DR. ERIKA SCHIMEK

If you’ve spent the last few weeks, months, or even year feeling like a stranger in your own life, I want you to take a deep breath. You aren’t losing your mind, and you aren't "failing" at adulthood. You are likely experiencing the perimenopause identity shift . This process is a massive identity reconfiguration, and while it feels disorienting, it is a natural part of the midlife transition. Understanding the Perimenopause Identity Shift We talk a lot about the physical sym

New research just dropped on Royal Jelly. Does it actually work for hot flashes and bone health? I’m breaking down the 2025 meta-analysis on the blog today.

Concerned about HRT and breast cancer risk? A 2022 study of 178,000 women sheds new light on hormone therapy safety and mortality. Read the clinical breakdown here.

Migraines & Menopause: What's the big picture? If you feel like your migraines have taken on a life of their own lately, you aren’t imagining it. For many women in their 40s and early 50s, migraines don’t just "show up"—they become more frequent, more intense, and a lot less predictable. I recently went down a rabbit hole with a new narrative review (published just this year in Headache ) that confirms what many of us see in clinical practice: the menopausal transition is a u

Recent research shows vaginal Vitamin D suppositories offer a 96.7% remission rate for dryness and GSM. It’s a powerful non-hormonal alternative or "booster" for vaginal estrogen. My only qualm? The study skipped blood tests. Since the vagina absorbs Vitamin D systemically, a 10,000 IU dose could spike your serum levels. Great for relief, but check your blood levels first to ensure you aren't overdoing it!

Discover my favourite tips from Atomic Habits to make changes stick—start small, stack habits, and shift identity—to build lasting change and achieve your goals.

In Ontario, women can now book a mammogram with no prerequisites. I recently had my first at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie and was surprised by how quick and comfortable it was. Mammograms not only detect breast cancer early but also reveal breast density—important for decisions around hormone therapy. The process took just 10 minutes, and the peace of mind was worth it. Early detection truly matters.

Joint pain in your 40's? Discover how to distinguish perimenopausal aches from osteoarthritis and find the right path to relief.

Struggling with joint or muscle pain? Learn which 5 supplements have the best evidence for easing aches and improving mobility.

Muscle aches, fatigue, or soreness? Explore the link between nutrition, deficiencies, and pain—and how to support your body naturally.