The shitty thing about perimenopause is that hormonal fluctuations make you feel like you can’t trust the rhythms of your mind and body anymore. The cycles of your youth, those you once counted on, have become dysregulated and sporadic.
Starting as early as your mid-thirties, subtle hormonal shifts can lead to mood swings, increased sensitivity, irritability, low energy, brain fog, and changes in libido. It’s easy to chalk it up to stress – balancing kids, work, and relationships can feel overwhelming. But if these symptoms persist, they may be signs of perimenopause – the natural transition between your childbearing years and menopause.
It’s a mind game – this time in life. Secretly, your estrogen and progesterone are fluctuating and wreaking havoc on your overall hormonal landscape. You do not feel well. Not so secretly, everyone is walking on eggshells. You haven’t slept in a week. And if one more thing goes wrong, you will burst into tears.
At Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture, we are here to support you through perimenopause and beyond. So many women wait to see me until they are on the verge of a breakdown. Then, they feel so desperate to sleep and feel well again. Lots of women worry they will need to ride out their symptoms – like wellness is a destination in the future. At CNMA, we offer functional testing to identify the underlying causes of your symptoms and functional treatments to address them. Our team can help you achieve a healthy transformation where you can start to feel better almost immediately.
Understanding that the cause of your symptoms is the invisible shift of hormones, not the circumstances, can bring a sense of relief. Lack of sleep and mood swings might have become your new normal, but it’s comforting to know that with concrete data we can get to the bottom of the disruption.
Step One: Take control of your health. Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms. New patients get 15 minutes free to ask about functional medicine and whether it fits their concerns. Then, patients can make an appointment for a more in-depth conversation and functional testing.
Step Two: Let’s get you tested. I start with the Comprehensive Women’s Hormone Health Panel to get accurate data about your hormonal landscape.
Step Three: I create a treatment plan that is personalized for you. Here are a few treatment options I often recommend for women in perimenopause:
- Acupuncture – As a licensed acupuncturist, I rely on East Asian medicine to release stuck qi and to increase energy flow throughout your body.
- Herbal supplements – Certain herbs can offer significant support during perimenopause. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can help your body better manage stress, a common contributor to hormonal imbalances. Hormone-balancing herbs like Chaste Tree Berry can help regulate your menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
- Nutrition – Focus on a whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive alcohol, all of which can disrupt hormonal balance.
- Lifestyle changes – Incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing into your daily routine.
We understand that hormone fluctuations can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s work together to find the best approach to support your unique needs and help you feel your best throughout perimenopause.
Ready to become proactive and gain control of your hormonal health? Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about the perimenopause program we will start soon.
Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is located in downtown Castle Rock, CO. Dr. Graves is licensed in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture.
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