Life is full of transitions, both in the world around us and inside of us. As women, each stage of life can manifest itself through a variety of physical and emotional signs, and peri-menopause is no different.

Peri-menopause refers to the years of hormonal changes leading up to your last menstrual period (menopause). It can begin in your mid-thirties to forties and last up to a decade. During this time, the ovaries are no longer producing the same, consistent levels of estrogen and progesterone they once did, there is a reduction in brain sensitivity to the hormones that are still being produced, and there can also be a decline in feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. All of these changes can contribute to the common symptoms associated with peri-menopause, such as low energy, stubborn weight gain, poor sleep, irritability and mood swings.

Natalie Hourd is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who focuses on supporting women through the peri-menopausal years through a solid nutritional foundation, targeted supplementation and lifestyle recommendations, tailoring each plan to the unique needs of each individual. Learning what your body needs is empowering, and having the knowledge, tools and the support of a community helps make the journey through this significant life-stage much smoother!