Isabelle Carron: “Menopause is not a decline.” 

We asked a few questions to Isabelle Carron, our founder and naturopath, to help us better understand perimenopause and menopause — and navigate this transition with (almost) complete peace of mind. 

It’s a natural stage of life, marking the end of fertility. It’s not the beginning of the end, as society often suggests, but rather the start of a new cycle. As a naturopath, I see it as a major transition — physical, hormonal, emotional, and even spiritual — that deserves to be supported with gentleness and precision. Every woman experiences menopause in her own way. 

On average, it begins around age 51, but perimenopause can start much earlier — sometimes as early as 40. The age varies greatly, which is exactly why personalised support is so important. 

The most common ones are hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, unexplained fatigue, irregular periods, brain fog, low spirits, weight gain, joint pain… there’s quite a list to choose from! I believe more than 70 possible symptoms have been recorded. But remember — not everyone experiences them, or not in the same way. Other symptoms can also appear later: vaginal dryness, decreased libido, anxiety. I also see changes in skin, digestion, and overall vitality. It’s often a disorienting time. 

Well, I started with a good dose of denial! My periods became irregular, then I bled non-stop for two months… all while experiencing intense night sweats that woke me up. I went to the gynaecologist, who told me I was likely in perimenopause and gave me tests and a support treatment to follow. I didn’t do either — and the very next day, everything went back to normal 😉 

That phase felt a lot like adolescence — uncomfortable in your own skin, what used to work no longer does, and symptoms come and go without warning. It was unsettling, but also brought new interests, strong intuitions, and a huge breath of freedom! I changed my diet, incorporated more movement, and supported my detox organs — especially the liver and adrenals. That helped me stay more balanced. 

It depends on the individual. Hormone therapy can be an excellent option, but it’s not for everyone. Plants and medicinal mushrooms can also provide great support: sage, soy, ashwagandha, reishi, red clover… In naturopathy, we aim to restore balance naturally, supporting the body rather than forcing it into a fixed model. 

How can you manage hot flashes naturally? 

Support the liver, avoid stimulants (alcohol, coffee, sugar), incorporate adaptogenic plants like sage or shatavari, and nourish the adrenals. Sauna can also help — surprisingly! But you have to test and adjust. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. 

It’s multifactorial — hormonal, emotional, relational. You can boost overall vitality, circulation, and natural oestrogen levels. Lubricants are helpful too, since the vaginal wall thins and dries out after oestrogen drops — hyaluronic acid or even a pea-sized amount of oestrogen cream can help. It’s essential to keep seeing your gynaecologist and speak up if intercourse becomes painful. Above all, you need to reclaim your body and your pleasure — without pressure. And remember, menopause is a transformation your partner also needs to understand and embrace. 

By staying active, nourishing your muscles, improving sleep, and embracing a diet rich in omega-3, calcium, and magnesium. Listen to your needs — not external dogmas. 

Move often, lighten your plate without weakening it, increase protein intake, lift weights, get good sleep, pleasure, connection. Take vitamin D3 daily from October to May (if you live in a northern climate). Support your detox organs — liver, gut, adrenals. That’s the foundation of long-term vitality. 

Instead of banning, I prefer to say: favour plant-based foods, omega-3s, quality proteins, flax seeds, and whole carbohydrates. Reduce ultra-processed foods, fast sugars, and stimulants. 

Say yes to: 

Go easy on: 

With declining oestrogen, collagen and hydration drop. Skin can become drier, thinner. Hair may thin out. You need to nourish from the inside (antioxidants, omega-3, zinc…) and the outside with gentle, targeted care. The more the skin’s natural systems slow down, the more support they need. 

Le Baume Céleste, La Crème du Temps, Le Masque du Temps, and Le Booster Lift — all designed to support skin during this transformative time, and restore radiance, density, and comfort. 

I also love La Crème Réparatrice Regard and Le Sérum Anti-Soif for a hydration boost. And always Addiction, which I alternate with La Crème du Soir or Le Masque du Temps. 

Not exactly minimalist, as you can see — but it’s coherent! I also use Skeen patches, regenerative microcurrent, and a bit of manual massage when applying my products. But truly, my real routine is food, movement, breath and sleep — with a wide margin of improvement for the latter! 

Menopause is not a decline. On the contrary: it’s a rise in power — if we choose to make it a time for self-attention. You can go through it healthy, autonomous, empowered. And that, truly, is an inner revolution.