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Hi!
“I felt like I was losing my mind,” Sarah confided during our first consultation. At 45, her symptoms had appeared suddenly and affected every aspect of her life:
* Sleep disruptions that left her exhausted
* Mood swings and anxiety unlike anything she’d experienced before
* Brain fog that interfered with her high-level executive work
* Weight gain despite no changes in diet or exercise
* New migraine headaches that coincided with her cycle
Her primary care physician had checked her basic hormone levels, declared them “normal,” and suggested antidepressants and sleeping pills. When Sarah asked if these changes could be related to perimenopause, she was told: “You’re too young, and your periods are still regular.”
This response reflects a profound misunderstanding of perimenopause—a transition that can begin 8-10 years before menopause and cause significant symptoms long before periods become irregular.
Comprehensive testing revealed what standard panels had missed: while Sarah’s estrogen and progesterone still reached adequate peak levels (making her appear “normal” on basic tests), her hormones were fluctuating dramatically throughout her cycle. Additionally, she was experiencing:
* Compromised estrogen metabolism through liver detoxification pathways
* Elevated cortisol from work stress, which further disrupted her sex hormones
* Declining testosterone affecting her energy, focus, and metabolism
* Thyroid function changes secondary to her shifting hormones
Rather than masking these symptoms with multiple medications, we created a protocol focused on supporting her body through this natural transition:
1. Targeted nutritional support for hormone metabolism and production
2. Specific stress-management techniques to address cortisol disruption
3. Strategic seed cycling to support natural hormone balance
4. Dietary changes to reduce inflammation and support neurotransmitter production
5. Bioidentical hormone therapy at the appropriate time in her journey
The transformation in Sarah’s wellbeing was remarkable. Within three months, her sleep had improved significantly, the mood swings decreased, and her cognitive function returned. “I feel like myself again,” she shared during our follow-up. “I had resigned myself to feeling this way indefinitely—I didn’t realize there were so many options beyond the medications I was offered.”
Sarah’s story reflects the experience of countless women navigating perimenopause without adequate support. This transition isn’t a disease requiring symptom suppression—it’s a natural life phase that, with proper support, can be navigated with minimal disruption to quality of life.
The functional medicine approach recognizes perimenopause as a complex hormonal shift affecting multiple body systems—not just reproductive function. By supporting your body’s changing needs during this transition, you can maintain energy, emotional balance, and cognitive function while reducing the symptoms conventionally considered “inevitable.”
Next week, we’ll explore how hormones impact female brain health—and specific strategies to support cognitive function through hormonal transitions.
You are invited to join Perks of Wellness
In person, Quantum Surfing: An Energetic group session. Come get energy work done is a group setting, by donation. Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30pm. You can sign up by responding to this email or calling the office. See our Meetup group or go to Perksofwellness.com for more information.
Ask the Doc, a virtual Q&A for 30 minutes. Each month come and ask your questions are a particular topic, join the free conversation. This month we will be looking at thyroid problems differently on, Tuesday May 19th at 6:30pm. The Meetup will be online, the Google Meet link will be emailed the day of to anyone who RSVPed. RSVP in the Meetup group or responding to this email.
Looking at Thyroid Problems Differently on Tuesday, May 26th at 6:30pm. The Meetup will be online, the Google Meet link will be emailed the day of to anyone who RSVPed. RSVP in the Meetup group or responding to this email.
🌐 **Join Our Community:** I’m also excited to announce the launch of our new virtual Meetup group, Perks of Functional Medicine. This group is dedicated to exploring the world of functional medicine and getting to the root causes of your health issues. Whether you’re a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting your journey to wellness, there is something here for everyone. Join us for informative discussions, workshops, and events that will empower you to take control of your well-being and live your best life.
Meetup Group (https://www.meetup.com/perks-of-functional-medicine/)
P.S. If you found this tip helpful, keep an eye on your inbox. I’ll be sharing more valuable insights to help you take control of your health each week.
Be Good to Yourself,
Dr. Brian Perks DC, MPH
Perks of Wellness
2333 First Avenue #105
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-0345
drperks@perksofwellness.com
https://www.facebook.com/PerksofWellness
Perks of Wellness (https://healthrestorecenters.com/california/)
https://facebook.com/PerksofWellness
Facebook (https://facebook.com/PerksofWellness)
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