Perimenopause is a natural but often challenging phase that marks the beginning of a woman’s transition into menopause. It typically affects women in their late 30s to mid-40s, though it can begin earlier for some. During this time, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone begins to decline, causing a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms.
For women in Carmel Valley, these symptoms may come on gradually—irregular periods, fatigue, mood swings, poor sleep, or sudden weight gain—making it difficult to recognize the connection to hormonal changes. That’s why early detection and personalized care are essential. Understanding what's happening in your body allows you to take proactive steps toward relief and long-term wellness.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, located just a short drive away in Encinitas, Dr. Mark Stengler offers trusted, comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of women in perimenopause. As a board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Dr. Stengler brings together the best of natural and conventional medicine—always grounded in a Christian, faith-based approach that respects the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
With over two decades of experience in women’s hormone health, Dr. Stengler is passionate about helping women regain their vitality, balance, and peace of mind through natural therapies, advanced testing, and personalized treatment plans.
One of the first signs of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Periods may become shorter, longer, heavier, or skipped altogether. These changes are due to erratic ovulation and declining progesterone levels.
Sudden waves of heat, facial flushing, or excessive sweating—especially at night—are common. These vasomotor symptoms are triggered by fluctuating estrogen levels and can interfere with sleep and daily comfort.
Hormonal imbalances impact neurotransmitters in the brain, which can cause:
These emotional changes are often misdiagnosed or dismissed, but they are a valid part of the perimenopausal journey.
Many women report difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or feeling “off mentally.” These cognitive issues—often referred to as brain fog—are linked to declining estrogen levels that impact brain function and clarity.
Whether due to hormone-induced insomnia or night sweats, poor sleep quality is a major concern. When the body doesn’t rest well, energy levels plummet, and symptoms like irritability and weight gain become worse.
As estrogen levels fall, vaginal tissues can become thinner and drier, leading to discomfort during intimacy. Many women also notice a reduction in sexual desire, which can affect relationships and emotional well-being.
Slowed metabolism and hormonal shifts can lead to unwanted weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Bloating and fluid retention are also common and can be frustrating for women who haven’t changed their diet or activity levels.
Many women in Carmel Valley are searching for more than a one-size-fits-all approach to perimenopause. They want care that not only relieves their symptoms, but also supports their long-term health, emotional well-being, and spiritual peace. That’s why so many turn to the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine.
Integrative medicine blends the strengths of both worlds: the diagnostic accuracy of conventional medicine with the healing power of natural, evidence-based therapies. This approach helps patients:
Rather than masking problems with synthetic hormones or prescriptions, Dr. Stengler helps women rebalance their health from the inside out.
Dr. Mark Stengler takes the time to listen—to your symptoms, your concerns, and your values. His faith-based approach honors the whole person, recognizing that true healing involves the body, mind, and spirit.
Women appreciate his compassionate care, thoughtful guidance, and willingness to incorporate prayer and spiritual insight alongside the most advanced medical solutions.
No two women experience perimenopause the same way. That’s why Dr. Stengler begins each care plan with comprehensive hormone and metabolic testing, including:
These insights guide the creation of a personalized treatment plan using tools like bioidentical hormones, targeted nutrition, herbal support, and lifestyle strategies.
While conventional care often focuses on short-term symptom suppression, Dr. Stengler’s integrative approach seeks to uncover and address the root causes of imbalance. The goal isn’t just to help you feel better today—but to build lasting health, vitality, and peace of mind for years to come.
BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body, such as estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources and can be custom-compounded to meet each patient’s exact hormonal needs.
When properly prescribed and monitored, BHRT works by:
Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones, which are not identical in structure to those your body naturally produces. These can lead to unwanted side effects and long-term risks.
BHRT offers a safer, more personalized alternative, because:
Numerous clinical studies have shown that bioidentical hormones are both effective and safe when overseen by a qualified practitioner. BHRT may:
Dr. Stengler follows evidence-based protocols and uses extensive lab testing to ensure optimal safety and outcomes for every patient.
While bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) plays an important role in restoring hormonal balance, it’s only one part of the holistic strategy Dr. Mark Stengler uses to support women through perimenopause. At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, we complement BHRT with a variety of natural therapies that nourish the body, address underlying imbalances, and promote long-term wellness.
What you eat directly affects your hormones. A diet rich in:
...can support estrogen metabolism, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. Dr. Stengler often recommends targeted supplements such as magnesium, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin D—based on lab results and individual needs.
Chronic stress, common during perimenopause, can lead to adrenal fatigue—worsening symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disruption. Dr. Stengler uses adaptogenic herbs like:
...to support cortisol balance and energy levels. These herbal remedies help the body respond better to stress and maintain steadier hormone levels.
The liver plays a central role in processing and eliminating excess hormones. When detox pathways are sluggish, symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and estrogen dominance can worsen.
Dr. Stengler may recommend:
A healthy gut is essential for hormone balance. The estrobolome—a specific group of gut bacteria—helps break down and regulate estrogen levels. Disruption here can lead to symptoms like bloating, brain fog, and mood swings.
We often address:
Thyroid imbalances are commonly overlooked in perimenopausal care—even though the thyroid and reproductive hormones are deeply connected. Low thyroid function can cause:
Dr. Stengler includes thyroid hormone testing as part of his comprehensive hormone panels and offers support through:
If you’re a woman in Carmel Valley experiencing symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, brain fog, or weight gain, now is the time to reclaim your health. Dr. Mark Stengler and his team at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine offer compassionate, personalized care designed to help you navigate perimenopause with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re seeking natural therapies, bioidentical hormone support, or advanced testing, we’ll create a plan tailored to your body, values, and long-term goals.
📍 Our clinic in Encinitas is just a short drive from Carmel Valley—or you can take advantage of our secure virtual visits from the comfort of your home anywhere in California.
📞 Call 760-274-2377 🌐 Visit: www.markstengler.com/contact
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