My Journey with Hormone Therapy

Perimenopause hit me (Jenn here!) like a tidal wave. For months, I found myself waking every night at 2 or 3 am, unable to fall back asleep. Anxiety crept in and my emotions became unpredictable…I used to call it my “crazy lady syndrome” because I could go from calm to uncontrollable in seconds. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating made even simple tasks feel daunting.

Like many women, I tried to manage these symptoms with lifestyle changes like nutrition, exercise, mindfulness. These helped, but they didn’t touch the intensity of what I was going through. Eventually, I made the personal decision to start hormone therapy.

A controversial topic

Hormone therapy (HT or also referred to as HRT) has been debated for decades. Many of us grew up hearing warnings about risks, especially around breast cancer. It’s still a controversial choice, and I want to be clear: as a registered dietitian, this is not within my scope, but I feel it’s important to share and bring light to this important topic. This is me being transparent about my journey and what has helped me.

For me, hormone therapy (specifically estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) has been life-changing to say the least. My sleep improved, my anxiety calmed, and I felt like myself again. Much clearer, steadier, and more in control.

Looking at the bigger picture

What ultimately gave me confidence was the research. Studies show that estrogen therapy can support:

• Brain health: Lowering the risk of dementia and supporting cognitive function.
• Heart health: Offering protection against heart disease, the leading cause of death for women.
• Bone health: Reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Diabetes & colon cancer: Decreasing the likelihood of developing certain chronic conditions.

Of course, hormone therapy isn’t for everyone. Some risks exist, and the decision is deeply personal. But for me, the benefits outweighed the concerns, and the improvements in my quality of life have been undeniable.

Why I’m sharing this

Talking openly about menopause and perimenopause is important. Too often, women suffer in silence or dismiss their symptoms as “just getting older.” My hope in sharing my story is not to give medical advice but to reduce the stigma, to let other women know they’re not alone, and to encourage you to explore your options…whether that’s nutrition, lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or a combination.

Perimenopause can feel like losing control of your body, but there are paths to feeling like yourself again. This has been mine.

If you’re navigating perimenopause and want nutrition strategies to support your journey, I’d love to connect. Book a consultation today.

Disclaimer: This blog reflects my personal experience with hormone therapy and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.

Dietitian in Ontario Specializing in Perimenopause: Expert Guidance for Women’s Health

Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause, and it can last several years. During this time, hormonal shifts may bring on a variety of physical and emotional changes. Many women experience weight gain, fatigue, digestive issues, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. These changes can often feel frustrating and overwhelming.

At Spark Nutrition & Health, we provide expert support to help women manage this stage with confidence. Working with a Perimenopause Dietitian in Ontario means receiving personalized strategies designed for your body, lifestyle, and goals. Our registered dietitians understand the unique challenges of perimenopause and use evidence-based nutrition to make this stage more manageable and empowering.

Why Nutrition During Perimenopause Matters

During perimenopause, your body is adjusting to changes in estrogen and progesterone. These shifts affect metabolism, appetite, sleep, and even mood. Many women notice weight gain around the midsection, irregular digestion, and changes in energy levels.

Nutrition plays a powerful role in helping your body adapt. The right foods and lifestyle strategies can:

• Support hormone balance
• Improve digestion and gut health
• Boost energy and reduce fatigue
• Support better sleep
• Help maintain a healthy weight

With the guidance of a perimenopause-focused dietitian, you can learn how to fuel your body in a way that works with your changing needs.

How a Dietitian Specializing in Perimenopause Can Help

Every woman’s experience with perimenopause is different. That’s why generic advice often falls short. Our Dietitians specialize in this stage of life, offering a tailored approach that considers your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle.

This personalized support can help you:

• Understand how hormones affect metabolism and appetite
• Create a sustainable eating plan that balances cravings and energy levels
• Learn strategies to manage digestive discomfort and bloating
• Support bone and heart health for long-term wellness

By working with a professional who understands perimenopause, you gain tools and strategies that give you more balance and control in your daily life.

Nutrition Counseling for Women

At Spark Nutrition & Health, we offer personalized nutrition counseling designed specifically for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Our programs focus on:

• Supporting hormone balance naturally
• Improving digestion and gut function
• Encouraging healthy and sustainable weight management
• Reducing cravings and emotional eating
• Building energy and supporting restful sleep

Our approach is practical and supportive, giving you realistic strategies that fit your lifestyle. With ongoing guidance, you’ll feel more confident in managing symptoms while still enjoying the foods you love.

Services We Provide

Our perimenopause-focused services are designed to help you feel supported throughout this stage. These include:

• Personalized nutrition advice for hormone support and weight management
• Strategies for digestive health to reduce bloating and improve comfort
• Energy-boosting tips to fight fatigue and promote better sleep
• Support for cravings and snacking, helping you feel in control of your eating habits
• Ongoing accountability through virtual sessions, education, and progress tracking

Your Path to Balanced Midlife Health Begins Here

Perimenopause doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right nutrition and lifestyle support, you can feel more energized, balanced, and confident.

At Spark Nutrition & Health, our Dietitians are here to guide you through this transition with care and expertise.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, improve your energy, and manage perimenopause symptoms more effectively, we’re here to help.

Book a consultation with a Dietitian in Ontario today and discover how personalized nutrition can transform your midlife journey.

The Spark Approach to Sustainable Fat Loss in Midlife 

Losing weight in perimenopause is different, but not impossible. At Spark Nutrition and Health, we understand that traditional advice doesn’t always work for women in their 40s and 50s+. That’s why we take a personalized approach. 

Here’s what we focus on: 

• Empowering education: Understand how hormones, metabolism, and stress impact your body 

• Strategic nutrition: Focus on protein, fibre, and real food 

• Accountability and support: You don’t have to figure it all out alone 

• Habit-building: Small, consistent actions that actually fit into your life 

We help clients lose fat, boost energy, and feel strong, without dieting, guilt, or confusion. This is about more than weight loss. It’s about feeling good in your body again. 

You Don’t Need a Diet. Here’s What You Need Instead. 

Diets aren’t designed for midlife women. They’re usually based on restriction, short-term thinking, and ignoring your hormones. That’s why they often fail, leaving you feeling discouraged and disconnected from your body. 

Here’s what works instead: 

• Fueling your body consistently to avoid energy dips and cravings 

• Prioritizing protein and whole foods to support hormones and metabolism 

• Honouring hunger and fullness instead of ignoring or suppressing them 

• Building sustainable habits around movement, sleep, and stress 

When you learn to work with your body, not against it, food becomes less stressful, and your goals feel more achievable. You don’t need to follow a meal plan to feel your best. You need tools, support, and strategies that adapt to your life. 

What to Expect in Your First Nutrition Appointment 

Nervous about meeting with a dietitian? Don’t be! It’s not about judgment, it’s about understanding your body and building a plan that works for you. 

At Spark Nutrition and Health, our first session is a relaxed, supportive conversation.  

We explore: 

• Your goals and health history 

• Your current eating patterns, lifestyle, and symptoms 

• What your typical day looks like, including meals, snacks, sleep, and stress 

• A realistic, personalized plan tailored to your body and lifestyle 

You’ll walk away with clear next steps and support. Many clients say they feel empowered and relieved after just one session. Follow-ups are where the magic happens. This is where we fine-tune strategies and keep you accountable.