Menopause Care
at The Health Spot
Evidence-informed, holistic support for women navigating perimenopause, menopause and beyond
Understanding Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages that reflect changes in ovarian hormone production, primarily estrogen and progesterone. While these transitions are universal, the way they affect each individual can vary widely in timing, duration, and symptom experience.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It can begin years before the final menstrual period, often in a woman’s late 30s or 40s, though this varies.
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During perimenopause:
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Hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably rather than declining steadily
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Menstrual cycles may become irregular (shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, or skipped)
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Symptoms may appear even when periods are still occurring
Perimenopause can last several years, and symptoms may change or evolve over time.
What is menopause?
Menopause is defined clinically as the point at which a person has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, in the absence of other medical causes. The average age of menopause in Canada is approximately 51 years.
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Menopause itself is a single point in time, but the hormonal changes associated with it continue to influence the body in the years that follow.
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After menopause, lower and more stable estrogen levels can affect:
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Bone density
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Cardiovascular health
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Metabolism
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Pelvic and bladder health
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Skin and connective tissue
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Mood and cognitive function
Why Symptoms Are Often Missed or Misunderstood
While hot flashes and menstrual changes are widely recognized, research shows that many symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are less commonly associated with hormonal change, even though they are well documented in medical literature.
As a result, individuals may experience symptoms for years without realizing they may be hormonally mediated.​
​Commonly Overlooked but Evidence-Supported Symptoms Include:
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Sleep disruption
Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or unrefreshing sleep — even without night sweats -
Mood changes and anxiety
New or worsening anxiety, low mood, irritability, or emotional reactivity, particularly in those without a prior mental health history -
Cognitive changes
Brain fog, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or word-finding challenges -
Fatigue and reduced stress tolerance
Feeling depleted or overwhelmed more easily than before -
Joint and muscle pain or stiffness
Often migratory and not linked to injury or overuse -
Headaches or migraines
New onset or changes in frequency or intensity -
Palpitations or heightened awareness of heartbeat
In the absence of underlying cardiac disease -
Changes in libido and sexual comfort
Including decreased desire, vaginal dryness, or discomfort — sometimes without obvious vaginal symptoms -
Urinary or pelvic changes
Increased urgency, frequency, or recurrent discomfort without infection -
Changes in body composition or metabolism
Particularly increased central fat distribution despite unchanged diet or activity
Why Symptoms Are Often Missed or Misunderstood
These symptoms are frequently:
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Attributed solely to stress, burnout, aging, or lifestyle
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Treated individually rather than recognized as part of a broader hormonal transition
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Investigated in isolation, leading to “normal” test results without sufficient clinical context
Hormone levels during perimenopause fluctuate significantly, which means single blood tests may not reliably reflect symptom patterns, contributing to confusion or dismissal.
Our Approach to Menopause Care
We support individuals through perimenopause and menopause by:
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Prioritizing education and informed decision-making
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Addressing symptoms in the context of the whole body
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Offering collaborative care across multiple disciplines
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Supporting both short-term symptom relief and long-term health
Care is always personalized, and no two menopause journeys are treated the same.