Understanding Perimenopause: What’s Happening to My Body?

 Perimenopause is like walking into a new chapter of life with a plot twist—your body starts to rewrite the rules. As a functional medicine physician and a woman, I understand how confusing and frustrating this stage can be. Perimenopause, which often begins in your 40s (but sometimes earlier), is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. During this time, your hormone levels—particularly estrogen and progesterone—fluctuate unpredictably, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. Understanding these changes is the first step in taking control of your health and feeling empowered.

I remember when one of my patients, Sarah, came to me saying, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.” She was overwhelmed by mood swings and constant fatigue, unsure if it was stress, aging, or something else. Together, we used functional medicine to uncover the root causes of her symptoms. By conducting a hormone panel, we pinpointed imbalances and created a personalized plan involving diet, lifestyle changes, and natural supplementation. Sarah’s journey showed me how essential it is to demystify perimenopause and give women the tools they need to thrive.

At our office, we focus on individualized care. Whether it’s saliva testing to monitor your cortisol levels, urine tests to assess your hormones, or specialized nutritional guidance, we take a holistic approach to help you understand your body’s unique needs. Perimenopause isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your care shouldn’t be either. With the right plan, you can regain energy, stabilize your mood, and feel like yourself again—if not better than ever.

If you’ve been wondering why your body feels out of sync or suspect perimenopause might be the culprit, let’s talk. Schedule a Hormone Health Strategy Session with us at 847-362-4476 to learn how we can help you understand and navigate this important life stage. Remember, this isn’t just a phase—it’s an opportunity to invest in your health for years to come.