Perimenopause

Perimenopause

Personalized Care for the Most Overlooked Stage in Women’s Health – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Perimenopause isn’t a disease—it’s a transition. But for many women, it brings symptoms that feel confusing, frustrating, and even destabilizing. From brain fog and night sweats to anxiety and cycle changes, the shifting hormonal landscape of perimenopause can disrupt every part of your life.

Dr. Brenda Marshall helps women navigate this chapter with knowledge, compassion, and tools that truly work. Through hormone balancing, lifestyle support, and root-cause testing, you can feel like yourself again—more grounded, energetic, and in control.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the 4–10 year phase leading up to menopause. It’s marked by unpredictable hormone fluctuations—especially estrogen and progesterone—that can create a wide array of physical and emotional symptoms.

Unlike menopause (defined as 12 months without a period), perimenopause includes:

• Irregular cycles (shorter, longer, or heavier)
• Cyclical anxiety, mood swings, or irritability
• Insomnia or middle-of-the-night waking
• Brain fog or memory issues
• Fatigue, hot flashes, or night sweats
• Low libido, vaginal dryness, or pain during intimacy
• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
• Decreased resilience to stress

Common Symptoms of Perimenopause

• Irregular or heavy periods
• Night sweats or hot flashes
• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
• Fatigue or low motivation
• Brain fog or memory lapses
• Low libido or vaginal dryness
• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
• Breast tenderness or bloating
• Migraines or joint pain

Dr. Marshall’s Functional Medicine Approach

Too often, women are told to “wait it out” or offered a quick antidepressant or birth control pill. Dr. Marshall does it differently—with a detailed evaluation and integrative support plan tailored to your unique biology and life stage.

1. Hormone Testing

• Saliva or urine testing for estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and DHEA
• Thyroid and insulin testing for metabolic and adrenal balance
• Testosterone and SHBG levels when libido, muscle tone, or mood are affected

2. Targeted Hormone Support

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) when appropriate
• Herbal or nutritional alternatives for mild to moderate symptoms
• Phased support plans that align with your hormonal rhythm

3. Nervous System & Sleep Restoration

• Natural strategies and supplements to improve resilience and reduce overstimulation
• Circadian rhythm support for deeper, hormone-restorative sleep

4. Nutrition & Gut Health Guidance

• Estrogen metabolism support via gut and liver pathways
• Anti-inflammatory, hormone-friendly dietary plans
• Nutrient repletion (magnesium, B6, omega-3s, and others)

“Perimenopause isn’t a disease—it’s a transition. With the right tools, it can be one of the most empowered phases of your life.” – Dr. Brenda Marshall

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?
A: Symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings often begin in your 40s—but lab work and cycle tracking help confirm where you are in the transition.

Q: Will I need hormone therapy?
A: Not always. Dr. Marshall personalizes your care based on symptom severity and lab results. Some women benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy; others do well with herbal or nutritional support.

Q: What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
A: Perimenopause is the 4–10 year phase before menopause. Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a period. Many of the most disruptive symptoms actually occur during perimenopause.

Q: Can diet really help with hormone balance?
A: Yes. Nutrition affects hormone metabolism, blood sugar stability, and inflammation. Dr. Marshall uses food-as-medicine strategies to support liver detox pathways, gut health, and symptom relief.

Q: How long does this transition last?
A: It varies, but most women experience perimenopausal symptoms for 4–7 years. The good news? With the right support, you don’t have to suffer through them.

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle Support for Perimenopause

Dr. Marshall integrates lifestyle medicine to enhance hormonal balance and emotional resilience:

🛌 Sleep First:

• Reduce blue light at night
• Establish regular sleep-wake cycles
• Support melatonin and progesterone naturally

🍽 Nutrition Focus:

• Reduce sugar and alcohol to stabilize mood and weight
• Prioritize cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats, and protein
• Stay hydrated and minimize caffeine

🧠 Nervous System Regulation:

• Breathwork, meditation, or gentle movement (like yoga or walking)
• Reduce exposure to overstimulating content or media
• Support emotional health with journaling or therapy

🏋️ Movement That Nourishes:

• Strength training to combat muscle loss and metabolic shifts
• Gentle cardio for circulation and mood
• Avoid overtraining, which can spike cortisol and worsen symptoms

📓 Track Your Hormones with Confidence

Navigating perimenopause can feel unpredictable—but you don’t have to guess your way through it. Our Hormone Symptom Tracker is designed to help you log your cycle changes, symptoms, and lifestyle shifts week by week.

Use it to:

• Identify patterns in mood, sleep, or energy
• Monitor how hormone therapy or supplements are working
• Bring deeper insight to your follow-up visits with Dr. Marshall

It's simple, insightful, and created with your whole-person healing in mind.

👉 Download Your Hormone Symptom Tracker