Functional Medicine for Menopause

Many women in their 40s and 50s feel they simply have to “tough it out” through menopause, believing there are no real solutions for the intense, disruptive changes they’re facing. Yet there is a different, more holistic approach. Functional medicine is all about uncovering and addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than masking them.

This approach prioritizes the body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally by identifying imbalances and supporting the body with targeted, evidence-informed therapies. At Nourish House Calls, this means listening carefully to each patient’s story, evaluating hormonal status with detailed testing, and designing an individualized plan that truly supports health and well-being.

The Role of Hormones in Women’s Health

Hormones are not simply a symptom-control tool. They play vital roles in safeguarding long-term health—supporting bone density, brain health, and cardiovascular function. Far from being outside of a functional medicine approach, appropriate hormone therapy can be an essential part of restoring balance and reducing long-term risks.

When treating menopause, a thoughtful practitioner will integrate bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) as one option among many, recognizing that true health comes from ensuring the entire body is supported with proper nutrition, lifestyle habits, and emotional well-being.

If you’d like to understand how this works in more depth, explore our hormone therapy services page for an overview of our approach.

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, typically spanning 5 to 10 years before periods stop for a full year. Many women don’t realize that the most dramatic symptom changes often begin in this time frame.

Symptoms can include weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, mood changes (including anxiety that feels out of character), low libido, vaginal dryness, and even challenges that impact relationships and overall quality of life.

These symptoms aren’t simply inconveniences—they are signs of real physiological shifts that benefit from targeted, professional support. Learn more about how we address these concerns with a functional medicine lens on our perimenopause therapy services page.

A Personalized Care Model at Nourish House Calls

Functional medicine is never one-size-fits-all. At Nourish House Calls, every plan is carefully crafted based on in-depth lab testing and the patient’s reported symptoms and preferences.

Hormonal testing is only one part of the picture. Nutrient testing is also essential. B vitamins, omega fatty acids, and amino acids are crucial because hormones work best—and carry the lowest risk of side effects—when the body’s nutritional status is optimized.

Our approach is collaborative, respectful of patient goals, and designed to reduce risks while promoting health longevity. For a deeper look at our philosophy and services, visit our menopause therapy services page.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors in Menopause Care

Effective menopause care involves much more than writing a prescription. Lifestyle factors—sleep quality, nutrition, stress, and environmental exposures—can profoundly affect hormonal health.

Nourish providers take time with every patient to explore questions like:

• Are you falling asleep and staying asleep well?
  
• Are you waking rested, or with signs of sleep apnea?
  
• Is your diet supporting balanced blood sugar and sufficient protein intake?
  
• Are there hidden hormone disruptors in your personal care or household products?
  

This focus on education is central to Nourish’s care. Even commonly used fragrances or cleaning agents can interfere with hormone balance. By working together over time, patients gain the knowledge and tools to create a healthier, more supportive daily environment.

In-Home, Virtual, and Office Visit Options

Nourish House Calls offers flexible, patient-centered care models designed to meet you where you are. Patients within roughly 10 miles of Westmont, Illinois, can benefit from true house calls, allowing Nourish providers to assess not only personal health but environmental factors in the home that may affect wellness, such as mold, air fresheners, or candles.

For those farther away, virtual visits via Zoom are available. Joya Van Der Laan (Nourish founder and lead practitioner) is licensed in multiple states, ensuring access to high-quality, personalized care for a wide geographic area. Office appointments in Downers Grove provide another option for in-person support in a comfortable, convenient setting.

Individualized Treatment Without One-Size-Fits-All Protocols

There are no rigid protocols here. Instead, every patient receives a plan that reflects their unique health history, lab results, symptoms, and preferences. Some patients prefer minimal supplementation. Others may wish to pursue an integrative plan including bHRT, carefully selected supplements, and in-depth lifestyle changes.

At Nourish House Calls, the commitment is to truly personalized care—honoring your goals while offering professional guidance rooted in evidence and compassion.

Call to Action

If you’re ready to take control of your health and navigate menopause with confidence and support, consider booking a free 15-minute discovery call. It’s an opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions, and see whether Nourish House Calls is the right partner for your care journey.

Visit our website to learn more and schedule your call today.

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