Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically beginning between the ages of 35 and 50. During this time, hormonal fluctuations—especially in estrogen and progesterone—can create a wide range of symptoms that affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
From mood swings and irregular periods to fatigue, brain fog, and hot flashes, perimenopause can feel like your body is out of sync. These symptoms are not "just part of aging"—they're signs that your body needs support and balance. Early recognition and proper care are essential to maintaining health, comfort, and vitality during this important stage of life.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, located near Oceanside in Encinitas, Dr. Mark Stengler provides holistic, evidence-based solutions for women navigating perimenopause. A board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor and author of multiple women's health books, Dr. Stengler is widely known for his faith-informed, compassionate approach and his success in treating hormonal imbalance with both bioidentical hormone therapy and natural lifestyle support.
As progesterone begins to decline, menstrual cycles often become:
These cycle changes are among the earliest indicators of perimenopause.
Sudden, intense waves of heat, often accompanied by sweating and heart palpitations, can occur during the day or night—disrupting sleep and daily function.
Shifting hormone levels can directly affect brain chemistry, contributing to:
These emotional changes are very real and deserve compassionate, clinical attention.
Many Oceanside women report:
These symptoms are tied to hormonal changes affecting brain function—and can improve with the right support.
Even after a full night’s rest, you may wake up exhausted. This is often due to:
As estrogen levels drop, many women experience:
These are common but often unspoken symptoms that can be resolved naturally and respectfully.
Hormonal imbalances—especially insulin resistance and declining thyroid or estrogen levels—can lead to:
With the right hormonal and metabolic support, these symptoms can be effectively managed.
Many women in Oceanside turn to integrative medicine when they realize that conventional treatments—like synthetic hormones or symptom-suppressing medications—often fall short. What they’re really looking for is long-term balance, natural relief, and compassionate care that sees the whole person—not just isolated symptoms.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, that’s exactly what we provide.
Integrative medicine combines the best of both worlds:
This dual approach ensures women receive safe, effective, and individualized support that respects the body’s natural rhythms.
Dr. Mark Stengler, a board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor, is nationally recognized for his commitment to healing through a blend of science and Christian values. He takes time to understand the spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions of your health.
His care philosophy includes:
Every perimenopausal woman has a unique hormonal profile. That’s why Dr. Stengler uses comprehensive hormone testing, thyroid evaluations, adrenal assessments, and metabolic markers to create customized treatment plans.
This leads to better outcomes because:
Our goal isn’t just to get you through this phase—it’s to help you thrive during and after perimenopause.
That means:
One of the most effective ways to address perimenopausal symptoms is through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, women in Oceanside and North County San Diego receive customized BHRT protocols designed to restore natural hormone balance and relieve symptoms safely and effectively.
BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones your body naturally produces—primarily estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. These hormones are derived from plant sources and custom-compounded to fit your unique hormonal needs, based on lab testing.
BHRT can help relieve:
Unlike synthetic hormone therapies—which often use chemically altered compounds—bioidentical hormones match the structure of your natural hormones exactly. This means:
BHRT is also available in various delivery forms, including creams, capsules, and sublingual troches, allowing for a flexible and patient-centered approach.
Yes—when administered and monitored by a qualified expert like Dr. Stengler, BHRT is considered safe and effective. Clinical research supports that bioidentical hormones:
Dr. Stengler follows strict safety guidelines, using regular lab testing and symptom tracking to ensure your therapy is always optimized.
A well-balanced diet plays a key role in stabilizing hormone levels. Dr. Stengler provides personalized nutritional guidance based on lab results, food sensitivities, and metabolic needs.
Key elements often include:
During perimenopause, adrenal glands often take on more responsibility for hormone production. Chronic stress can overload these glands, leading to fatigue, irritability, and sleep issues.
Dr. Stengler may recommend herbs like:
These adaptogens work naturally to rebalance your stress response and promote hormonal stability.
Your liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess hormones, especially estrogen. A sluggish liver can lead to estrogen dominance, which causes symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and heavy periods.
Dr. Stengler’s detox support may include:
The estrobolome—a collection of gut bacteria—plays a critical role in estrogen processing. Poor gut health can impair estrogen clearance and increase circulating hormone levels.
Strategies to restore balance include:
A healthy gut = better hormone regulation.
Many perimenopausal women also experience subclinical thyroid issues, which can exacerbate symptoms like:
Dr. Stengler offers full thyroid panels (not just TSH) and uses natural interventions, including:
If you're a woman in Oceanside experiencing the disruptive effects of perimenopause, now is the time to take control of your health. You don’t have to settle for fatigue, mood swings, or hormonal confusion. With the right guidance and natural therapies, you can feel like yourself again—energized, clear-minded, and hormonally balanced.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler offers the expertise, compassionate care, and proven strategies to help you thrive through perimenopause and beyond.
📞 Call us today at 760-274-2377 🌐 Or schedule your consultation here
Whether you prefer a personal in-office visit in Encinitas—just a short drive from Oceanside—or the convenience of a secure virtual appointment, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Join our community of women committed to natural wellness:
