--- title: "Perimenopause & Menopause Care" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.drlisaweeks.com/perimenopause-menopause" markdown_url: "https://www.drlisaweeks.com/llms/page/perimenopause-menopause" lastmod: "2026-10-23T23:04:17.502Z" --- Perimenopause & Menopause Care # You don’t have to feel like you have disappeared . Perimenopause and menopause can bring changes that affect nearly every part of your life, from your sleep, mood, energy and concentration to your periods, metabolism, sex drive and sense of well-being. And yet, many women are told that these changes are simply a normal part of aging or that their symptoms are unrelated. You don’t have to just put up with feeling this way. I help women understand what’s happening during perimenopause and menopause and create an individualized, evidence-informed plan to help you feel better now while supporting your long-term health. Book a Free Discovery Call ## What Is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. It can begin years before your final menstrual period, and hormone levels can fluctuate considerably during this time. This means symptoms can change from month to month, and you may not always recognize yourself. You don’t have to wait until your periods stop to seek support. Perimenopause can affect - Menstrual cycles - Sleep - Mood and anxiety - Energy - Brain function and concentration - Body composition and metabolism - Libido and sexual health - Temperature regulation - Digestion - Joints and muscles - Overall sense of well-being ## What About Menopause? Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when there is no other medical explanation. For some women, menopause is relatively straightforward. For others, symptoms can significantly affect sleep, work, relationships, confidence and quality of life. My goal is to help you understand your options and determine which approaches are appropriate for your body, your symptoms, and your health goals. ## Does This Sound Like You? You may be navigating perimenopause or menopause if you’re experiencing: ### Sleep Changes Difficulty falling asleep Waking during the night Waking around 3 a.m. Night sweats Feeling tired despite getting enough hours of sleep ### Mood & Brain Anxiety Irritability Mood changes Brain fog Difficulty concentrating Feeling overwhelmed ### Hormonal & Menstrual Changes Irregular periods Heavier or lighter periods Changes in cycle length Hot flashes Night sweats Breast tenderness Worsening PMS or migraines ### Metabolism & Body Changes Changes in body composition Weight gain or difficulty losing weight Changes in blood sugar Increased cholesterol Changes in energy ### Sexual & Genitourinary Health Lower libido Vaginal dryness Pain with sex Urinary symptoms ### And Sometimes… You simply don’t feel like yourself anymore. If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. ## It’s More Than Just Hormones Perimenopause and menopause aren’t simply about declining estrogen. How you feel during midlife is influenced by many interconnected factors, including: - Hormonal changes - Sleep - Stress - Nutrition - Movement and muscle mass - Metabolic health - Blood sugar regulation - Digestive health - Mental and emotional well-being - Nervous system regulation - Social connection - Your relationship with technology and digital stimulation That’s why I look at the whole picture, rather than treating one symptom in isolation. Your plan, built around you ## How I Can Help Your care is individualized based on your symptoms, medical history, health goals, preferences and risk factors. You don’t need to do everything. My role is to help identify which strategies are most appropriate for you and create a plan that feels manageable in real life. Your treatment plan may include - Body-identical hormone therapy, when appropriate - Nutrition counselling - Lifestyle medicine - Exercise and strength training guidance - Sleep support - Stress and nervous system regulation - HeartMath® HRV biofeedback - Digital wellness strategies - Targeted supplementation - Herbal medicine - Laboratory testing - Acupuncture ## Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for Me? Hormone therapy can be an important treatment option for many women experiencing bothersome menopausal symptoms. I don’t believe every woman needs hormone therapy. I believe women deserve clear, balanced information so they can make an informed decision about whether it is right for them. Learn More About Hormone Therapy I can help you understand Whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for you Potential benefits and risks Different hormone therapy options Body-identical estrogen and progesterone Routes of administration What symptoms may improve What monitoring and follow-up are involved Non-hormonal alternatives and complementary approaches Beyond Symptom Management ## Healthy Aging Menopause is also an important opportunity to take a proactive approach to your long-term health. As estrogen levels change, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to factors that influence: ### Heart Health Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, fitness and overall cardiovascular risk. ### Bone Health Strength training, nutrition, vitamin D, calcium, hormones and other factors that support bone health. ### Brain Health Sleep, movement, metabolic health, stress, social connection and cognitive well-being. ### Muscle & Metabolic Health Maintaining muscle mass, strength, metabolic flexibility and a healthy body composition. ### Quality of Life Because healthy aging isn’t simply about living longer. It’s about being able to live well. ### Start where you are A free 15-minute Discovery Call is the easiest way to find out whether this is a good fit. Book a Free Discovery Call ## You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone There is a lot of conflicting information about menopause online, and it can be difficult to know what applies to you. You don’t need another generic checklist or a cabinet full of supplements. You need someone who will listen, explain what’s happening, help you understand your options, and create a plan based on your health and your life. That’s the kind of care I aim to provide. ## Why Work With Dr. Lisa Weeks? I’m a Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with more than 19 years of clinical experience. I have been able to prescribe body-identical hormones since 2015 and have a special clinical focus on women’s midlife health, perimenopause, menopause and metabolic health. My approach combines evidence-informed medicine with naturopathic therapies, practical lifestyle strategies and individualized care. I want you to leave your appointments not only with a treatment plan, but with a better understanding of what is happening in your body and why. Meet Dr. Lisa ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I need to wait until menopause to see you? No. You can seek support during perimenopause, even if you’re still having regular periods. In fact, the transition can begin years before your final menstrual period. Do I need hormone testing to know if I’m in perimenopause? Not necessarily. Perimenopause is usually assessed based on your age, menstrual cycle changes, symptoms and medical history. Hormone levels can fluctuate significantly during the transition, so a single hormone test doesn’t always provide a clear picture. Can you prescribe hormone therapy? Yes. As a Naturopathic Doctor who has met the appropriate prescribing requirements in Ontario, I can prescribe body-identical hormone therapy when clinically appropriate. Do I have to take hormones? No. Hormone therapy is one option among many. We’ll discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives so you can make an informed decision. Can you help if I don’t want hormone therapy? Absolutely. We can explore non-hormonal approaches to sleep, hot flashes, mood, metabolic health, nutrition, stress, exercise and other symptoms. Are virtual appointments available? Yes. I provide virtual care to patients across Ontario, as well as in-person appointments at my Toronto clinic. ## Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again? You don’t have to accept feeling exhausted, anxious, foggy, sleepless or unlike yourself as simply “part of getting older.” Let’s figure out what’s happening, explore your options, and create a plan that supports how you feel today and the health you want for the years ahead. Book a Free Discovery Call Free, 15 minutes, no pressure. Virtual across Ontario, or in-person at my clinic in East York, Toronto.