Navigating Through Menopause: Optimizing Hormonal Health

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Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages in a woman’s life, but let’s be honest, they don’t always feel natural. For many, it can feel like a hormonal rollercoaster: one moment you’re hot and irritable, the next exhausted and foggy. Night sweats, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, and mood swings can take a serious toll on your quality of life. Many of my clients over 40 often tell me they just don’t feel like themselves anymore.

So, what’s really happening in the body? Let’s take a closer look at the pathophysiology behind these changes.

Check out the graph below which clearly shows the significant decline in hormones as we age. No wonder women often feel like they’re on a turbulent ride!

Hormonal Changes During Menopause

Menopause is defined as the natural decline in reproductive hormones when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 months, typically occurring between ages 45–55. The process is gradual and can be divided into three stages: pre-menopause, peri-menopause, and post-menopause. The main hormones affected are estrogen and progesterone.

1. Pre-Menopause

• Hormones: Stable estrogen and progesterone

• Symptoms: Usually minimal

• Health impact: Generally low

2. Peri-Menopause (Transition)

• Hormones: Progesterone declines first; estrogen fluctuates

• Symptoms: Irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep/mood changes, vaginal dryness

• Health impact: Early bone loss, cholesterol changes, metabolic shifts

3. Post-Menopause

• Hormones: Both estrogen and progesterone low

• Symptoms: Persistent hot flashes, vaginal/urinary changes, mood/cognitive changes

• Health impact: Increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and metabolic changes

Hormonal Harmony: How Peptides and Supplements Could Help

When we think of menopausal symptoms, people often jump straight to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT can be an effective option for some women, it’s not always necessary, can come along with side effects, and it isn’t the only solution. Many are now turning to gentler, more natural approaches to support their health during this transition. Supplements like DIM and peptides like Kisspeptin can help promote hormonal balance, reduce common symptoms, and support overall well-being, often with fewer side effects.

1. DIM (Diindolylmethane) – Supporting Estrogen Metabolism

DIM is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It works by:

• