In this insightful episode of The Conscious Fertility and Beyond Podcast, Dr. Lorne Brown is joined by his colleagues from Acubalance, Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis and Dr. Ashley Damm, to demystify perimenopause and menopause. 

Together they unpack the hormonal fluctuations behind symptoms like brain fog, sleep changes, and mood shifts—and explain why resilience and lifestyle foundations are key to thriving through midlife. From hormone therapy to nutrition and mindset, this conversation offers both science and compassion for women navigating this natural transition. 

Key takeaways:

• Perimenopause starts earlier than most think: Symptoms can appear up to 10 years before menopause and vary widely between women.
• Lab tests don’t tell the full story: Hormone levels fluctuate too much for a single blood test to define perimenopause—symptoms matter more.
• Resilience is the real root: It’s not just declining hormones, but our body’s adaptability—sleep, stress, diet, and emotional regulation—that determine how we feel.
• Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) is safe and effective when used correctly: The original fears from early studies were largely due to outdated synthetic hormones and misinterpreted data.
• Lifestyle medicine is foundational: Building muscle, improving sleep, balancing blood sugar, and nourishing the adrenals are non-negotiables for long-term vitality. 

But here’s the secret: you’re not broken. You’re becoming.

Menopause isn’t a disease to be treated — it’s a transformation to be supported. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we don’t see menopause as the end of something. We see it as a rebirth — a powerful shift in Jing, Qi, and Shen — that can bring wisdom, vitality, and even deeper connection to yourself.

And yes, it’s possible to feel like yourself again (maybe even better). Here’s how to survive — and thrive — during menopause.

The Menopause Current is where transition becomes transformation. Because when women come together, healing happens: https://acubalance.ca/the-menopause-current/

More links:

• https://acubalance.ca/acubalance-longevity-diet-basic-principles-and-recipes/
• How to Thrive During Menopause Naturally: A Holistic Guide to Balance, Energy & Ease
• You Are Not Losing It — Just Changing: Understanding Perimenopause - Acubalance Wellness Centre
• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Menopause Relief in Vancouver | Acubalance
• Say Goodbye to Hot Flashes: Natural Solutions for Hormonal Balance - Acubalance Wellness Centre
• Can Progesterone Support Help with Weight Loss in Perimenopause and Menopause? - Acubalance Wellness Centre
• https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx 

Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis Bio:

Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis is a women’s health expert and Clinical Director of Naturopathy at Acubalance Wellness Centre. Her clinical focus includes reproductive endocrinology, fertility optimization, and menopause hormone therapy, with a commitment to evidence-informed, integrative care.

She is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia, and a member of the BC Naturopathic Association (BCNA), Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (EndoANP), and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). Dr. MacIsaac Francis is also a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and holds the Prescriptive Authority in British Columbia.

Dr. Ashley Damm Bio:

Dr. Ashley Damm is a Naturopathic Doctor with a special interest in women’s health, including PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, and digestive wellness. She combines evidence-based medicine with a holistic approach to help women restore balance and vitality through all stages of life.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University, completing Cooperative Studies in Research and Development, and later obtained her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Damm is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and holds a Prescriptive Authority in British Columbia. 

Where To Find Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis & Dr. Ashley Damm:  

• Acubalance Wellness Centre: https://acubalance.ca/our-clinic/

📧  For guest opportunities, collaborations or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at: hello@healthyseminars.com

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown 

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@conscious_fertility_podcast

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.