Perimenopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, often heralding a shift in hormonal balance and various physical and emotional changes. While it can be a challenging period, it also offers an opportunity to embrace a new phase of vitality and self-discovery. By understanding the hormonal changes and adopting functional medicine strategies, women can navigate this transition with grace and optimism.
As a Women’s Health and Hormone specialist and someone who personally lost her menstruation for seven years in my 20s, I have no doubt that hormones play a major factor in our expression of joy, zest, and ability to feel fully alive. Back in my 20s, even though no practitioner was able to give me accurate hormone testing, I’m very aware that my hormones were low (like menopausal low). I had hot flashes, vaginal dryness, zero energy or libido, and felt so depressed. This was all coupled with gut imbalance, liver stagnation, and toxin burden on my body.
My path to getting back to a sense of balance and joy was healing these underlying factors that were holding me back. Flash forward and I find myself turning 45 in a few months, and my hormones are flourishing. A reality that I never thought would be true during my challenging times of my healing journey.
Now I find myself in complete devotion to helping women return to feeling good in their bodies. Trusting this natural transition into menopause and riding the wave that comes with this profound initiation.
What Exactly is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, typically starting in a woman’s 40s but sometimes as early as her mid-30s. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, and these valuable hormones start to be produced solely by the adrenal glands in lesser amounts, leading to imbalances in hormone levels.
Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, PMS, histamine reactions around ovulation, and changes in sleep patterns. While these changes can be unsettling, there is some much you can do to make this transition with grace.
Let’s Change the Story and See the Empowering Side:
Self-Discovery: Perimenopause is a time of introspection and self-awareness. Many women find this period an opportunity to reassess their lives, set new goals, and prioritize self-care. It’s a chance to rediscover passions, redefine personal boundaries, and embrace a more authentic self.
Health Awareness: The symptoms of perimenopause can serve as a wake-up call to take better care of your health. By paying attention to your body’s signals, you can make proactive choices to enhance your well-being.
- Community and Connection: Sharing experiences with other women going through similar changes can foster a sense of community and support. Joining a women’s wellness retreat, like the one I’m participating in on Oct 3-5 in Naples, FL, or a support group can provide invaluable connections and insights.
Wherever you are in the cycle of womanhood, it’s not too late!!
Here are Actionable Steps from a Functional Medicine Perspective:
- Comprehensive Hormone Testing: Understanding your unique hormonal profile through functional lab testing like the DUTCH Test can provide valuable insights about your estrogen, how it’s metabolizing in the liver, and if you’re still ovulating. This test can identify imbalances and guide personalized treatment plans, including dietary adjustments, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes.
- Nutrient-Dense Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins supports hormonal health. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids to nourish your body. Reducing sugar, caffeine, and processed foods can also help mitigate symptoms. Some women find going gluten-free to be a complete game-changer and an antidote to the added inflammation they are experiencing.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels. Somatic experiencing, a body-focused therapy, can also be beneficial in releasing stored tension and trauma. Often, this is the moment in a woman’s life where they really dig in and process what didn’t have space and attention during their busy working mom moments in their earlier days.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps regulate hormones, improve mood, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for a mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility routines like Pilates or Tai Chi. Listening to your body and choosing activities that you enjoy will make it easier to stay consistent.
- Sleep Hygiene: Quality sleep is crucial for hormonal balance. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and free from distractions. If sleep disturbances persist, consider testing the DUTCH Hormone test to see how your circadian rhythm (which is a hormonal rhythm) is doing. This test will clue you into how your daily cortisol (aka stress/energy hormone) and melatonin (aka sleep hormone) levels are doing.
- Herbal and Nutritional Supplements: Certain herbs and supplements can support hormonal health during perimenopause. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and maca root can help balance stress hormones and improve libido, while supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins support overall well-being. Always consult with a practitioner you trust before starting any new supplement regimen. Testing prior to supplementing is always a wise choice.
- Emotional Support and Therapy: Emotional fluctuations are common during perimenopause. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can provide a safe space to explore these feelings. A therapeutic approach can offer strategies to manage mood swings and anxiety.
Embracing the Transition into Perimenopause is not “THE END” but a beginning—a time to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and embrace the changes with a positive outlook.
By taking proactive steps to support your hormonal health through a functional medicine approach, you can navigate this transition with vitality and grace.
Remember, this journey is uniquely yours, and with the right tools and support, you can thrive during this transformative time.
My Final Thoughts…
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey and gain a deeper understanding of your health, the first step is to purchase and book a Strategy Session with me. Healing is an intimate process, and this session allows us space and time to see if we are the perfect fit to work together to take your health to the next level.
Regardless of the outcome, you will walk away from this session with valuable resources and actionable steps to get you moving in the right direction. Let’s work together to reclaim your health and happiness.
If you’re ready to gain access to the right functional lab tests, resources, and guidance to resolve annoying symptoms and regain vibrant energy within your body, I’d be honored to assist you!
BOOK STRATEGY SESSION with me today!
Coming from someone who wasn’t fully living for so many years of my life due to dysfunctions in my gut and hormones, I’m a firm believer that health is the greatest wealth and the foundation from which the joys of life flourish.
I’m here when you’re ready to receive support!
