The changes experienced during perimenopause are well-documented and increasingly discussed. I feel fortunate to be entering this stage in my 40s, benefiting from the wealth of information and societal openness that many women before us did not have. As a naturopath who has the privilege of supporting many women through these hormonal changes, my aim is to empower them to best support themselves. My role is to provide guidance, support, and to help steer them back on track. I often reflect on why this natural and inevitable transition can be so unsettling, and how I can best assist the women who come to see me.

Of course, no two women are exactly the same. There seem to be unicorns among us who navigate these changes somewhat unscathed—what are their secrets? Just like other hormonal changes, we will travel this journey together, yet each will have a different experience. This is why personalized care is essential for achieving successful change. Whether it involves sleep, weight gain, anxiety, or hot flashes, you are unlikely to share an identical path with your friends or family.

I can’t tell you exactly why some women suffer more than others. Surely, genetics play a role. How you took care of yourself over the years likely contributes as well. For those who have had babies, experiences such as morning sickness and pregnancy weight gain varied widely among us. Each of our journeys to womanhood is unique—consider the age at which you got your period and how heavy or regular your cycles were.

While it is important to acknowledge individual needs during this time, there are foundational elements that matter to us all. Nutrition is undoubtedly the foundation of great health. Through our daily nutrition, we establish the groundwork for our well-being. Supporting healthy digestion and bowel habits is also crucial to ensure we are getting the most from our food. When women tell me that they only go to the bathroom every few days, I know we must start with the basics. For some, this has been a lifelong issue, while for others, it seems to arise with hormonal changes.

As your body begins to change, it is essential to make adjustments as well. I encourage you to view this not negatively, but as a natural part of life. Entering new stages is healthy and normal. Finding the right balance can sometimes be a challenge, but knowing that you are not the first and won’t be the last may provide some comfort. I have found that nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine have helped many women navigate this time with greater ease. It is particularly rewarding to assist women in finding balance and wellness amid unpredictability.