Dr. Samantha Ristimaki

Dr. Samantha Ristimaki Dr. Samantha Ristimaki is the chief medical officer at Bronte Wellness Boutique. She received her un

After over 10 years of practice, my mission is to inspire and empower people to feel happy, healthy and beautiful. Attaining optimal health involves addressing the underlying causes of health issues, while assessing and integrating physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. “Doctor as Teacher” is my guiding principle, as I encourage my patients to take an active role in their own health. Effective, evidence-based and individualized treatment plans are built with each and every one of my patients in mind. I have a wealth of experience in dealing with digestive health concerns, hormone health and weight loss. My special interest lies in thyroid disease, immune disorders, bioidentical hormone replacement and anti-aging therapies. I’ve also designed specific programs in detoxification, cosmetic acupuncture, weight loss and healthy aging. I believe that the foundation of health lies in nutrition and a healthy, active lifestyle. When I’m not in clinic, you will find me staying active outdoors by running, cycling or rollerblading. I spent many years as a fitness instructor and personal trainer before finding my passion in teaching yoga. I teach yoga in the studio or corporate setting encouraging people to find balance through active movement and meditation.

Why Women Over 40 Benefit from Biometric TestingMany women notice that their bodies begin to change in their 40s. Energy...
03/26/2026

Why Women Over 40 Benefit from Biometric Testing

Many women notice that their bodies begin to change in their 40s. Energy levels may shift, sleep can become more disrupted, metabolism may slow, and symptoms like brain fog, weight changes, or mood fluctuations can appear seemingly out of nowhere.

Often, these changes are connected to hormonal shifts and metabolic changes that naturally occur during this stage of life.

This is where biometric testing can be incredibly helpful.

Biometric testing looks at key markers in the body that give insight into how your metabolism, hormones, and overall health are functioning. Instead of guessing, it allows us to see what’s happening beneath the surface.

Some of the markers we often assess include:

✨ Blood sugar and metabolic health
✨ Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk markers
✨ Inflammation levels
✨ Hormone patterns
✨ Thyroid function and nutrient status

Understanding these markers can help identify early shifts in metabolism and health, often before more significant symptoms develop.

For many women, this information becomes a powerful tool for making informed decisions about nutrition, lifestyle, and personalized treatment strategies that support long-term health.

Your 40s are not just a time of change — they’re also an opportunity to take a more proactive approach to your health.

✨ Book a visit with Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, ND at to explore biometric testing and a personalized plan to support your health moving forward.

Why You Wake Up at 3AM During PerimenopauseIf you’ve been waking up between 2–4AM and struggling to fall back asleep, yo...
03/24/2026

Why You Wake Up at 3AM During Perimenopause

If you’ve been waking up between 2–4AM and struggling to fall back asleep, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common sleep changes women experience during perimenopause.

Hormonal shifts during this stage can significantly affect the nervous system and your sleep cycles.

Here are a few reasons it happens:

✨ Declining progesterone
Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and helps support deeper sleep. As progesterone levels begin to drop during perimenopause, sleep may become lighter, making it easier to wake during the night.

✨ Cortisol changes
Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone and should naturally rise in the early morning hours to help you wake up. During times of stress or hormonal fluctuation, cortisol can rise too early — waking you up around 3AM.

✨ Blood sugar fluctuations
Hormonal changes can also affect blood sugar regulation. If blood sugar drops during the night, the body releases stress hormones to bring it back up, which can wake you suddenly.

✨ A more sensitive nervous system
Perimenopause often makes the nervous system more reactive, meaning stress, alcohol, or late-night eating can disrupt sleep more easily.

The good news is that these changes are common and manageable with the right support. Understanding what’s happening hormonally can help guide the right strategies to support deeper, more restorative sleep.

✨ If you’re waking at 3AM and not feeling like yourself, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let's work together to figure it out.

Just a litte reminder.
03/22/2026

Just a litte reminder.

03/17/2026

Thinking of working with me? Book an appointment online.

Women Over 40: Your Hormones Might Be Causing ThisMany women come into my office saying the same thing:“I don’t feel lik...
03/16/2026

Women Over 40: Your Hormones Might Be Causing This

Many women come into my office saying the same thing:

“I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

They’re often experiencing symptoms that seem to appear out of nowhere — even though their lifestyle hasn’t changed.

If you’re over 40 and noticing changes in how your body feels, hormonal shifts during perimenopause may be playing a role.

Some of the most common symptoms I see include:

✨ Feeling exhausted even after sleeping
✨ Waking up during the night, especially around 2–4AM
✨ Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
✨ Weight gain, particularly around the midsection
✨ Feeling more anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed

During this stage of life, hormones like progesterone and estrogen begin to fluctuate, which can affect sleep, metabolism, mood, and energy.

These symptoms are very common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply live with them. Understanding what’s happening hormonally can often help guide the right support for your body.

✨ If you’re experiencing these changes, book a visit with Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, ND to explore personalized support for your hormones and overall health.

Can IV Vitamins Help Slow Hair Greying?Many people are surprised to learn that premature hair greying can sometimes be l...
03/14/2026

Can IV Vitamins Help Slow Hair Greying?

Many people are surprised to learn that premature hair greying can sometimes be linked to nutrient depletion and oxidative stress in the body.

Hair pigment is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Over time, these cells can lose function due to aging, genetics, stress, and nutrient deficiencies. When melanin production decreases, hair gradually loses its color.

This is where nutrient support can play a role.

