Perimenopause is the natural hormonal transition leading up to menopause, most commonly affecting women between the ages of 35 and 50. During this time, the body begins to produce less estrogen, progesterone, and other key hormones—often resulting in a variety of physical, mental, and emotional changes.
While this phase is normal, it doesn’t mean women have to suffer through it. Recognizing perimenopausal symptoms early and getting expert support can prevent years of unnecessary discomfort, hormone-related imbalances, and even long-term health risks like bone loss or cardiovascular changes.
At the forefront of natural women’s health is Dr. Mark Stengler, a board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor and widely respected authority in integrative and bioidentical hormone therapy. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Stengler is committed to providing faith-informed, evidence-based care that addresses the root causes of hormone disruption—not just the symptoms.
One of the earliest signs of perimenopause, menstrual cycles may become unpredictable—skipping months, arriving early, or becoming unusually heavy.
Sudden heat surges, flushed skin, and excessive night sweating can disrupt sleep and daily life. These are hallmark signs of declining estrogen.
Fluctuating hormone levels can cause significant emotional changes, making women feel out of character—anxious, easily agitated, or even depressed.
Many perimenopausal women describe struggling to focus, forgetting names, or feeling mentally “foggy.” These symptoms are linked to both hormonal and adrenal changes.
Even with a full night’s sleep, you may feel drained. Trouble falling or staying asleep is common and often tied to imbalanced progesterone and cortisol levels.
Changes in estrogen and testosterone can affect vaginal health and intimacy—leading to dryness, discomfort, and reduced interest in sex.
Despite healthy habits, many women gain weight—especially around the abdomen—due to metabolic slowdowns, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction.
Perimenopause can bring drier skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, and slower metabolism, all of which impact confidence and overall wellness.
For many women in San Marcos, conventional medicine alone often falls short when it comes to managing the complex changes of perimenopause. Standard treatments like synthetic hormone therapy, birth control pills, or antidepressants may temporarily relieve symptoms—but they often come with side effects and fail to address the underlying hormonal imbalances.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler offers a better way forward.
Dr. Stengler’s care is grounded in both clinical excellence and Christian compassion. Rather than masking symptoms, his goal is to help you heal by identifying and correcting the root causes of hormonal, adrenal, thyroid, and metabolic dysfunction.
This holistic approach supports your physical, emotional, and spiritual health—all working together for long-term wellness.
Each woman’s hormone journey is unique. That’s why Dr. Stengler uses:
By tailoring therapies to your specific needs, we ensure you get safe, effective results without the guesswork.
Our integrative model may include:
All while being monitored with modern diagnostic tools and professional-grade protocols.
One of the most effective solutions for relieving perimenopausal symptoms is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)—a natural, science-backed approach that restores hormonal balance by using compounds that are molecularly identical to the hormones your body produces.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler customizes BHRT plans for women in San Marcos and beyond, helping them regain energy, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
BHRT is the use of plant-derived hormones—such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—that are biologically identical to those produced naturally in your body. When tailored properly, BHRT can:
Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT is customized to match your individual hormone profile for a more natural and balanced response.
Synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often uses hormones not identical to those made by the body. These can carry increased risks of side effects and health concerns, especially when not properly monitored.
BHRT offers a safer alternative, with:
Research shows that bioidentical hormones are associated with improved safety and efficacy compared to synthetic alternatives. Studies have documented positive results in managing menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms with reduced risk profiles when monitored appropriately.
Dr. Stengler ensures ongoing lab monitoring and adjusts protocols based on your response, optimizing both safety and effectiveness.
While Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a powerful tool, Dr. Mark Stengler takes a comprehensive approach to perimenopause by addressing the many systems that influence hormone health. Women in San Marcos benefit from natural, science-based therapies that restore balance gently and effectively—without relying solely on medications.
Your body needs the right building blocks to produce and regulate hormones. Dr. Stengler provides personalized nutrition plans that include:
Chronic stress is a major disruptor of hormonal balance. Dr. Stengler incorporates adaptogenic herbs like:
These time-tested botanicals help the adrenal glands function properly, reduce cortisol levels, and improve your ability to manage stress—supporting emotional resilience and energy during perimenopause.
Your liver plays a key role in clearing excess estrogen from the body. If this detox pathway is sluggish, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and heavy periods.
Dr. Stengler may recommend:
The gut microbiome—especially the estrobolome—helps regulate estrogen by breaking down and eliminating it. Poor gut health can impair this process, leading to estrogen dominance and related symptoms.
Through probiotics, gut-healing nutrition, and digestive support, Dr. Stengler helps restore optimal gut flora and improve hormone detoxification.
Subclinical thyroid imbalances often go undiagnosed in perimenopausal women but can drastically affect:
Dr. Stengler evaluates thyroid hormones, antibodies, and nutrient cofactors to support optimal thyroid function naturally—helping you feel more energized, focused, and stable.
If you’re a woman in San Marcos experiencing symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, or brain fog, it’s time to stop guessing and start healing. Perimenopause doesn’t have to disrupt your life—not when personalized, integrative solutions are within reach.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler and his team provide faith-informed, science-based care that empowers women to take control of their health with compassion and confidence.
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Whether you're at the start of perimenopause or have been struggling for years, we’re here to help you balance your hormones naturally and safely.
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