Menopause Care That Helps You Feel Like Yourself Again

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause 

Perimenopause often begins years before menopause and is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels that can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when estrogen production declines significantly.

Hormonal changes during these stages affect much more than the reproductive system—they influence sleep, mood, metabolism, cardiovascular health, bone health, cognition, and overall quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause 

Dr. Shadi works with women experiencing symptoms including:
 

• Hot flashes and night sweats.

• Poor sleep or waking between 2–4 AM.

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes.

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating.

• Fatigue despite adequate sleep.

• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.

• Irregular, heavy, or unpredictable periods.

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort with intercourse.

• Low libido.

• Joint and muscle aches.

• Hair thinning and dry skin.

• Headaches or worsening migraines.

• Urinary urgency or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Every woman's experience is different, which is why treatment is individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
 

A Root-Cause Approach to Menopause Care
 

Dr. Shadi believes menopause care should go beyond simply treating symptoms. Her approach begins with understanding the unique hormonal, metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors contributing to how each woman feels.
 

A comprehensive assessment may include:
 

• A detailed review of symptoms and menstrual history.

• Medical and family health history.

• Sleep, stress, and lifestyle assessment.

• Nutrition and exercise habits.

• Evaluation of thyroid and metabolic health.

• Blood work or additional laboratory testing when clinically appropriate.
   

The goal is to identify the factors contributing to symptoms and develop a treatment plan that supports long-term health—not just symptom relief.

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Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)

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Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body. For many women, it can be an effective treatment option for moderate to severe menopause symptoms when used appropriately.

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Dr. Shadi provides individualized assessments to determine whether bioidentical hormone therapy is an appropriate option based on a woman's symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and treatment goals.

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Potential benefits of hormone therapy may include improvements in:

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• Hot flashes and night sweats.

• Sleep quality.

• Mood and anxiety.

• Brain fog and concentration.

• Vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.

• Joint discomfort associated with estrogen decline.

• Overall quality of life.

 

Every discussion includes an evidence-based review of the potential benefits, risks, monitoring, and alternative treatment options so women can make informed decisions about their care.

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What to Expect During a Consultation

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Menopause consultations with Dr. Shadi Tabaei are comprehensive and personalized.

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Women can expect:

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• A thorough review of symptoms and health history.

• Discussion of previous treatments and medications.

• Assessment of lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, and stress.

• Recommendations for testing when clinically indicated.

• An individualized treatment plan that may include nutrition, supplements, lifestyle medicine, and hormone therapy when appropriate.

 

The focus is on creating a sustainable plan that supports both symptom relief and long-term health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can a naturopath prescribe hormone therapy in Ontario?

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Yes. Ontario naturopathic doctors with prescribing authority can prescribe certain bioidentical hormone therapies when clinically appropriate and within their scope of practice.

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Is hormone therapy safe?

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Hormone therapy is not the right choice for every woman. Its safety depends on factors such as age, time since menopause, personal medical history, and family history. These factors are carefully reviewed during the consultation to determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate.

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Do hormone levels need to be tested?

Not always. Menopause is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and menstrual history. Blood work may be recommended to evaluate other possible contributors to symptoms or when additional information is clinically useful.

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Can menopause cause weight gain?

Hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to changes in body composition, including increased abdominal fat and reduced muscle mass. Sleep disruption, stress, and insulin resistance may also play a role, which is why treatment focuses on supporting metabolism as well as hormones.

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Are natural treatments effective?

Many women experience meaningful improvement with nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements. Others benefit from combining these therapies with hormone therapy. Treatment is tailored to each woman's goals and preferences.

Are you interested in starting hormone therapy? Set up your free 15 minute consult today to get started today