Help with Perimenopause Symptoms in San Diego

Perimenopause is the natural transitional phase before menopause, typically beginning between the ages of 35 and 50. During this time, women may begin to experience irregular menstrual cycles and a wide range of symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These changes can affect not only reproductive health but also mood, energy, metabolism, and cognitive clarity.

Many San Diego women are unaware that the symptoms they’re facing—fatigue, anxiety, hot flashes, brain fog—are related to perimenopause. Unfortunately, conventional care often overlooks early hormonal imbalances, leaving women without the proper support they need. Early recognition and holistic, personalized care can make a profound difference in managing symptoms and protecting long-term health.

That’s where Dr. Mark Stengler comes in. A board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor, bestselling author, and one of the nation’s most trusted voices in natural hormone therapy, Dr. Stengler brings over 20 years of experience in helping women restore balance using a safe, integrative approach. His faith-informed care model and commitment to treating root causes—not just symptoms—set the foundation for lasting wellness.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the biological transition leading up to menopause, during which a woman’s hormone levels begin to shift and fluctuate—often dramatically. It’s a natural phase of life, but one that can bring unexpected and sometimes disruptive symptoms.

This phase is triggered by the gradual decline in a woman’s reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and to a lesser extent, testosterone. These changes affect not only the menstrual cycle, but also influence sleep, mood, brain function, metabolism, and overall well-being.

When Does Perimenopause Begin?

Perimenopause can begin as early as a woman’s mid-30s, though it most commonly starts in the early to mid-40s. The transition can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, depending on factors such as stress, lifestyle, genetics, and overall hormone health.

Many San Diego women go through this stage unaware that their symptoms—ranging from anxiety to hot flashes to brain fog—are due to shifting hormone levels.

What Hormonal Changes Happen?

Key hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause include:

• Estrogen becomes unpredictable—sometimes spiking, sometimes dropping
• Progesterone declines steadily, leading to issues with sleep and cycle regularity
• Testosterone also gradually decreases, contributing to low libido and reduced muscle tone

These imbalances can result in symptoms that affect nearly every system in the body, especially when left unaddressed.

How Is Perimenopause Different from Menopause?

A common misunderstanding is that perimenopause and menopause are the same. However:

• Perimenopause is the lead-up to menopause. Women are still having menstrual cycles, although they are often irregular or unusually heavy.
• Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months with no period, signaling the end of ovarian hormone production.

Understanding this distinction helps women take action earlier—preventing symptoms from escalating and supporting long-term health with personalized care.

Common Symptoms in San Diego Women

Irregular or Heavy Periods

Shifting hormone levels often cause unpredictable cycles—ranging from skipped periods to unusually heavy bleeding. These changes are early indicators of hormone imbalance.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Sudden waves of heat, flushing, and sweating—especially at night—are classic signs of declining estrogen levels, affecting quality of life and sleep.

Mood Swings, Irritability, and Anxiety

Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, leading to emotional sensitivity, panic episodes, or feeling uncharacteristically anxious or low.

Brain Fog and Memory Lapses

Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue are commonly reported. These cognitive changes are often linked to low progesterone and estrogen levels.

Fatigue and Poor Sleep

Many women feel drained despite sleeping through the night—or struggle to sleep at all. Hormone imbalance, adrenal stress, and low melatonin may all be contributing factors.

Vaginal Dryness and Decreased Libido

Low estrogen and testosterone can lead to vaginal tissue thinning, dryness, and reduced sexual desire or comfort—impacting intimacy and self-confidence.

Weight Gain and Bloating

Hormonal shifts, especially estrogen dominance and thyroid dysfunction, can slow metabolism and lead to stubborn weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

Skin, Hair, and Metabolic Changes

You might notice dry, thinning hair, acne, or dull skin tone—along with blood sugar instability or increasing cholesterol, all tied to your shifting hormone profile.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

One of the most effective ways to restore hormonal balance during perimenopause is through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Unlike synthetic hormone treatments, BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by your body—making them easier to metabolize and better tolerated.

What Is BHRT and How Does It Help?

