Dr. Kandis Lock, ND

Dr. Kandis Lock, ND Perimenopause and Menopause Coach and Naturopathic Doctor

I'm passionate about health care and I will work with you to create individualized treatment plans that support healing the body.

02/06/2026

What could make this easier? I don’t think we ask this enough. You don’t have to be there hero all the time.
You can ask for help, outsource, drop one or two of the thousand balls you have in the air. It’s ok. You are still amazing.

❤️

02/05/2026

Pay attention to your own body rhythms. High energy days do more off your list. Low energy days pick things that require less of you. This still gives you consistency of caring for yourself and keeps the routine steady, it’s just that the “what am I doing today” looks different.

02/03/2026

What am I grateful for today? Here are some examples
Body: it allows me to take long walks, breathe air, give hugs etc
Work: I get to chat with awesome people all day long!
Personal: I love snuggles I get from my kids

❤️

What are you going to practice saying no to this week or weekend?What's something that you really don't want to do but f...
01/30/2026

What are you going to practice saying no to this week or weekend?
What's something that you really don't want to do but feel obligated (you know it will make you tired and resentful, but feel the need to please anyway)?

What would happen if you said no? Would you melt? Would your friends/family hate you forever, shun you? Unlikely.

What's the story you are telling yourself about saying no? What's the fear?

Even if you really can't say no to something that feels too big, practice it with small manageable things.

Do you want another cup of coffee? No thanks (unless you really do!)
Start small with things that don't matter as much.

Well being involves a lot of things. It's more than bubble baths and nice pieces of quality chocolate (although I would ...
01/29/2026

Well being involves a lot of things. It's more than bubble baths and nice pieces of quality chocolate (although I would definietly not refuse either of those)

It is connecting to nature (who can teach us many things about what it is to be part of nature, to have rhythms, and to just "be")

It is finding meaning- that's not easy to do, it takes practice, noticing when you find your spark (what are you doing in those moments?)

It is taking the time to reflect, to be mindful, to have gratitude for even the small things.

These things become very important in perimenopause, when our world can feel rocked to it's core. So, what's one thing off this list that you can choose today?


Paulo Coehlo wrote:"Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything. Maybe it's about un-becoming everything tha...
01/29/2026

Paulo Coehlo wrote:
"Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything. Maybe it's about un-becoming everything that isn't really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first space".

When we are in the transition to menopause there are a lot of questions that we have roaming in our head. Is this all life has to offer? What is going on in my relationships? Why do I feel like my head is so full of noise?

This is a time when you get to decide on this next chapter. Who do you want to become? Can you invite the parts of you that you loved in your 20s and 30s to joint the party. To re-invent yourself? Shed the parts that aren't you but that are everyone elses expectations of you?

It's not easy. It's good to have these questions. This is a defining moment of you getting to choose yourself. Maybe for the first time.

Why do women question their relationships during perimenopause and menopause?There are many reasons but some has to do ...
01/28/2026

Why do women question their relationships during perimenopause and menopause?

There are many reasons but some has to do with the hormonal shifts. There is a roller coaster of ups and downs with estrogen and a drop in oxytocin at this time.

What this signals to the brain is a numer of things:
- overwhelm/the inability to manage stress in the same way (as in holding it all together for everyone)
- less need for the same amount of connection (oxytocin promotes trust and connection). The need to people please is way less.
- ability to to continue to juggle all the balls and hold everything for everyone is less (you drop that balls that weren't yours to begin with

So, if you were in a relationship where you did hold all the balls, maintain the connections, and be everything to everyone, some of that stops. If that wasn't reciprocated in your relationship you may just find yourself wanting to pull away, to change things.

It doesn't mean that your relationship has to end, but it does mean you and your partners have some work to do. Shifting the balance of how things might have been over 20-30 years is going to take time and work. And both parties have to be in alignment to make that shift.

You may feel the need to get snarky, resentful and demand more. That's likely not to get you what you need. A solid conversation (even if it feels scary) on what you need now that you are in this phase is a good place to start.

My word for 2026 is pace. We live with a sense of urgency. Rushing from one thing to the next. What if we let that sensa...
01/23/2026

My word for 2026 is pace.

We live with a sense of urgency. Rushing from one thing to the next.

What if we let that sensation of "rushing' go? What if we still did our jobs, fed our families, got kids to activities, but let our body stay more in ease.

Can you practice doing an activity, with the sense of "no rush". Often times the stress of rushing makes us think we are going faster, but in fact we are making more mistakes, having to go back and fix them, and finishing at the same time as if we did the activity with a sense of, "I've got this".

It's a feeling in the body more than an outward sign.
Try it on something simple first and see if you notice how that changes not only the way you feel but how the task appears to you.

Mood changes are a common concern in perimenopause.Whether you have been experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression ...
01/22/2026

Mood changes are a common concern in perimenopause.

Whether you have been experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression for the first time or it feels like a return of symptoms, this can be fairly common.

When estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate this creates changes in the brain that can lead to more feelings of overwhelm, difficulty prioritizing (adhd related symptoms), anxiety and depression.

There are plenty of options for support and many women are going through the same thing.

Get your health team aligned and find your community of women going through the same thing. Having a team of professionals and friends is super important.

I like this image from every day health. It encompasses many of the concerns that bring women into my clinical practice....
01/20/2026

I like this image from every day health.
It encompasses many of the concerns that bring women into my clinical practice.

I would also say these symptoms start in perimenopause (where you can still be having a cycle). If any of these are bothering you, or you want to get a jump on going through the transition, I'd love to chat!

Feel free to DM me.

Many assume pregnancy isn’t a concern in perimenopause. However, as long as ovulation occurs, pregnancy is possible. It'...
01/15/2026

Many assume pregnancy isn’t a concern in perimenopause. However, as long as ovulation occurs, pregnancy is possible. It's crucial to understand your cycle.

Even if your periods are irregular during perimenopause, you could still be ovulating. This means there's still a chance of getting pregnant, so staying informed about your cycle is important.

Just because your cycles are erratic during perimenopause doesn’t mean you should skip birth control. Discuss with your doctor to find the most suitable method for you.

IPerimenopause can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, with an average of around 4–7 years. It's a unique experience for e...
01/15/2026

IPerimenopause can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, with an average of around 4–7 years. It's a unique experience for everyone, and symptoms can fluctuate significantly. Seeking support during this transition is essential, not just waiting until it's over.

During perimenopause, it's normal to have periods where symptoms improve, followed by more challenging times. The key is recognizing this cycle and not assuming it's over during the better months.

Perimenopause symptoms don’t always develop or decrease predictably. They can be erratic and unpredictable, making support all the more crucial during this transitional time.

Perimenopause is a major transition, and having support during this period makes a significant difference. Prioritize your physical and mental well-being throughout the process.

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