Feeling tired all the time? Struggling with brain fog and irritability? Before you chalk it up to just another annoying perimenopause symptom, listen up. There may be more to the story.

In this conversation with Naturopathic Doctors Nic and Nat, we are diving deep into iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, revealing just how pervasive this issue is among perimenopausal women. You’ll learn how Doctors Nic and Nat treat their patients with low iron levels so they can get back to feeling their best.

In This Episode:

• What iron deficiency is and how it differs from iron deficiency anemia
• The surprising symptoms of low iron that often mimic perimenopause symptoms
• When iron IV infusions may be necessary and how the treatment process works
• The pros and cons of oral iron supplements for treating deficiency
• Why proper testing and follow-up are crucial for effective iron deficiency treatment
• Why iron supplementation must always be done under the guidance of a qualified medical professional

So, grab your favorite iron-rich snack (spinach smoothie, anyone?) and let's dive in.

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

• Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
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About Dr. Nic + Nat

Dr. Nic and Dr. Nat—twin sisters, naturopathic doctors, and menopause society certified practitioners. They're also the founders of Durham Natural Health Center, the creators of the Empowered Midlife Hub and the Perimenopause Playbook.

Over their 15 years of clinical practice experience, they've helped thousands of women navigate perimenopause and menopause, guiding them from feeling tired, irritable, and depleted to feeling energized, confident, and thriving. They know how challenging this time of life can be because they're living it and have seen it firsthand with so many women.

That's why they've developed their Empowered Midlife framework that includes menopause hormone therapy, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to help women regain their vitality and take control of their health. They love educating about the menopause transitions and you might catch them sharing insights on Rogers TV, podcasts, or speaking to organizations like TD Bank and the Ministry of Finance. It's their mission to help women in their 40s and 50s feel empowered and supported as they embrace this stage of life.

When they're not in clinic, you will find them hanging out with their kiddos and families. Dr. Nic is the boy mom with 3 boys under 9 and Dr. Nat the girl mom with 2 little girls aged 5 and 7. They love to stay active and you will also find them at the gym or training for their newest fitness love – HYROX racing. They're passionate about helping women like you rediscover your energy, confidence, and sense of self—because you deserve to feel amazing, no matter what chapter you're in.



Links for this episode

Durham Natural Health Centre

Follow Dr. Nic and Nat on Instagram

Follow Durham Natural Health Centre on Instagram

If you're ready to stop surviving on coffee and cat naps, this episode is a must-listen.

In the first episode of our Reclaim Your Rest with Endy series, we sit down with Dr. Jen Zelovitzky, the Clinical Director of Women's Health and Vitality at Medcan and a specialist in women's health and midlife transitions. Our goal? To unpack the complex interplay of hormones, neurotransmitters, and lifestyle factors that can sabotage your sleep during perimenopause and beyond.

Dr. Jen shares her expert insights on how to identify the root causes of your sleep challenges and how to tackle them. Because to paraphrase Dr. Jen, if you're not sleeping, nothing else is working.

In this episode:

• Why addressing sleep disturbances should be a top priority in perimenopause care
• How hormonal shifts can hijack your sleep
• How to identify the root cause of your sleep disturbances so you can find the right remedy to help you get back to sleep
• The role of key neurotransmitters like orexin and serotonin in regulating sleep
• Medications to target sleep disruptors, like hormone therapy, sleep medicines, antidepressants, and other pharmaceutical options
• The power of CBT-I and other non-drug approaches for improving sleep

You're not doomed to be a sleep-deprived zombie for the rest of your life. With the right knowledge, support, and maybe a new mattress, you too can reclaim your rest.

This episode is brought to you by Endy, Canada’s leading online mattress brand, trusted by over 1 million sleepers. Endy’s mattresses are designed to keep you cool and supported all night long, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day. With three comfort options—plush, medium-firm, and firm—you can find the perfect fit for your body and sleep style. And the best part? Endy delivers straight to your door, so upgrading your sleep is simpler than ever. Check them out at endy.com.

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

• Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook

Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky

Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky is a certified Menopause Specialist and the Clinical Director of Women’s Health at Medcan Toronto. Follow her on socials @DrJenZelo where she helps women better understand their bodies and advocate for their needs in the Canadian Healthcare system. She is also the mom of 2 amazing daughters and 3 fur babies.

Links for this episode

• Dr. Jen Zelovitzky on Instagram
• Medcan Women’s Health
• www.drjenzelo.ca
• Read Dr. Jen’s Blogs

New year, new goals… same confusion about what to actually do in the gym? Meet David Caixeiro, the fitness and lifestyle coach who’s training Mikelle to do an unassisted pull-up. From busting workout myths to rethinking New Year’s resolutions, David shares why lifting weights is one of the best things women can do for their health, and how to do it. And no, you will not get “bulky”!

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why New Year’s resolutions can work—if they’re value-based and realistic
• The five key movement patterns everyone should train
• The power of consistency, behavior-based goals, and small wins
• Why the scale doesn’t tell the full story (hello, non-scale victories)
• Common mistakes people make in the gym—and how to avoid them
• Why getting “bulky” isn’t a real concern
• Why mobility, walking, rest, sleep, and meditation are underrated game-changers
• How to find a trainer who actually knows what they’re doing
• Practical advice for beginners who don’t know where to start

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

• Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook

David Caixeiro, Fitness and Lifestyle Coach

David is a Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Coach, and former Team Canada Bobsleigh athlete. With nearly 10 years of experience helping people build stronger, fitter, and more capable bodies, his mission is to help others live healthier and more fulfilling lives through functional fitness, mindfulness, and sustainable lifestyle change.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and has completed advanced training in Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, Health Coaching, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Functional Movement, Corrective Exercise, Neurolinguistic Programming, behavior-change psychology, and sleep, stress management, and recovery.

Links for this episode

David Caixeiro Instagram