What is Menopause & Perimenopause?


Menopause is not a disease state! Despite the onset of uncomfortable symptoms that may occur, menopause is a normal part of aging in a woman’s life. By definition, menopause is the point when menstruation has completely ceased for 12 months since the last period. At this stage, the ovaries stop ovulating (releasing eggs) and making ovarian hormones.


Perimenopause is the transition stage that typically begins after age 40, when the ovaries’ function begin to decline gradually over a few years until menopause is reached. The gradual drop in hormone production by the ovaries (mainly estrogen, progesterone & testosterone) will cause periods to become more irregular, and menopausal symptoms may start to present.

Every woman is unique, but these symptoms may vary in intensity, and can last up to 5-6 years!

Common Menopausal Symptoms:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Irritability & mood changes
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Headaches
  • Diziness

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Bone loss
  • Decreased libido
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Hair loss
  • Weight gain

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The good news is that while menopause is a natural stage of life, menopausal symptoms can be treated to ensure a smoother transition and improve your comfort and quality of life.

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How do Naturopathic Doctors treat menopausal symptoms?


There is hope! The KEY to achieving greater hormonal balance in the menopausal woman is to support the health of the adrenal glands!

Adrenals glands (“stress glands”) primarily produce cortisol (stress hormone) to fuel our stress response, but they also produce estrogen and progesterone to a lesser degree than the ovaries. So if the adrenals are healthy and balanced, they should be able to take over and compensate for the ovaries’ slack, allowing a smoother transition during perimenopause.

Unfortunately, the adrenals are often overworked and too preoccupied with helping us manage the stresses of life to produce adequate estrogen and progesterone, hence resulting in menopausal symptoms.


Naturopathic Doctors have many excellent natural treatments for supporting the adrenal glands and treating menopausal symptoms, including:

Bring new balance to your hormones, and put an end to those hot, sweaty and sleepless nights once and for all!

Contact us to find out how we can help!