Perimenopause is the natural transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically occurring between the ages of 35 and 50. It’s marked by a gradual shift in reproductive hormone levels—particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—which can create a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. While this phase is normal, the symptoms are not something you have to endure without help.
Many women in Rancho Santa Fe experience mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and other disruptions that are often dismissed as “just stress” or “aging.” But early recognition of these changes and targeted, natural treatment can make all the difference in protecting your long-term wellness.
That’s where Dr. Mark Stengler comes in. As a board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor, author, and hormone health expert, Dr. Stengler has helped thousands of women restore hormonal balance through safe, effective, and faith-informed care. At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, his approach combines advanced diagnostic tools, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), nutrition, and natural therapies to support your whole health—body, mind, and spirit.
Shifts in estrogen and progesterone can lead to:
This is often one of the first noticeable signs of perimenopause.
Sudden feelings of heat, flushing, or nighttime sweating are a result of hormone-related disruptions in your body’s temperature regulation. These episodes can interfere with daily comfort and significantly disrupt sleep.
As hormone levels fluctuate, neurotransmitter activity in the brain also changes. This often leads to:
You may feel emotionally off-balance without an obvious cause.
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental sluggishness are common. Many women describe it as "not feeling as sharp" or struggling to complete tasks that once felt easy.
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may become frequent. Hormonal imbalance, night sweats, and adrenal stress all contribute to chronic tiredness—even after a full night’s rest.
Lower estrogen levels can affect vaginal tissue health and lead to:
These issues are common but very treatable through integrative care.
Many women notice unwanted weight gain—especially around the midsection—even without dietary changes. This is linked to:
Hormonal support and lifestyle adjustments can make weight loss possible again.
Many women in Rancho Santa Fe who have sought help for perimenopausal symptoms through conventional medicine are left feeling frustrated. They’re often offered synthetic hormones, antidepressants, or sleep aids—but these treatments rarely address the root causes of hormonal imbalance and may bring unwanted side effects.
That’s why more women are turning to the integrative, faith-informed approach of Dr. Mark Stengler.
Traditional approaches typically focus on symptom control:
These treatments often ignore how hormone levels interact with stress, nutrition, gut health, and liver function.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, care is personalized, compassionate, and spiritually grounded. Dr. Stengler takes time to listen to your story, understand your lifestyle, and design a treatment plan that aligns with your values.
His faith-informed model supports the emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing, helping women feel truly seen and supported through their transition.
Dr. Stengler’s integrative care begins with advanced hormone testing, often including:
This detailed picture allows for precise, customized solutions instead of generic prescriptions.
Hormonal imbalances rarely occur in isolation. Dr. Stengler’s whole-person care addresses:
When all systems are supported, hormonal balance is restored more effectively and naturally.
One of the most effective ways to restore hormonal harmony during perimenopause is through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Unlike synthetic options, BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by your body—making them more compatible, better tolerated, and safer for long-term use.
BHRT is used to replenish declining levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. These hormones play a vital role in:
When imbalanced, even slightly, they can trigger the disruptive symptoms of perimenopause. BHRT helps restore physiological balance, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life—naturally.
Unlike synthetic hormone replacement (which uses hormones not found in the human body), BHRT:
This makes BHRT a superior choice for women seeking safer, more personalized care.
Studies published in journals such as Postgraduate Medicine and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism have shown that:
Dr. Stengler adheres to evidence-based guidelines and tailors therapy based on in-depth lab testing and follow-up care.
A tailored nutritional plan is foundational for balancing hormones. Dr. Stengler evaluates nutrient deficiencies and metabolic needs, then recommends:
This approach reduces inflammation, supports detox pathways, and encourages hormonal equilibrium from the inside out.
Chronic stress impacts both adrenal and reproductive hormones. Dr. Stengler uses gentle, research-backed herbs to support:
Examples include ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, and licorice root, all tailored to your stress profile and symptom intensity.
The liver plays a crucial role in breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen. If it’s sluggish, hormone imbalances can worsen. Natural detox support may include:
This enhances estrogen clearance and reduces symptoms like bloating, irritability, and weight gain.
The estrobolome is the part of your gut microbiome that helps regulate estrogen levels. Imbalances here can lead to estrogen dominance and related symptoms.
Dr. Stengler supports gut health through:
Better gut health means more stable moods, clearer skin, improved metabolism, and better hormone regulation.
The thyroid works closely with your reproductive and adrenal systems. Even subclinical thyroid issues can:
Dr. Stengler evaluates full thyroid panels (not just TSH) and addresses nutrient deficiencies (iodine, selenium, zinc) to optimize thyroid function naturally.
If you're experiencing symptoms of perimenopause—whether it’s fatigue, anxiety, disrupted sleep, or weight changes—you don’t have to navigate it alone. Many women in Rancho Santa Fe are finding relief and renewed vitality through the personalized, integrative care offered by Dr. Mark Stengler.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, we provide trusted, faith-informed support to help you restore balance, naturally and safely.
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Dr. Stengler’s personalized protocols can include bioidentical hormone therapy, advanced lab testing, nutrition, and natural therapies—all tailored to your needs.
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Take back control of your health—start your journey to balanced hormones today.
