Menopause
Description
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate, often erratically. Menopause is officially reached after 12 months without a menstrual cycle. While this is a natural life stage, the symptoms can be overwhelming and long-lasting, including fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Functional medicine offers a personalized approach to balancing hormones naturally, supporting adrenal and thyroid function, optimizing detox pathways, and improving sleep, mood, and quality of life—without defaulting to synthetic hormone replacement for every case.
Symptoms
Irregular periods
Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Fatigue or sleep disturbances
Vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse
Brain fog or memory issues
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Decreased libido
Hair thinning
Dry skin or brittle nails
Labs & Testing Options
salivary hormone panels
Serum estradiol, progesterone, FSH, and LH
Cortisol rhythm testing
Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3/T4, antibodies)
Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and zinc levels
Liver function tests (for hormone detox support)
Lipid panel and metabolic markers (weight gain, insulin resistance)
Treatment Options
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) if indicated
Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca)
Seed cycling or natural progesterone cream (for perimenopause)
Magnesium glycinate and vitamin B6 for mood and sleep
Anti-inflammatory and phytoestrogen-rich diet (e.g., flax, fermented soy)
Liver support (milk thistle, DIM, calcium-D-glucarate)
Vaginal DHEA or lubricants for dryness
Mind-body practices (yoga, acupuncture, breathwork)
Hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue? It’s time for a personalized hormone balance plan that actually works.