Feeling exhausted, lightheaded, short of breath, or noticing increased hair shedding? Low iron could be one possible explanation.

Iron deficiency is common, particularly in people who menstruate, but it can affect anyone. While oral iron supplements are typically the first treatment considered, they do not work well for everyone. For some people, an iron infusion, also known as intravenous or IV iron, may be an option.

Two commonly used options are the estrogen patch and estrogen gel. Both deliver estradiol through the skin and into the bloodstream, but they differ in how they’re applied, how often you use them, and what may work best with your lifestyle.

One of the biggest misconceptions about perimenopause is that it starts around age 50. In reality, menopause typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51. But perimenopause begins before menopause, often several years earlier.

When most people think about menopause hormone therapy (MHT), they think about hot flashes, night sweats, and maybe trouble sleeping.

Those are certainly some of the most common reasons women seek treatment. But they are only part of the story.

For many people living with PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, formerly known as PCOS), GLP-1 medications may help address one of the underlying drivers of the condition: metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance.

If you've started looking into menopause hormone therapy (MHT), you've probably noticed that there are a lot of conflicting opinions online.

Some articles describe it as life-changing. Others still warn that it's dangerous.

So which is true?

For years, healthcare providers have known that the name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) doesn't accurately describe the condition.

For years, many women were told to wait until their symptoms became severe before considering treatment. Others were told to avoid hormone therapy altogether due to outdated concerns about safety.

Today, we have a much better understanding of menopause hormone therapy (MHT), including who benefits most and when it may be safest and most effective to start.

While weight reduction is certainly one of their most visible effects, the science behind these medications is far more interesting. In my practice, I often discuss GLP-1 therapies not simply as weight loss medications, but as tools that can help improve metabolic health, insulin regulation, inflammation, and overall health outcomes.

It is no secret that living in the Okanagan comes with certain "perks." From the sun-drenched slopes of the Naramata Bench to the world-class tasting rooms in West Kelowna, wine culture is woven into our local lifestyle.

But for many women navigating the complexities of hormone health, a common question arises: Can I enjoy our local vintage and still keep my hormones happy?