50 episodes

Welcome to the Perimenopausal Mamas podcast! This is a podcast for hormonal mamas who want to reclaim their own natural state of health to thrive and raise healthy kids.



We are two Naturopathic Doctors and moms to toddlers. Dr. Lisa Weeks, ND, practices in Toronto and has a son named Stuart. Dr. Toni Reid, ND, birth doula and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator practices in Calgary and has a daughter named Frankie.



We are perimenopausal mamas!



Our Mission (should you choose to accept it):



Educate you on your hormones and empower you to take control of your own (and your kids’) health.

Share our own tips, tricks and useful tools as perimenopausal moms and Naturopathic Doctors.

Provide cutting-edge info from experts in the health and parenting worlds.



We want to keep things simple, inspire you, and add some fun into your day, without any judgement or overwhelm.



So, what is perimenopause all about?



Perimenopause is the transition period you can experience for years (and years!) before your period stops and you reach menopause. You can start to have symptoms as early as your late 30’s or early 40’s.

You may be perimenopausal if you are:

Noticing that your periods are changing

Getting night sweats, especially leading up to your period

Having difficulty sleeping

Noticing that your libido, energy and enjoyment in life are lacking

Snapping at your partner and kids

Becoming more forgetful and suffer from brain fog

Seeing your weight creep up for no good reason

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out and alone



In this podcast, we will:

Help to uncover the truth about hormonal imbalances that cause troublesome perimenopausal symptoms.

Educate you on and how to make simple lifestyle and nutritional changes to restore balance (and help get you back to being the parent you want to be).

Share our weekly “mom mess-ups”, “super mom moments” and “mom must-haves” (since one of our key survival skills is to laugh at ourselves, even when times are tough).

Pass on our knowledge of nutrition and lifestyle counselling (as Naturopathic Doctors) to help raise healthy kids.

Discuss our experiences (and those of other moms who are experts in their own rights) so we can all work on figuring out the challenge of parenting together.



Not a mom yet...or not plan on becoming one?

No problem!

You can still listen and learn more about your hormones and health.

Even rockstar perimenopausal aunties might be interested in our conversations about relationships, tips about parenting, picky eaters, and more.

The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.8 • 17 Ratings

Welcome to the Perimenopausal Mamas podcast! This is a podcast for hormonal mamas who want to reclaim their own natural state of health to thrive and raise healthy kids.



We are two Naturopathic Doctors and moms to toddlers. Dr. Lisa Weeks, ND, practices in Toronto and has a son named Stuart. Dr. Toni Reid, ND, birth doula and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator practices in Calgary and has a daughter named Frankie.



We are perimenopausal mamas!



Our Mission (should you choose to accept it):



Educate you on your hormones and empower you to take control of your own (and your kids’) health.

Share our own tips, tricks and useful tools as perimenopausal moms and Naturopathic Doctors.

Provide cutting-edge info from experts in the health and parenting worlds.



We want to keep things simple, inspire you, and add some fun into your day, without any judgement or overwhelm.



So, what is perimenopause all about?



Perimenopause is the transition period you can experience for years (and years!) before your period stops and you reach menopause. You can start to have symptoms as early as your late 30’s or early 40’s.

You may be perimenopausal if you are:

Noticing that your periods are changing

Getting night sweats, especially leading up to your period

Having difficulty sleeping

Noticing that your libido, energy and enjoyment in life are lacking

Snapping at your partner and kids

Becoming more forgetful and suffer from brain fog

Seeing your weight creep up for no good reason

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out and alone



In this podcast, we will:

Help to uncover the truth about hormonal imbalances that cause troublesome perimenopausal symptoms.

Educate you on and how to make simple lifestyle and nutritional changes to restore balance (and help get you back to being the parent you want to be).

Share our weekly “mom mess-ups”, “super mom moments” and “mom must-haves” (since one of our key survival skills is to laugh at ourselves, even when times are tough).

Pass on our knowledge of nutrition and lifestyle counselling (as Naturopathic Doctors) to help raise healthy kids.

Discuss our experiences (and those of other moms who are experts in their own rights) so we can all work on figuring out the challenge of parenting together.



Not a mom yet...or not plan on becoming one?

No problem!

You can still listen and learn more about your hormones and health.

Even rockstar perimenopausal aunties might be interested in our conversations about relationships, tips about parenting, picky eaters, and more.

    Episode 221: Why Can't I Sleep? (Re-Release)

    Episode 221: Why Can't I Sleep? (Re-Release)

    In this re-released episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni provide some updated info you need to know about sleep, especially if your sleep has been impacted by perimenopause and the pandemic. Want to stop gaining weight and craving carbs and sugar? Want more energy and better moods? Want to lower your risk of cancer, dementia and diabetes? Don’t wait to sleep when you’re dead!







    Did you know?







    2/3 of people in developed nations fail to sleep at least 8 hours a night!







    Why do you need to get a good night’s sleep?







    Research shows that the less sleep you get, the shorter your life.







    You can’t make up for a poor night’s sleep by sleeping more the next night. 







    As you age, your sleep can be more fragile and sensitive than when you’re younger.







    In this episode, we cover:









    * How insufficient or poor sleep can contribute to your weight gain, make you more emotionally reactive and put your body in fight or flight mode







    * What you can do if your sleep is interrupted







    * How you can tell if you're getting a good night's sleep







    * Important signs that you are not getting enough sleep







    * What lab testing and investigations you need to consider







    * Tips you need to know to get a good night's sleep









    Today’s Mama Must Have:







    Dr. Lisa loves putting a tea bag or two of lemon balm or chamomile tea in Stuart’s bath and using Badger sleep balm on the backs of Stuart’s hands and his feet for extra sleep support.







    Dr. Toni is a big fan of Cyto-Matrix’s Mag Matrix magnesium liquid for Frankie and Bach Flower Rescue Remedy night spray for the whole family. 







    What's Happening?







    Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing info session for expecting parents looking to trust their instincts and their body during labour and birth is happening in May. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register







    Thanks for listening!







    Email us or connect with us on  Facebook  and  Instagram. 







    We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.







    Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!







    Stay safe and healthy everyone!

    Episode 220: How Hormone Changes in Perimenopause Impacts Your Immune Function During Cold and Flu Season

    Episode 220: How Hormone Changes in Perimenopause Impacts Your Immune Function During Cold and Flu Season

    Do you feel like you are constantly getting sick, even though your kids may be a bit older and you already went through the "daycare" illnesses? Do you want to understand how the hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause may increase your susceptibility to cold and flu viruses? Don't fret, there is hope and support for immune function, even if it feels like nature is giving you the middle finger. In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni uncover what is happening and what to do about it.







    In today’s episode, we cover:









    * How your hormones affect your immune function







    * The importance of sleep and exercise to support your immune function







    * Why it’s not a good idea for you to over-exercise







    * What lab tests you should consider to assess your immune function and hormone levels







    * Naturopathic tips to support your immune function







    * Other episodes to check out for more info:



    * Sleep: Episode 73







    * Vitamin D: Episode 204







    * Vaccine optimization: Episode 58













    Today’s Mama Must Have:







    Dr. Lisa is a big fan of using a blend of tea tree and lemon oil, vinegar and water for cleaning, as well as Nellie’s bar soap for stains







    Dr. Toni loves to carve out time for a float for self-care







    What’s Happening?







    Join Dr. Toni online to learn more about self-hypnosis to support your health and hormones in 2024. Click Here and use the code MAMA2024 for a special deal. 







    Thanks for listening!







    Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.







    We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.







    You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.







    Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!







    Stay safe and healthy everyone!







    Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    Episode 219: How to Exercise Properly in Perimenopause and Beyond, with Dr. Loise Perruchoud

    Episode 219: How to Exercise Properly in Perimenopause and Beyond, with Dr. Loise Perruchoud

    In this episode, Dr. Lisa discusses how to shift your exercise focus away from excessive cardio or HITT when you are in perimenopause with Dr. Loise Perruchoud. As you age, your exercise requirements and needs change. Developing a complete exercise program can benefit your weight and metabolism, as well as bone and brain health. Listen in to learn common misconceptions about working out as you age, how to prevent injury and maximize the benefits of your workout.







    Dr. Loise founded NeuroMotion Wellness in 2016, leveraging a PhD in chemistry and her passion for movement. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Dr. Loise is a certified personal trainer and BoneFit instructor. She is  passionate about helping people move and feel better using exercise.







    Dr. Loise specializes in helping women over 50 feel better and live more fulfilling lives using exercise. She uses science to help educate and guide her clients through safe and effective exercises so they can feel more confident in their bodies. She focuses on strengthening the body and stimulating the brain to make her clients physically healthier and also mentally sharper for years to come.







    In today’s episode, we cover:









    * The importance of having a complete and varied exercise program as you age







    * Common misconceptions about working out as you age







    * How to fit in daily movement and activity into your life







    * Why you need to warm up your body before exercise with dynamic stretching







    * How you can get started with the 5 major body movements









    You can connect with Dr. Loise on Facebook, Instagram and at loise@neuromotionwellness.com 







    Join her free online course to prevent and manage osteoporosis here: https://learning.neuromotionwellness.com/osteoporosis-course







    Today’s Mama Must Have:







    Dr. Lisa is a big fan of using swim goggles for shower time so no soap gets into Stuart’s eyes!







    What’s Happening?







    Join Dr. Toni online to learn more about self-hypnosis to support your health and hormones in 2024. Click Here and use the code MAMA2024 for a special deal. 







    Thanks for listening!







    Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.







    We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.







    You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.







    Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!







    Stay safe and healthy everyone!Disclaimer:The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    • 51 min
    Episode 218: Reigniting pleasure & libido in Perimenopause via Movement Medicine with Sharmeen Bhanji-Abeysinghe (re-release)

    Episode 218: Reigniting pleasure & libido in Perimenopause via Movement Medicine with Sharmeen Bhanji-Abeysinghe (re-release)

    In this episode re-release, Dr. Lisa talks with spiritual and somatic movement coach Sharmeen Abeysinghe about what you can do about low libido in perimenopause. Stress and unresolved emotional issues can impact how you behave in the world, especially your sexual expression and libido. Current negative feelings can be related to past trauma and can use up precious energy. Listen in and experience how movement medicine can reignite the pleasure that you deserve.







    Sharmeen was previously on Episode 79







    Sharmeen Abeysinghe is a Spiritual & Somatic Movement Coach for women.  Her areas of focus are the interplay between the body, brain, emotional & energetic self; and how we can influence these through movement. Having experienced developmental trauma growing up, and complex trauma in adulthood, Sharmeen has a deep understanding of how trauma can shape your life. While being an educator for nineteen years, she is adept at simplifying complex information so that it is not only easily digestible, but fun as well! Sharmeen has two brilliant boys aged twelve and nine and is in a committed loving relationship of over twenty years with her loving and supportive husband, Sanka. Sharmeen offers individual & group coaching services through her business MyAlignedLife.ca  







    Sharmeen is an advocate of total health for all; in herself finds this through movement. Since 2022, she has been exploring and re-finding her connection to Universal Energy Source…. Where she has experienced what can only be described as miracles. 







    In today’s episode, we cover:









    * Important causes of your low libido in perimenopause, including stress







    * How current stress and past trauma can impact your libido







    * What is movement medicine and how you can experience increased libido as a beneficial by-product of practice







    * How your need to analyze everything can be related to denying yourself pleasure 







    * The importance of somatic movements practices to increase your connection with your body and your confidence, as well as your ability to experience relaxation and pleasure







    * How to experience pleasure and your own touch in a non-sexual way







    * The importance of slowing down and moving mindfully







    * How research links mindfulness with sexual function in women









    You can connect with Sharmeen on Facebook and Instagram







    Join Sharmeen’s Facebook group







    Free Moving Meditation  







    Free Align into Wealth Frequency 5-day Challenge (begins May 8, 2023): 







    Today’s Mama Must-Have:







    Dr. Lisa is a big fan of Bee keeper’s naturals propolis throat spray and gargling







    What’s Else is Happening?







    Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support t...

    Episode 217: Heavy Periods in Perimenopause - There Is Help!

    Episode 217: Heavy Periods in Perimenopause - There Is Help!

    Up to one-third of women will experience abnormal uterine bleeding in their lifetime. It most commonly occurs when your period first starts as a young teen and then again in perimenopause. Are you worried about going out in fear of leakage and flooding? This episode is for you. You don’t have to suffer - there are solutions out there. Listen in so you can understand what is happening and what to do about it.







    In this episode, we cover:









    * What is a normal period and how you can figure out if your periods are abnormal







    * Why your periods might be abnormal in perimenopause and how hormones, stress and sleep can impact your period







    * What lab testing you need if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding







    * The options available for you to reduce abnormal uterine bleeding







    * Other episodes to check out:



    * Episode 199 - Top 5 Reasons Why You and Your Kids Need Iron







    * Episode 69 - Understanding Uterine Fibroids













    Today’s Mama Must Have:







    Dr. Lisa is a big fan of using Xlear nasal spray with tea tree oil and oregano, nebulized glutathione, acupuncture for dealing with her recent sinus infection







    Dr. Toni loves using her neti pot with saline and xylitol to reduce dryness in winter and congestion that can come with a cold or allergies







    What’s Happening?







    Join Dr. Toni online to learn more about self-hypnosis to support your health and hormones in 2024. Click Here and use the code MAMA2024 for a special deal. 







    Thanks for listening!







    Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.







    We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.







    You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.







    Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!







    Stay safe and healthy everyone!







    Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    • 40 min
    Episode 216: So You Are In Perimenopause…Now What?

    Episode 216: So You Are In Perimenopause…Now What?

    In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss the first steps you can take once you realize that you are in perimenopause. From recognizing the symptoms to lab testing you can consider getting, we review your options, as well as outline a couple of case studies of perimenopausal women who improved how they felt with a naturopathic approach.







    In today’s episode, we cover:









    * How you can recognize the possible symptoms you might experience in perimenopause







    * How your hormones can be fluctuating during perimenopause







    * What lab tests you can discuss with your medical and naturopathic doctor







    * The importance of doing a life inventory and enhancing your environment







    * How your nutrition can impact how you feel in perimenopause







    * 2 case studies of perimenopausal women







    * Past episodes and resources to check out:



    * Perimenopausal Journal to track your symptoms and your menstrual cycle







    * Episode 122 - What is Perimenopause?







    * Episode 203 - Mind Body Connection to Hormones and Health













    Today’s Mama Must Have:







    Dr. Lisa is a big fan of Bee keeper’s natural Propolis throat spray, as well as tea with turmeric, ginger and ground black cumin seeds







    Dr. Toni loves making chia seed pudding for a quick and easy filling breakfast along with her protein hot chocolate







    What’s Happening?







    Join Dr. Toni online to learn more about self-hypnosis to support your health and hormones in 2024. Click Here and use the code MAMA2024 for a special deal. 







    Thanks for listening!







    Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.







    We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.







    You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.







    Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!







    Stay safe and healthy everyone!







    Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

Carmen_AB ,

So glad I found this podcast! Amazing!

I found this podcast and listened to the amazing episode 118 with Jane Durst Pulkys on a day when I was really feeling lost in the perimenopause wilderness. I dictated copious notes into my phone as I was walking and by the end of the episode, I felt like I had a mini action plan. Thank you for putting this out in the world! I can’t wait to listen to all your episodes!

brightwebs ,

Love this podcast!

I am so grateful this podcast exists. I’ve learned so much about perimenopause that I had no idea about before, and about health and wellness tips for me AND my kids. Thank you to Dr Toni and Dr Lisa!

Rad😙😞😙😝 ,

Love it!

Love listening to all the information Toni and Lisa have! Wish I had heard some of this stuff years ago!!

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