Perimenopause is a natural biological transition that marks the years leading up to menopause, typically occurring between the ages of 35 and 50. During this time, fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can trigger a wide variety of symptoms—some subtle, others more disruptive to daily life.
Women in Leucadia may experience changes such as irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, or unexpected fatigue. While these symptoms are common, they are not something you have to simply “live with.” Early recognition and the right integrative support can dramatically improve your quality of life and long-term wellness.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, located just minutes from Leucadia in Encinitas, Dr. Mark Stengler offers a compassionate, science-based approach to perimenopause relief. A board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Stengler specializes in natural hormone balance, bioidentical hormone therapy, and personalized care grounded in Christian values.
Women trust Dr. Stengler for his faith-informed, holistic approach—where their symptoms are heard, their lab results are understood in detail, and their care plans are tailored to their unique body chemistry and life stage.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marked by gradual changes in a woman’s reproductive hormones—primarily estrogen and progesterone. This shift affects more than just the menstrual cycle; it impacts sleep, mood, cognition, weight, libido, and overall well-being.
For most women, perimenopause begins between the mid-30s and late 40s, although some may notice symptoms earlier. It typically lasts 4 to 10 years, ending when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, the official marker of menopause.
During this time, hormonal fluctuations are not linear. Estrogen may surge or drop unpredictably, while progesterone tends to decline more steadily. This imbalance is what leads to many of the classic perimenopausal symptoms.
It’s important to distinguish between these two phases:
Hormonal shifts, especially declining progesterone, can lead to:
These changes are among the first signs of perimenopause and often respond well to hormone-balancing therapies.
Fluctuating estrogen levels disrupt your body’s temperature regulation, resulting in:
These symptoms can severely impact comfort and sleep quality—but they are highly treatable with natural and bioidentical support.
As hormone levels drop, especially estrogen and progesterone, women may experience:
Struggling with memory, focus, or mental clarity? You're not alone. Hormonal changes affect brain function, often leading to:
These symptoms can be frustrating, especially for professionals or busy moms—but with the right support, cognitive clarity often returns.
Low hormone levels can cause or worsen:
Sleep disturbances are often linked to adrenal stress or nighttime hormone imbalances, which can be gently corrected through integrative care.
As estrogen declines, many women experience:
These symptoms are common but often under-discussed. Natural hormone therapy and vaginal health support can make a significant difference.
Perimenopause often brings:
These changes can feel discouraging, but they are not inevitable. At the Stengler Center, we help women rebalance their hormones and metabolism with personalized, natural strategies.
Many women in Leucadia seek hormone therapy to ease the uncomfortable and life-disrupting symptoms of perimenopause. At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, we offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)—a safer, more natural alternative to traditional synthetic hormone treatments.
BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces—most commonly estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. These hormones are plant-derived and custom-compounded based on your individual hormone levels, as revealed by advanced lab testing.
For women in the perimenopausal stage, BHRT can:
While both BHRT and synthetic hormone therapy aim to ease hormone-related symptoms, there are important distinctions:
BHRT has been studied extensively and shown to be safe and effective when prescribed and monitored by a trained integrative provider. Research supports that bioidentical hormones:
Dr. Stengler ensures that all BHRT protocols are closely tracked through lab testing and symptom assessments, minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.
A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet provides the foundation for hormone production and detoxification. Dr. Stengler offers personalized nutrition plans that emphasize:
Targeted supplements may include:
During perimenopause, the adrenal glands often work overtime to compensate for the ovaries' declining hormone output. Chronic stress can deplete these glands, worsening symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and irritability.
Dr. Stengler uses time-tested adaptogens such as:
The liver plays a critical role in breaking down and clearing excess hormones, especially estrogen. A sluggish liver can lead to estrogen dominance—a key contributor to heavy periods, breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings.
Dr. Stengler’s detox strategies may include:
Your gut microbiome contains a group of bacteria called the estrobolome, which plays a central role in processing and eliminating estrogen. An imbalance here can result in poor estrogen clearance, contributing to symptoms of imbalance.
Integrative treatment may involve:
Many women in perimenopause also experience thyroid dysfunction, often undiagnosed or mismanaged. Low thyroid function can cause symptoms that mimic or compound perimenopause, such as:
Dr. Stengler evaluates full thyroid panels (not just TSH) and offers natural thyroid support, including iodine, selenium, and, when needed, natural thyroid medications.
If you're a woman in Leucadia navigating the challenges of perimenopause, know that you don’t have to go through it alone—or guess your way through confusing symptoms. At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler offers compassionate, science-based, and faith-informed care to help you feel like yourself again.
Whether you're struggling with fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, or hormone-related weight gain, our team is here to guide you with personalized solutions that work with your body—not against it.
We welcome both in-person appointments at our Encinitas clinic (just minutes from Leucadia) and virtual consultations for your convenience.
👉 Call us at 760-274-2377 👉 Or request an appointment online
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