Menopause vs. Perimenopause
Feeling off, but being told “you’re just getting older”? If you’re navigating symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, or hot flashes, it might not be in your head—and it’s not just “part of aging.” You could be in perimenopause or menopause, and working with the right provider during this season can be life-changing. At Nourish House Calls, we provide root-cause hormone therapy through a personalized, functional medicine lens—so you can get answers, feel validated, and finally get relief.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase that begins up to 10 years before menopause. Many women start noticing changes in their early 40s—or even late 30s—when hormones like estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate.
The signs often creep in slowly and can feel unrelated at first. Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection, is a common early symptom. You might find yourself feeling unusually tired, anxious, or emotionally reactive. Sleep can become elusive, and libido may decrease. Changes in the menstrual cycle—such as heavier bleeding, shorter cycles, or clotting—are also key indicators.
Unfortunately, many women report that these symptoms are often dismissed by conventional providers. They’re told it’s “normal” or that it’s “just aging.” But at Nourish, we believe that if it’s bothering you, it’s worth exploring. Our perimenopause therapy services are designed to validate your experience and guide you toward meaningful, effective solutions.
What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause itself is defined as the moment you’ve gone 12 full months without a menstrual period. The average age in the U.S. is around 51, though it can vary significantly from person to person.
What follows is the post-menopausal stage—a time many expect to feel “done” with hormone symptoms. In reality, many of the same issues persist or worsen. You may experience persistent menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, low libido, joint pain, night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disruption, and even cognitive issues that resemble adult-onset ADHD.
These challenges are not just “inconveniences.” They can affect relationships, careers, and overall quality of life. Worse, they often go untreated—or mistreated—when patients are told they “just have to live with it.”
There Is a Better Way: Personalized Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy doesn’t just manage symptoms—it can support long-term health. Our approach at Nourish House Calls is centered around testing, not guessing. Every care plan begins with advanced hormone panels, nutrient testing, and functional assessments that help us understand your full story.
We offer bioidentical hormone therapy and functional medicine care tailored to your unique needs, health history, and life stage. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, our treatment is monitored and adjusted over time to reflect your body’s evolving response.
And the benefits go far beyond symptom relief. Thoughtful hormone therapy may help lower your risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and even colon cancer. For most women, there are very few contraindications, especially with a personalized and closely monitored plan.
Old-Fashioned Care, Modern Medicine
What sets Nourish apart is not only our functional approach—but our commitment to accessibility and comfort. If you’re within 10 miles of our base in Illinois’ western suburbs, we’ll bring your care directly to your home. From blood draws to ultrasound-guided joint injections, our house call service means no traffic, no waiting rooms, and no stress.
We believe that personalized medicine means meeting you where you are—literally and figuratively.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If you’re experiencing symptoms and unsure whether it’s perimenopause, menopause, or something else entirely, it’s time to take the next step. We invite you to book a complimentary 15-minute discovery call to find out if we’re the right fit and explore how Nourish can support you through this pivotal chapter.
Book your Discovery Call now and take the first step toward vibrant, empowered health.
FAQs
What’s the earliest age someone can enter perimenopause?
Perimenopause can begin as early as the mid-to-late 30s, though it’s more commonly noticed in the early 40s. Factors like genetics, stress, and overall health can influence the timing. Some women are surprised to learn that symptoms like sleep disturbances or mood shifts are actually early signs of hormonal changes.
Can I be in perimenopause if my periods are still regular?
Yes. Hormonal fluctuations often begin before noticeable changes in your cycle. Many women continue to have seemingly normal periods while experiencing fatigue, anxiety, irritability, or decreased libido—all of which may be tied to early perimenopause.
What’s the difference between menopause and post-menopause?
Menopause marks the 12-month milestone since your last period. After that, you’re in the post-menopausal stage. While the reproductive chapter closes, hormonal imbalance may persist—and in some cases, symptoms intensify. Issues like vaginal dryness, insomnia, and joint pain are common in this phase.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
Most women experiencing disruptive perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms are eligible for hormone therapy. At Nourish, we determine eligibility through comprehensive lab testing and a thorough medical history.
Is hormone therapy safe?
When prescribed thoughtfully and monitored regularly, hormone therapy—especially using bioidentical hormones—has been shown to be safe and beneficial for many women. Our functional approach ensures ongoing evaluation, adjusting doses based on your changing needs and test results.
What makes Nourish’s hormone therapy different?
We take a holistic, root-cause approach to hormone therapy. That means we’re not just treating symptoms—we’re understanding what’s driving them. By integrating hormone testing, lifestyle medicine, and personalized treatment protocols, we offer comprehensive care you won’t find in a conventional 10-minute office visit.