• Provincial training through UBCCPD, including Menopause Essentials and Annual Women’s Health Updates

• National education through the Canadian Menopause Society

• International training through The Menopause Society (formally the North American Menopause Society)

This ongoing education ensures her approach is evidence-informed, up-to-date, and aligned with current best practices in perimenopause and menopause care.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Is It Right for You?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also called Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), can be an effective option for many women.

Potential Benefits:

• Relief from hot flashes and night sweats

• Improved sleep

• Support for mood and cognitive symptoms

• Reduced genitourinary symptoms

• Protection against bone loss

• Possible cardiovascular benefits when started at the right time

  
  

Important Considerations:

HRT is not one-size-fits-all. Your suitability depends on:

• Your health history

• Timing relative to menopause

• Risk factors (e.g., cardiovascular disease, breast cancer)

As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. van Drimmelen provides balanced, individualized guidance, helping you weigh risks and benefits and decide whether HRT fits your goals.

Beyond Hormones: A Naturopathic Approach to Menopause

While hormones can be an important tool, they’re just one piece of the puzzle.

1. Nutrition & Diet

Targeted dietary strategies can help:

• Stabilize blood sugar

• Reduce inflammation

• Promote healthy weight and energy

• Improve cardiometabolic health

2. Lifestyle Medicine

Foundational habits are key:

• Sleep optimization

• Stress and mood management

• Movement and strength training (critical for bone and metabolic health)

3. Evidence-Based Supplementation

When appropriate, supplements may support:

• Sleep quality

• Mood, energy and stress resilience

• Bone density

• Cardiometabolic health

All recommendations are grounded in current research and tailored to your needs.

4. Cardiometabolic Support

As we age, risks for conditions like insulin resistance, prediabetes/diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease can increase.

Naturopathic care may include:

• Early screening and prevention

• Targeted nutrition and lifestyle interventions

• Evidence-based supplements

• Prescription of medications when needed

Why Work with a Naturopathic Doctor for Perimenopause and Menopause Care?

Naturopathic menopause care bridges the gap between conventional and holistic medicine. It offers:

• Longer, more in-depth appointments

• Personalized, root-cause approach

• Integration of lifestyle, nutrition, and medical therapies

• A focus on both symptom relief and long-term health

Take the Next Step in Your Midlife Health

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just transitions—they’re turning points.

With the right support, you can move through this stage feeling informed, empowered, and in control of your health.

If you’re in Victoria, BC and looking for comprehensive, evidence-informed menopause care, working with a naturopathic doctor can help you navigate this phase with confidence.