If you’ve ever been told to “just deal with it” when your periods are brutal or your energy disappears in your 40s, this conversation is for you. I’m Carlene Humphrey, and I’m joined by Dr. Anne-Marie Regina, a Greatee Toronto-area naturopathic doctor and Menopause Society certified practitioner, to get honest about what perimenopause and menopause can really look like and what you can do before things spiral.
We break down the difference between normal cramps and severe period pain that signals something deeper, including endometriosis and fibroids. Dr. Regina explains why perimenopause can feel like a “zone of chaos” with irregular cycles and shifting symptoms, and why a proper assessment matters. We also talk about overlapping conditions like PCOS, plus how personal history, family history, thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, and past treatments can affect when symptoms show up.
Then we go practical. We connect heavy menstrual bleeding to iron deficiency and anemia, and we make lab terms like ferritin and hemoglobin finally make sense. Dr. Regina shares evidence-informed supports many women ask about, including vitamin D3, hydration, and creatine monohydrate for energy, mood, and brain fog. We also discuss hormone therapy, including why it should be on the table after surgical menopause from a full hysterectomy, and how patient-centered decision-making weighs risks and benefits.
If you want clearer answers, better questions to ask your provider, and reliable menopause resources like menopause.org, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
If you want to work with Dr. Ann Marie or do some research here is her contact information!
Website link: https://www.drannmarieregina-nd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.regina_nd/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.regina_nd
Menopause society - finding a practitioner: https://menopause.org/patient-education/choosing-a-healthcare-practitioner
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