Posts in Women's Health
The Overlooked Side of Menopause: Vaginal Health Matters
The Overlooked Side of Menopause: Vaginal Health Matters

Vaginal and urinary changes during perimenopause and menopause are extremely common, yet often go unspoken. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) can cause dryness, irritation, discomfort with intimacy, and urinary symptoms, affecting up to 100% of women, though only 14% discuss it with their provider.

Effective treatments exist: vaginal moisturizers hydrate and support tissue health, vaginal estrogen safely restores local estrogen and improves function, and lubricants can reduce friction during intimacy. These symptoms don’t have to be endured, talking with your healthcare provider is the first step toward relief.

Read More
Women's Health, Hormone Health, Menstrual healthJanine Buisman Wilcox
Beyond Hormones: The 3 Hidden Drivers Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms. 
Beyond Hormones: The 3 Hidden Drivers Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms. 

I’m hosting a free online masterclass: Beyond Hormones: The 3 Hidden Drivers Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms, happening March 23 at 7pm and March 24 at noon. If you’re navigating this stage of life — or know someone who is — I’d love for you to join us (or pass it along!).

In the session, we’ll talk about some important things I hope every woman remembers during perimenopause: your experience matters, your baseline health (nutrition, sleep, movement, stress) plays a huge role, and prevention for things like cardiovascular health and bone density is incredibly powerful.

If this perspective resonates with you, register here: www.ndguelph.ca/perimenopause — we’ll dive much deeper into the often-overlooked contributors to perimenopause symptoms.

Read More
Healthy Habits, Women's HealthJanine Buisman Wilcox
3 Hidden Drivers Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms
3 Hidden Drivers Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms

One area of women’s health that’s getting much more attention recently is perimenopause and menopause care. While this increased awareness has helped many women better understand their bodies and treatment options, it’s also created a lot of confusion, fear, and “meno-washing” marketing.

The reality is that there’s much more to perimenopause symptoms than just hormones. That’s why I’m hosting a free one-hour online masterclass: Beyond Hormones: 3 Hidden Drivers Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms, where we’ll explore what’s really happening and how to take a root-cause approach to support your body through this transition.

Read More
Healthy Habits, Women's HealthJanine Buisman Wilcox
The simplest way to boost your mood this winter.
The simplest way to boost your mood this winter.

It’s been a long winter, and many people are feeling it. Low energy, low motivation, a little more burnout than usual. While we know brighter days are coming, you deserve support now, too.

My biggest tip? Plan for movement, and make it small. When mood dips, we don’t need a long workout. We need five easy, scheduled minutes. A quick walk, a short spin, a few stretches before your shower. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Put it in your day.

Tiny, consistent movement can be a powerful mood reset, especially when you need it most.

Read More
Healthy Habits, Women's Health, Exercise, Mental HealthJanine Buisman Wilcox
Told you have fibroids? Here are two tests to have done!
Told you have fibroids? Here are two tests to have done!

Uterine fibroids are very common, affecting up to 50% of women. While some people have no symptoms, others experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or fertility challenges, and many care plans involve monitoring growth or considering medical or surgical treatment when needed.

Two simple, often missed steps can help. Low vitamin D is linked to a higher risk of fibroids, and correcting a deficiency has been associated with stabilizing growth, reducing size, and lowering recurrence, testing is recommended in Canadian gynecology guidelines. Iron is also key, as heavy bleeding can lead to deficiency and worsen symptoms, and optimizing iron before procedures like myomectomy or uterine artery embolization can support better recovery.

Read More
Body Care, Healthy Habits, Hormone Health, Women's HealthJanine Buisman Wilcox
Information Overload
Information Overload

Information is everywhere and it’s equal parts helpful and overwhelming. No matter what phase of life you’re in, the noise can make health goals feel confusing and heavy.

Here’s the real solution: you don’t need more information, you need a clear plan and the right support. Trust your body, lean on a solid health team, and step away from the internet rabbit holes. Strategy builds confidence, and confidence makes change sustainable.

Read More
Body Care, Healthy Habits, Hormone Health, Women's HealthJanine Buisman Wilcox
Menopause & You: Why a Multidisciplinary Approach to Care Matters
Menopause & You: Why a Multidisciplinary Approach to Care Matters

The human body is incredibly complex. Hormones, cells, and neurotransmitters don't work in isolation. They’re constantly interacting with a host of other factors, from genetics and nutrition to sleep, stress, trauma, and even our social environment. When it comes to health, especially chronic or transitional conditions, there's rarely a single cause or cure. Instead, a web of influences can shape how we experience and respond to what’s happening in our bodies. Let’s dive in.

Read More
Hormone Health, Menstrual health, Women's HealthJanine Buisman WilcoxMenopause, womens heath, Hormones
Is Fatigue Just Part of Motherhood? Or Is There More to the Story?
Is Fatigue Just Part of Motherhood? Or Is There More to the Story?

As a mom, you’re probably all too familiar with the phrase, “You’re a mom, that’s normal.” But is it really? When it comes to fatigue, stress, and their general health, many moms are told this by family members or even doctors. But here's the thing: fatigue is not always just a part of motherhood. It could be a sign of something more, and I think it’s time we dig a little deeper.

Read More
Women's Health, Mental Health, ParentingJanine Buisman Wilcoxwomens heath, lab work., Mental Health