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy hair pigmentation, including:

✨ B vitamins (especially B12) – support red blood cells and healthy hair follicle function
✨ Copper – involved in the enzymes that help produce melanin
✨ Glutathione – a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress
✨ Vitamin C and trace minerals – support collagen production and follicle health

IV vitamin therapy delivers these nutrients directly into the bloodstream, allowing for higher absorption compared to oral supplements. For patients who are depleted or under significant stress, IV therapy can help replenish key nutrients that support hair, skin, and overall cellular health.

While genetics and aging always play a role, optimizing nutrient levels may help support healthier hair follicles and slow some of the processes that contribute to premature greying.

Every patient is different, so identifying underlying contributors — including nutrient status, stress levels, and hormonal health — is an important first step.

✨ If you’re noticing changes in your hair, energy, or overall health, personalized testing and support can help uncover what your body may need.

Spring Reset Challenge 🌿Feeling ready for a fresh start this spring? Our Spring Reset Challenge at is designed to help ...
03/12/2026

Spring Reset Challenge 🌿

Feeling ready for a fresh start this spring? Our Spring Reset Challenge at is designed to help you boost your metabolism, increase your energy, and support your overall well-being.

Over 21 days, this guided program focuses on five key areas to help you reset and recharge:

✨ Kickstart your metabolism
✨ Reduce stress & anxiety
✨ Reduce pain & inflammation
✨ Balance blood sugar
✨ Improve gut health

You’ll be supported by our Holistic Nutritionist every step of the way with:

• A 1-hour initial consultation to create your personalized reset plan
• Three weekly 30-minute coaching sessions to help keep you accountable
• Ongoing guidance and support to help you build sustainable habits

You can complete the program anytime between now and May 31, 2026, so you can choose a start date that works best for your schedule. Book early so you’re ready to hit the ground running this spring.

🌿 Spring is the perfect time to reset your energy, metabolism, and overall wellness.

✨ Book your Spring Reset Challenge at to get started.

5 Signs of Perimenopause Many Women Don’t ExpectPerimenopause can begin years before menopause, often in the late 30s or...
03/12/2026

5 Signs of Perimenopause Many Women Don’t Expect

Perimenopause can begin years before menopause, often in the late 30s or 40s. During this transition, hormones start to fluctuate — especially progesterone and estrogen — which can create a wide range of symptoms.

Here are 5 common signs of perimenopause I often see in practice:

✨ Sleep changes
Trouble falling asleep, waking during the night, or waking between 2–4am can be linked to shifting progesterone levels.

✨ Mood changes or anxiety
Many women notice feeling more irritable, anxious, or emotionally sensitive during this stage.

✨ Heavier or irregular periods
Cycles may become shorter, heavier, or more unpredictable as hormone patterns shift.

✨ Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Fluctuating estrogen can affect memory, focus, and mental clarity.

✨ Stubborn weight gain
Many women notice changes in metabolism, especially around the midsection.

Perimenopause is a normal transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply push through the symptoms. With the right support, testing when appropriate, and a personalized plan, many women feel significantly better during this stage of life.

✨ If you’re noticing these changes and wondering whether hormones may be playing a role, I’d be happy to support you.

3 Symptoms of Low Progesterone Many Women OverlookProgesterone is one of the key hormones that helps create balance in t...
03/10/2026

3 Symptoms of Low Progesterone Many Women Overlook

Progesterone is one of the key hormones that helps create balance in the female body — especially during the second half of the menstrual cycle and throughout perimenopause. When progesterone levels start to decline, many women begin noticing changes in how they feel.

Here are 3 common symptoms of low progesterone I see in practice:

✨ Poor sleep or waking during the night
Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and supports healthy sleep. When levels drop, many women notice trouble falling asleep or waking between 2–4am.

✨ Anxiety or feeling “on edge”
Progesterone helps regulate the nervous system. Low levels can contribute to feeling more anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive.

✨ Short cycles or spotting before your period
Progesterone stabilizes the uterine lining after ovulation. When levels are low, cycles may shorten, or you may notice spotting before your period starts.

Hormones shift naturally during perimenopause, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding what your body is communicating is the first step toward creating balance again.

If you’ve been experiencing changes in your sleep, mood, or cycle, it may be worth exploring whether hormones are playing a role.

✨ Book a visit to explore personalized support for your hormones.

Feeling like your hormones are running the show? 😫 During perimenopause and menopause, hormone shifts can cause:⚡ Unexpl...
03/08/2026

Feeling like your hormones are running the show? 😫 During perimenopause and menopause, hormone shifts can cause:
⚡ Unexplained weight changes
😴 Sleep disturbances
🌀 Mood swings & anxiety
🔥 Hot flashes
💭 Brain fog

The DUTCH Test allows us to see your hormone levels and metabolism patterns over an entire day, giving us the insights needed to help you feel balanced again.

💡 After testing, we’ll meet one-on-one at Bronte Wellness Boutique to review your results and build a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.

💌 Spots are limited each month—PM me for the booking link and let’s take the first step together.

03/05/2026

Why choose hormones?

If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself lately, you don’t have to navigate menopause alone.If you’re ready to explore wha...
12/11/2025

If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself lately, you don’t have to navigate menopause alone.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible with the right support, reach out to get started.

✨ Your next chapter can feel so much better.


Address

250 Wyecroft Road, Unit 7
Oakville, ON
L6K3T7

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 6:30pm
Thursday 10am - 6:30pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

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