Hot flashes. Mood swings. Sleepless nights. Unexplainable joint pain. That creeping fatigue that just won’t lift. If you’re in your 40s or 50s and wondering what’s happening to your body, you might be entering perimenopause — or menopause itself.
This transition is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
At Natural Medicine of Denver, we use holistic medicine to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause. Rather than just managing symptoms, we work to understand what your body is trying to tell you and how to bring it back into balance naturally. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or you’re deep in the thick of it, there are gentle, effective ways to feel like yourself again.
What’s the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?
Let’s clear up the confusion first.
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause. It can start as early as your mid-30s, but more commonly shows up in your 40s. During this time, your hormones — especially estrogen and progesterone — start to fluctuate, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Menopause is officially defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. After that, you’re considered postmenopausal.
For some women, this transition is smooth. For many others, it feels like their body has gone off the rails. Both are normal, and both deserve support.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Hormonal shifts affect every system in your body, so the symptoms can be surprisingly far-reaching.
Some of the most common include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Mood swings or increased anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Brain fog or memory lapses
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Lower libido
- Weight gain, especially around the middle
- Fatigue or low energy
- Hair thinning or dry skin
These changes can be frustrating, but they’re not something you just have to “live with.” With the right support, you can navigate this season with strength, clarity, and balance.
The Naturopathic Approach to Hormonal Health
At Natural Medicine of Denver, we view perimenopause and menopause as a natural, meaningful transition, not a disease to suppress.
Our goal is to help you move through this time with more ease and fewer disruptions by:
- Identifying what’s out of balance (through symptom review and lab testing)
- Supporting hormonal health naturally
- Addressing stress, sleep, nutrition, and gut health, which all impact hormones
- Empowering you with tools to feel confident and supported
Let’s break down how that works in practice.
1. Testing and Understanding Your Hormone Shifts
Hormones are complex, and they don’t all drop at once. In fact, it’s often the wild fluctuations during perimenopause that cause the most symptoms.
We use comprehensive hormone testing to better understand what’s happening behind the scenes. This may include:
- Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels
- Cortisol (your stress hormone)
- Thyroid function
- DHEA and other adrenal markers
One of our favorite tools is the DUTCH test, which offers a detailed look at hormone patterns throughout the day and how your body is metabolizing them.
Understanding your unique hormone story helps us create a plan that’s actually effective, instead of guessing.
2. Balancing Hormones with Herbs and Nutrients
Rather than jumping straight to hormone replacement therapy, we often begin with plant-based support. Herbal medicine and targeted nutrition can do wonders to smooth out the rollercoaster.
Common natural remedies we use include:
- Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) – Helps regulate progesterone and support cycle regularity during perimenopause.
- Black Cohosh – Often used for hot flashes and night sweats.
- Maca Root – An adaptogen that supports mood, libido, and energy levels.
- Ashwagandha – Calms the nervous system and supports adrenal health (key for post-menopausal hormone production).
- Evening Primrose Oil – Supports skin, joints, and mood.
- Magnesium – Supports sleep, mood, and hormone detoxification.
- B-complex vitamins – Help with energy, stress management, and estrogen metabolism.
We tailor these therapies to your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle, because no two women are the same.
3. Supporting Your Adrenals: The Unsung Hero
Did you know your adrenal glands take over some hormone production after menopause?
If you’ve been running on stress for years, your adrenal system may be struggling to keep up, leading to fatigue, mood changes, and even more pronounced hormonal symptoms.
That’s why we always address stress management and adrenal support as part of your care plan. This may include:
- Adaptogenic herbs (like rhodiola or holy basil)
- Gentle movement, such as yoga or walking
- Breathwork and nervous system regulation
- Sleep hygiene and relaxation rituals
4. Nutrition for Hormone Balance
Food is foundational to hormonal health. We focus on whole, anti-inflammatory foods that support blood sugar balance, liver detox, and gut health — all crucial for hormone regulation.
What we encourage:
- Plenty of colorful vegetables for fiber and phytonutrients
- Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, flaxseed)
- Clean protein (wild fish, legumes, pasture-raised eggs)
- Cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and kale) to help detox estrogen
- Hydration and mineral-rich foods
We may also recommend reducing or removing:
- Processed foods
- Excess sugar or alcohol
- Caffeine (if it worsens symptoms)
- Gluten or dairy (if sensitivity is suspected)
Nutritional needs shift during midlife. We help you fuel your body for energy, clarity, and resilience.
5. Movement and Mind-Body Support
Exercise helps reduce hot flashes, support bone density, and boost mood, but it doesn’t need to be intense to be effective.
We encourage joyful, gentle movement that supports your energy instead of draining it. This might include:
- Strength training for bone and muscle health
- Walking or hiking outdoors
- Yoga or Pilates for flexibility and stress relief
- Dancing, swimming, or any movement you enjoy
Mind-body practices like meditation, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy can also support emotional regulation and nervous system balance during hormonal transitions.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Perimenopause and menopause are powerful transitions — but they don’t have to be confusing, frustrating, or isolating.
At Natural Medicine of Denver, we offer compassionate, personalized care for every phase of your hormonal journey. Whether you’re just beginning to notice shifts or looking for natural alternatives to HRT, we’re here to help you feel strong, centered, and supported.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how naturopathic medicine can help you navigate perimenopause and menopause — naturally.