BHRT involves replenishing key hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone—that decline during perimenopause. This helps reduce or eliminate symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Sleep disturbances

Because it restores your hormones to optimal, individualized levels, BHRT supports the body in regaining stability and vitality—naturally.

How BHRT Differs from Synthetic Hormones

Traditional hormone therapies often use synthetic versions of estrogen or progestins, which are chemically different from those found in the human body. These have been linked to increased risks of side effects and long-term health issues.

Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources and designed to match your body's exact hormonal structure. This allows for:

• Fewer side effects
• Better symptom relief
• Improved safety and effectiveness

Research-Backed Safety and Benefits

Multiple clinical studies have shown that BHRT, when properly administered and monitored, is:

• Effective in reducing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms
• Safer than synthetic hormone therapy for many women
• Supportive of cardiovascular, bone, and cognitive health when used appropriately

Sources: NIH, PubMed

Dr. Stengler’s Approach to BHRT

Dr. Mark Stengler brings over 20 years of clinical experience in personalized hormone therapy. As a nationally recognized leader in integrative hormone health, he:

• Utilizes comprehensive hormone testing
• Prescribes custom-compounded BHRT formulas
• Closely monitors symptom response and lab results
• Adjusts therapy to match each woman’s unique physiology

His faith-informed, whole-person model ensures that BHRT is delivered in a way that is safe, balanced, and aligned with your overall wellness goals.

Natural Therapies to Support Hormonal Balance

Nutrition and Targeted Supplementation

A hormone-supportive diet is a cornerstone of perimenopause care. Dr. Stengler guides patients toward:

• Whole foods rich in phytoestrogens, like flaxseeds and legumes
• Anti-inflammatory foods that promote gut and liver health
• Supplements like magnesium, vitamin B6, DIM, and omega-3s to support mood, metabolism, and hormone detox

Personalized supplementation ensures that each woman receives nutrients tailored to her specific deficiencies and hormonal needs.

Herbal and Adaptogenic Support

Chronic stress exacerbates hormone imbalances, especially during perimenopause. Dr. Stengler frequently incorporates:

• Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil
• Botanicals like chasteberry and black cohosh to naturally regulate estrogen and progesterone
• Faith-based strategies like prayer and restful routines to encourage emotional resilience and spiritual peace

This integrative approach supports the adrenal glands, which play a critical role in hormone production and balance during midlife transitions.

Liver Detoxification and Hormone Metabolism

The liver is the body’s detox hub, responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen. A sluggish liver can lead to estrogen dominance, which causes bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, and heavy periods.

Dr. Stengler uses:

• Gentle detox protocols
• Liver-supportive herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root
• Nutritional cofactors like B vitamins, NAC, and glutathione

to enhance detox pathways and promote safe, balanced hormone clearance.

Gut Health and the Estrobolome

The estrobolome—a community of gut bacteria that helps regulate estrogen—plays a powerful role in perimenopausal health. An imbalanced gut can lead to:

• Poor estrogen elimination
• Digestive discomfort
• Systemic inflammation

Dr. Stengler evaluates and supports digestive health through:

• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Anti-inflammatory diets
• Testing for food sensitivities and microbial imbalances

Thyroid Optimization

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is common in perimenopausal women and can amplify symptoms like fatigue, depression, and weight gain. Dr. Stengler includes comprehensive thyroid testing—not just TSH—and treats imbalances with:

• Natural thyroid support
• Iodine, selenium, and adaptogens
• Custom plans that work synergistically with BHRT

Take the First Step Toward Hormonal Balance

If you’re a woman in San Diego experiencing symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, irregular periods, or weight gain, it’s time to take charge of your health. Perimenopause is a critical window for restoring balance naturally and preventing future complications—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler offers compassionate, faith-based, and personalized care to help you feel like yourself again.

Schedule Your Personalized Consultation Today

📍 Location: 324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
📞 Phone: 760-274-2377
📧 Book online now

We offer:

• In-person visits for women throughout San Diego County
• Virtual appointments for your convenience from home

Dr. Stengler’s expert team is here to support you with advanced hormone testing, custom BHRT protocols, nutrition, and holistic therapies tailored just for you.

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You don’t have to settle for “just getting through” perimenopause. With the right support, you can thrive.