Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause when a woman’s hormone levels—particularly estrogen and progesterone—begin to shift. It commonly affects women between the ages of 35 and 50, although some may notice symptoms earlier. While perimenopause is a natural part of aging, the symptoms it brings can feel anything but normal—ranging from mood swings and brain fog to hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and weight gain.
Recognizing and addressing the early signs of hormonal imbalance is crucial. Many women in Encinitas live with frustrating or even debilitating symptoms without realizing that they stem from perimenopause. The good news is, you don’t have to accept these changes as an inevitable part of life—and you don’t have to navigate them alone.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, right here in Encinitas, Dr. Mark Stengler provides natural, faith-based care to help women restore hormonal balance and regain control over their health. As a board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Stengler is a national leader in bioidentical hormone therapy and integrative women’s health.
One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is a change in menstrual patterns. Periods may become:
These changes reflect the body’s shifting levels of progesterone and estrogen and are often the first signal that perimenopause has begun.
Fluctuating estrogen levels can cause sudden sensations of heat, facial flushing, and sweating—particularly at night. These symptoms disrupt sleep and daily comfort, and are among the most recognizable signs of hormonal imbalance.
Hormone fluctuations affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, contributing to:
These emotional symptoms are real and very common—and they are often misdiagnosed as depression or stress rather than hormone-related.
Many perimenopausal women report:
These cognitive changes can be unsettling, especially for women juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities.
Falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early are common challenges during perimenopause. Poor sleep contributes to:
Low progesterone and imbalanced cortisol are often behind these changes.
As estrogen declines, vaginal tissue becomes thinner and less lubricated. This may cause:
These changes can impact relationships and self-esteem—but they are highly treatable with the right care.
Hormonal shifts can slow metabolism and increase fat storage—especially in the abdominal area. Bloating and puffiness from fluid retention are also common, even without changes in diet or exercise.
For women in Encinitas seeking lasting relief from perimenopausal symptoms, integrative medicine offers a refreshing alternative to the “quick-fix” approach of conventional care. Rather than masking symptoms with medications alone, integrative medicine focuses on restoring balance naturally—while addressing the whole person.
Integrative medicine blends advanced diagnostic tools and the strengths of conventional care with the power of evidence-based natural therapies. This allows women to benefit from:
Women in Encinitas value this gentler, more sustainable path to wellness—especially when it aligns with their desire for natural solutions.
Dr. Mark Stengler is known throughout San Diego County for his compassionate, faith-based approach to integrative care. He takes the time to truly listen to each patient, understanding not just the physical symptoms, but also the emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle factors affecting their health.
His treatment philosophy respects both biblical principles and modern science, empowering women with tools that nurture the body and uplift the spirit.
At the Stengler Center in Encinitas, treatment begins with a deep understanding of your unique biochemistry. Dr. Stengler offers:
This whole-person model helps ensure no piece of the puzzle is missed.
Rather than chasing individual symptoms with separate treatments, Dr. Stengler focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and physiological stressors causing the disruption. The result is not just temporary relief—but restored vitality and long-term wellness.
One of the most effective ways to restore balance during perimenopause is through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)—a natural approach to replenishing the body’s declining hormone levels. For women in Encinitas, BHRT offers relief from disruptive symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and brain fog—without the risks associated with synthetic hormone therapies.
BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces—including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones are derived from plant sources and customized to meet your unique needs.
BHRT works by:
It is administered in forms such as creams, capsules, lozenges, or pellets, depending on what’s best for each patient.
Unlike conventional hormone replacement therapies, which use synthetic or animal-derived hormones, BHRT is:
This difference is key for women who want to support their bodies without compromising safety or long-term health.
Numerous studies have shown that properly prescribed BHRT can:
When monitored closely and integrated with a full health plan, BHRT is both safe and effective, especially under the guidance of a qualified hormone expert.
What you eat plays a major role in hormone production, detoxification, and symptom regulation. Dr. Stengler creates personalized nutrition plans with a focus on:
Evidence-based supplements like magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s, and vitamin D are also recommended to address deficiencies that commonly affect hormonal balance.
Perimenopause often coincides with rising stress, which can burden the adrenal glands—your body’s backup hormone producers. To support adrenal health, Dr. Stengler may include:
These remedies help stabilize mood, improve resilience, and ease fatigue.
Your liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess hormones, especially estrogen. When the liver is sluggish or overburdened, hormonal symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and irritability can worsen.
Dr. Stengler may recommend:
A healthy gut microbiome plays a critical role in how estrogen is metabolized and recirculated. Imbalances in the gut (dysbiosis) can increase estrogen dominance or inflammation.
To support hormone balance through the gut, Dr. Stengler may include:
Thyroid health and reproductive hormones are closely interconnected. Even mild thyroid dysfunction can amplify perimenopausal symptoms like:
Through comprehensive thyroid testing, Dr. Stengler identifies issues often missed by conventional labs. Support may include:
If you're a woman in Encinitas facing the challenges of perimenopause, know that relief and renewed vitality are possible. You don’t have to accept fatigue, mood swings, or hormonal imbalance as your “new normal.” With compassionate, evidence-based care from Dr. Mark Stengler, you can feel balanced, clear-minded, and energized again—naturally.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, we offer comprehensive, personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique symptoms, lab results, and health goals. Whether you prefer in-person care at our Encinitas clinic or convenient virtual appointments, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to restore your hormonal health and overall wellness.
🌐 Visit: www.markstengler.com/contact
📍 Or call us directly at 760-274-2377
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