For many women, their 40s (and sometimes even late 30s) bring unexpected shifts in their health, such as fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, and sleep issues.
These symptoms are often brushed off as “just stress” or “getting older,” but the real culprit is often perimenopause, a hormonally turbulent phase that can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years.
At The How Clinic, we see countless women who feel like they’ve lost control of their bodies. The good news? You don’t have to suffer through it. With the right support, you can regain a sense of balance, energy, and confidence.
Let’s break down what’s happening during perimenopause, why it feels like a rollercoaster, and how we help patients navigate it naturally and effectively.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate significantly. Unlike menopause, which is marked by 12 consecutive months without a period, perimenopause is an unpredictable period of hormonal highs and lows.
This stage can begin as early as your mid-30s, though most women start noticing symptoms in their 40s. On average, perimenopause lasts 4–7 years, but for some, it can stretch longer.
The Estrogen Rollercoaster
Think of estrogen as one of your body’s master regulators. It influences:
- Mood and mental clarity
- Sleep cycles
- Bone density
- Heart health
- Vaginal tissue and lubrication
- Metabolism and fat distribution
During perimenopause, estrogen doesn’t just gradually decline—it spikes and crashes, sometimes wildly. One day, you may feel emotionally raw and irritable. The next day, you may feel bloated, tired, or anxious for no clear reason.
Meanwhile, progesterone, which is calming and balancing, steadily declines. This can lead to estrogen dominance symptoms, even if your estrogen is technically within “normal” range.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
While every woman’s experience is unique, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
- Sleep disturbances
- Low libido or vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness
- Increased PMS symptoms
- Dry or itchy skin
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to “wait it out.”
How The How Clinic Supports Women in Perimenopause
At The How Clinic, we take a functional and personalized approach to hormone health. Rather than masking symptoms with quick fixes, we focus on restoring hormonal balance, improving energy, and supporting long-term health.
Here’s how we help:
1. Complete Hormone Testing
You can’t fix what you don’t measure. We go beyond basic blood panels and assess:
- Estrogen (Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol)
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA
- Cortisol (stress hormone)
- Thyroid function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3)
This comprehensive view helps us understand the full picture of what’s driving your symptoms and how best to address them.
2. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
When your body needs extra support, bioidentical hormones, which mimic the exact structure of your body’s natural hormones, can make a world of difference.
Depending on your labs, symptoms, and lifestyle, we may recommend:
- Estrogen therapy to reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings
- Progesterone therapy to support sleep, reduce anxiety, and balance estrogen
- Testosterone therapy (yes, women need this, too!) to improve libido, motivation, and mental clarity
BHRT can be delivered via creams, pellets, or capsules, tailored to your preferences and medical history.
3. IV Nutrient Therapy
Many women in perimenopause are depleted in essential nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin D, all of which impact mood, sleep, weight, and energy levels.
We offer custom IV therapy blends that support adrenal function, reduce inflammation, and improve resilience to stress. For women navigating hormonal shifts, this can provide quick and noticeable relief.
4. Adrenal and Cortisol Support
If you’re “wired but tired,” experiencing that 3 p.m. crash, or waking up at 3 a.m. with racing thoughts, your adrenal health may be off balance.
We use advanced testing and holistic therapies (like adaptogenic herbs, IV support, and lifestyle coaching) to optimize cortisol rhythms, which is a crucial step in hormone balance.
5. Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance
Your diet, sleep hygiene, stress levels, and movement all influence hormone production. We help you:
- Reduce sugar and inflammation through clean, balanced eating
- Improve sleep through natural strategies and nighttime routines
- Incorporate movement and exercise that supports hormones
- Support detox pathways to help your body metabolize hormones efficiently
This whole-body approach ensures that your hormone therapies are more effective and last longer.
Why You Don’t Have to “Wait It Out”
You may have been told that perimenopause is just a phase you have to endure, but at The How Clinic, we believe that’s outdated advice. Today’s women are living longer, more active lives than ever before. You deserve to feel vibrant, sharp, and emotionally balanced—now.
Balancing hormones doesn’t just help with symptom relief—it supports bone health, heart function, brain clarity, metabolism, and mental wellness. This isn’t just about surviving the rollercoaster. It’s about thriving through it and beyond.
Ready to Reclaim Your Balance?
If you’re feeling off and suspect hormones are to blame, don’t wait until things get worse. Perimenopause is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve and give your body the support it needs.
At The How Clinic, we specialize in personalized, integrative care to help women navigate hormonal changes with clarity and confidence.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward balanced hormones, better sleep, more energy, and a renewed sense of self.
Call us at 760.274.8109 or visit www.TheHowClinic.com to learn more.
