Perimenopause and Menopause Naturopathic Care in Squamish
Dr. Melanie MacIver, ND · In person in Squamish and virtually across BC
Not sure yet? Book a free 15-minute discovery visit
Perimenopause and menopause are Dr. MacIver's main clinical focus. She will take the time to understand your full picture, test thoroughly, and explain what is going on, so treatment decisions are made together.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when female hormones begin to fluctuate. It can start in the late 30s or 40s, and may last up to ten years. Menopause begins when you have not had a period for a year, although symptoms tend to be worse in the perimenopause phase with more hormone fluctuations. It is possible to make this transition with ease, but it is a common time to need support with naturopathic care.
Common signs of perimenopause
Heavier or longer periods
Shorter cycles (counted from day 1 of one period to day 1 of the next)
Sore, swollen or lumpy breasts
Waking at 2 or 3 a.m.
Night sweats or hot flashes, especially before a period
New or worsening migraines
Premenstrual mood swings that are getting worse, or a general change in mood
Weight gain without a change in habits
Joint pain
Brain fog
How Dr. MacIver approaches perimenopause and menopause
Hormones don't work in isolation. Thyroid function, blood sugar and insulin, chronic stress, nutrients, inflammation and microbiome out of balance can all overlap with perimenopause symptoms, and as foundational health issues, are all worth investigating. Dr. MacIver's comprehensive lab assessment is designed to look at these together rather than one at a time, so you have all the information you need.
The Women's Health Perimenopause Program
Four visits over about five months, then ongoing support.
Visit 1 — Initial consult
1 hour
A detailed look at your medical history and health goals.
Dr. MacIver strives to create a safe space where you can feel heard and be supported. Not only will she focus on your hormones, but will consider other factors that can contribute to your symptoms, such as insulin resistance, stress hormones, microbiome issues and more.
At this visit:
Your initial treatment plan will begin with individualized nutrition, lifestyle and herbal medicine.
You will receive a lab requisition for comprehensive lab testing at the local lab, or LifeLabs.
Bio-identical hormones will be discussed and may be prescribed
Visit 2 — Lab review
45 minutes, about one month later
Dr. MacIver goes through your results, explains what is happening, and adjusts your plan accordingly.
She will optimize your nutrition based on your blood sugar and insulin testing.
Foundational health issues will continue to be addressed including sleep and the nervous system, the microbiome, and any nutrient deficiencies found on labs.
Visits 3 and 4 — Follow-ups
30 minutes each, about 6 weeks apart
A check-in on your symptoms and progress to make sure your plan is still on the right track, while continuing to work on the foundational areas that contribute to hormonal symptoms.
Labs that were out of range are repeated after the third visit, and your plan continues to be refined.
Maintenance Phase
The aim is to maintain what you have built, and Dr. MacIver will make sure you have the information and tools to do that.
If you are using bio-identical hormone therapy, you will need a check-in to renew your prescription every 6 months.
Others may want a check-in every 3-4 months for accountability, or to address new issues if they arise.
Life happens, and if you experience setbacks or fall off the wagon – this phase is designed to keep you on track, without judgement. Rebook anytime, and get back on the program.
The Foundations of Health
These are contributing health issues that Dr. MacIver will begin to address in your first visit. They are all interconnected!
Blood sugar and insulin
Blood sugar and insulin stabilization is absolutely foundational. When this is out of balance it is a huge stress on the body, and it is one of the few stresses that we can control. Starting your day with stable blood sugar is one of the best things you can do to maximize energy, a calm mind, and support metabolic health.
Nervous system
Our nervous system drives every function of our body, and is easily put out of balance by chronic stress. Changing hormones can be a stress on the nervous system, so it's especially important to consider the nervous system for busy moms or perimenopausal women. Sleep is a function of the nervous system, and poor sleep can indicate some work is needed here.
Microbiome
Our microbiome, or balance of gut bugs, is foundational to our health. It affects the immune system, inflammation, metabolic health, and histamine reactions (which directly contribute to hormonal symptoms). Symptoms like chronic bloating or constipation let us know it's likely our balance of bugs is off, and it can be contributing to many other issues in the body.
Further areas
Nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, and immune activation are other foundational issues that are explored once blood sugar, hormones, the microbiome and the nervous system are stable.
Treatment options
Every plan is individualized and research-informed. Depending on your history, symptoms and lab results, it may include:
Nutrition and lifestyle
What to eat, when to eat it, fasting, and optimum nutrition will all be reviewed. There will be a focus on blood sugar balance and building muscle through nutrition.
Herbal medicine
Selected for your situation, with possible interactions with your current medications reviewed before you start. Commonly used for calming stressed nerves and optimizing the microbiome. Herbs may be used instead of hormones, if desired.
Bio-identical hormone therapy
One option for managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Dr. MacIver has additional training in hormone therapies and considers them alongside nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle. Risks, benefits and alternatives are discussed before starting.
Virtual care across BC
All visit types are available in person at Garibaldi Health Clinic in Squamish, or by video or phone anywhere in British Columbia. Patients in Whistler, Pemberton, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and anywhere in BC can complete the program virtually; lab work is done at a lab near you.
Ready to start?
Book an initial consult to talk through what you're experiencing.
Not sure whether naturopathic care is right for you? Book a free 15-minute discovery visit, in person or virtual, to ask questions before booking an initial consult.