Understanding your menopause journey: Why expert-led, personalized care matters

Menopause doesn’t look the same for everyone. But too often, the care does. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. With the right support, space to be heard, and care that fits your life, menopause can feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more manageable.

"When you suddenly don't recognize the body you've lived in for decades, having that 'aha moment' about what's happening behind the scenes can transform confusion into clarity. From that place of understanding; we can consider what treatment approaches you want to explore." - Dr. Allen, Naturopathic Doctor - TELUS Health MyCare

Menopause care is now available through the TELUS Health MyCare app, so we can deliver the kind of care this stage deserves: expert-led, personalized, and ready when you are. You can book an appointment with the following practitioners who are all Menopause Society Certified.

Catherine Demeo, Nurse Practitioner

Primary care (50 min appointment) – Hormone and symptom management

Dr. Cheryl Allen, Naturopathic Doctor 

(70  min appointment) – Evidence-based holistic menopause care

Jamila Kanji, Registered Dietitian 

 (50 min appointment) Nutrition strategies designed for menopause

We sat down with the three Menopause Society Certified Providers on the app to learn more about why they are excited to work with TELUS Health MyCare and what you can expect from an appointment with them.

Taking time to truly listen

One of the most meaningful parts of menopause care? Feeling heard. Real support starts with time and space to talk, not with being rushed or reduced to a checklist.

"You really can't rush good menopause care. When hormones start to change in perimenopause and through to post menopause it creates a ripple effect of symptoms. From hot flashes and mood fluctuations to weight gain, sleep disruptions and joint pain—extended appointments give us the space to really hear what is happening for you... right now." -  Dr. Cheryl Allen, ND

This approach recognizes that menopause isn't just about hot flashes. It's a complex transition that can affect many systems in the body. Catherine Demeo, Nurse Practitioner on the TELUS Health MyCare app, explains: "Extended appointment times give us the space to truly explore the wide range of symptoms and systems that can be impacted by menopause. It allows for meaningful conversations where women can share their experiences without feeling rushed. Just being heard and understood can be a powerful part of the process.

For many women, this validation alone can be transformative. Registered Dietitian Jamila Kanji notes: "Many women feel like they have not been heard or that their symptoms have been dismissed." When healthcare providers take time to listen and validate your experience, it creates the foundation for effective, personalized care.

Debunking common misconceptions

"You're just getting older"

Perhaps the most frustrating thing women hear is that their symptoms are just part of aging. Dr. Allen ND addresses this head-on: "When we lump everything under 'normal aging,' we miss incredible opportunities to address symptoms that could be hormone-related."

This kind of dismissal doesn't just minimize your experience, it can delay access to treatments that make a meaningful difference. "Research shows that estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence nearly every system in your body. Your joint pain, brain fog, or sudden sleep struggles might not just be 'getting older. They might be hormone changes calling your attention." - Dr. Allen, ND

"You're too young"

Another barrier many women face is being told they're too young for menopause-related symptoms. Dr. Allen ND clarifies: "Menopause doesn't have an age requirement. It doesn't check your ID. While the average age of menopause is around 51, most women start experiencing symptoms years earlier during perimenopause (which literally means 'around menopause')."

Catherine Demeo reinforces this point: "A common misconception is that women need to wait until they are officially 'in menopause' before seeking support or treatment. In reality, symptoms can begin years before. Early support can make a big difference during the menopause transition."

No two menopause journeys are the same

Understanding that every menopause experience is different helps us deliver care that actually supports it. Dr. Allen ND explains: "While every woman going through menopause will eventually reach the same destination of lower overall hormone levels, the journey of how we get there varies from person to person. Some women experience dramatic ups and downs, while others have a more gradual decrease."

The differences in experience extend beyond hormones. "Most women going through menopause are juggling a lot, whether it's caring for aging parents while still supporting your own kids, dealing with work pressures, financial stress, or relationship changes." Life doesn’t pause for menopause. What’s happening around you can affect how you experience it.
 

"No two menopause journeys are alike, and the process is rarely linear. I focus on identifying each woman's most bothersome symptoms and what matters most to her. From there, we prioritize care in a way that supports her quality of life and personal goals." - Catherine Demeo, NP

Evidence-based natural approaches

Many women are curious about natural treatment options but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information. Dr. Allen ND acknowledges this challenge: "Then during those sleepless nights you are scrolling on social media to find countless posts about the latest 'miracle' menopause supplement. It's overwhelming, and honestly, it can be hard to separate fact from hype."

However, evidence-based natural approaches do exist. "Practicing evidence based medicine; natural therapies often have smaller studies compared to pharmaceutical research, that doesn't mean the evidence isn't there. We have both current research as well as traditional use and practice to guide us."

Dr. Allen ND emphasizes an important caveat: "'Natural' doesn't automatically mean safe. Herbs can interact with medications and aren't appropriate for everyone. This is exactly why working with a practitioner who understands these complexities is so important."

Nutrition's role in menopause care

Diet can play a big role in managing menopause symptoms, but the approach has to be personal. Jamila Kanji explains: "It is quite common to see LDL cholesterol increase in the menopause transition so for some women it will be important to make changes to address this. Digestive health can also become an issue for some women so in this case ensuring women are consuming adequate fibre will be important."

For weight management concerns, Kanji takes a holistic approach: "I look at weight management during menopause from a variety of perspectives. I like to incorporate other metrics into the conversation including cardiovascular health, bone density and muscle mass. The ultimate goal is to always feel good and comfortable in our bodies while also recognizing that our bodies may change as we age."

The power of collaborative care

One of the most exciting developments in this menopause care is the collaborative team approach. Dr. Allen ND expresses enthusiasm about this model: "I have envisioned for a long time the impact that being part of a team approach will have on optimizing the health of the clients we work with."

This collaborative approach offers comprehensive treatment options. "This skilled team can offer a comprehensive toolkit: nutrition strategies, herbal and supplement therapies, lifestyle modifications, hormone therapy, prescription medications." The key advantage is coordination. "When we share our observations and coordinate our treatments, that's when you get the most comprehensive, effective care."

We’re here when you’re ready

You don't have to navigate menopause alone or accept that suffering is inevitable. Whether you're experiencing early perimenopausal symptoms or are well into your menopause transition, personalized, evidence-based care can help you feel like yourself again.

Remember, as Dr. Allen ND emphasizes: "You are the expert on your own body. If something feels new, different, or just 'off,' that's a great cue to seek out a menopause specialist."

Legal: Nurse practitioner appointments require payment of $250. Licensed naturopath appointments require a payment of $350.  Registered dietitian appointments require a payment of $150. Full scope HRT can only be prescribed by a Nurse Practitioner. Any payments for appointments must be paid using a valid credit card. An in-app receipt will be provided post appointment for you to claim for reimbursement if applicable.