This podcast episode is sponsored by Menolabs
On this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen is joined by Dr Heidi Lescanec, a naturopathic physician based in Vancouver, BC, who brings over two decades of experience blending the latest scientific research with natural, clinically proven forms of medicine.
Heidi has coined the term The Pink Zones to describe the cultural, emotional, physical, and communal conditions that allow women to not only navigate perimenopause and menopause – but to thrive. She’s been listening to older, wiser women, and noticing the powerful patterns that emerge when we prioritize meaning, connection, and nervous system support over the relentless push to do more, be more, fix more.
From hormone health and adrenal burnout to grief, rage, and the unprocessed emotions that surface at midlife, this conversation goes beyond symptom lists and into what it really means to design this season of life, rather than just survive it.
Heidi and Ann Marie also dig into the nocebo effect, why outdated menopause narratives can actually make us feel worse, and how to reframe this transition as a gateway – not a decline.
Highlights:
Dr. Heidi Lescanec’s integrative approach to hormone health, combining science, spirituality, and food-as-medicine
Introduction to The Pink Zones: envisioning supportive environments that celebrate women's aging
Exploration of how past generations managed menopause, transforming stigma into strength
Insights into thriving during one's 70s, 80s, and 90s, redefining expectations of aging
Discussion on the impact of burnout and depletion during perimenopause
About Dr Heidi Lescanec:
Dr Heidi Lescanec is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Vancouver, BC. With more than 20 years of experience, she blends science-backed natural medicine with a holistic, whole-person lens – addressing mind, body, and spirit.
She focuses on hormone health (fatigue, thyroid, insomnia, mood, fertility, menopause) and digestive issues (SIBO, IBS, reflux, food sensitivities), and incorporates her background as a whole foods chef into her work through culinary nutrition counseling. She’s the creator of The Pink Zones project – a movement exploring the conditions that help women flourish as they age, not just live longer but live well.
Where to find her:
Website: thepinkzones.com
Substack: substack.com/@thepinkzones
IG: @drheidilescanec
Episode sponsor: Thanks to Menolabs for sponsoring this episode. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think. That’s why Menolabs is here to support you with trusted information and science-backed products like MenoFit, a probiotic designed to help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and more, all while supporting your overall wellness. Use code HOTFLASH20 for 20% off at Menolabs
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.*
Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:
Web: hotflashinc.com
Newsletter: Hotflash inc. on Substack
TikTok: @hotflashinc
Instagram: @hotflashinc
X: @hotflashinc
Episode website: Hotflashinc
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack
See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Share this post