If you’re in your 40s or 50s and feeling like you just don’t recognize yourself anymore—physically, mentally, or emotionally—you’re not alone. Many women transitioning through perimenopause into menopause experience symptoms that can feel frustrating, confusing, and even isolating. The good news? You’re not crazy, and you’re not just supposed to “deal with it.” These changes often signal that something deeper is going on: your hormones are out of balance.
In my recent Regain Balance: Harmonize Your Hormones Naturally webinar with Dr. Daemon Jones, ND, we tackled this very topic. We explored why so many women feel “off” during this life stage, how naturopathic medicine and acupuncture work together to address these imbalances, and why investing in your health now can save you money—and frustration—down the road.
Signs Your Hormones May Be Off
Hormonal imbalances don’t just show up as hot flashes and night sweats. Symptoms can range widely and may include:✔️ Fatigue (even after a full night’s sleep)✔️ Brain fog or memory lapses✔️ Anxiety, mood swings, or feeling emotionally “flat”✔️ Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection✔️ Insomnia or waking up between 2-4 AM✔️ Joint pain or body aches✔️ Digestive issues like bloating or constipation✔️ Low libido or vaginal dryness✔️ Increased sensitivity to stress
These aren’t just random inconveniences. They’re signals from your body that something deeper is out of alignment—particularly your hormones.
The Hormonal Culprits in Midlife
Several key hormones influence how you feel during this transition, and when they’re out of balance, they can wreak havoc on your well-being:
🔹 Cortisol – The stress hormone. Chronic stress or poor adrenal function can lead to low cortisol, which contributes to fatigue, body aches, anxiety, and poor sleep. Conversely, high cortisol can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and disrupted sleep.
🔹 Adrenal Cortex Function – The adrenal glands produce cortisol, but they also play a role in DHEA production, which helps make estrogen and testosterone. If the adrenal cortex is dysregulated, it can lead to:
Chronic fatigue (often worsening in the afternoon)
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Increased sensitivity to stress (feeling overwhelmed easily)
Blood sugar crashes or dizziness when standing up too fast
Poor recovery from exercise or illness
🔹 Estrogen & Progesterone – These hormones fluctuate significantly during perimenopause. Estrogen dominance (high estrogen compared to progesterone) can cause mood swings, bloating, and heavy periods, while low estrogen in menopause contributes to dryness, memory issues, and joint pain.
🔹 Testosterone – Often thought of as a “male” hormone, low testosterone in women can lead to fatigue, loss of muscle tone, and low libido.
🔹 Insulin & Leptin – These hormones regulate blood sugar and hunger. If out of balance, they contribute to weight gain, carb cravings, and metabolic issues.
🔹 Thyroid Hormones – Many women develop low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) in midlife, which can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, and sluggish metabolism.
How Naturopathic Medicine & Acupuncture Can Help
Dr. Daemon Jones, a naturopathic doctor, specializes in hormone testing and works to rebalance your system through targeted supplementation, diet, and lifestyle changes. By running comprehensive lab tests, she pinpoints which hormones are out of alignment and why.
Acupuncture, meanwhile, supports the body’s natural healing process, promoting balance within the endocrine system, regulating stress hormones, and improving sleep, digestion, and energy levels. It also enhances circulation, which helps reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being.
By working collaboratively, we tailor treatments to your specific needs:✅ Dr. Jones provides lab-based insights into what’s happening hormonally.✅ I adjust acupuncture treatments, lifestyle, and dietary advice based on those findings.✅ Together, we create a strategy that actually addresses the root cause, rather than just masking symptoms.
Why Investing in Your Health Now Saves You Money Later
We get it—committing to holistic care is an investment. But here’s the reality: not addressing these issues now often leads to bigger (and more expensive) health problems down the road.
🚫 Untreated hormonal imbalances increase your risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.🚫 Relying solely on medications or symptom management doesn’t fix the underlying issue.🚫 The longer you wait, the more your body compensates, making it harder (and more expensive) to correct later.
By taking action now, you’re not just improving how you feel today—you’re laying the foundation for long-term health, vitality, and well-being.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to stop feeling “off” and start feeling like yourself again, we’re here to help.
For those of you who were with us for the webinar, remember that you have access to the Adrenal Fatigue Questionnaire, to help see if you are a good fit for testing, as well as a free consultation with both Dr. Dae and myself.
✨ Book an acupuncture session to begin rebalancing your system.✨ Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daemon Jones to explore lab testing and naturopathic options.✨ Reach out with questions—you don’t have to figure this out alone!
Your hormones shouldn’t control your life. With the right approach, you can regain balance, restore your energy, and feel like YOU again. 💛
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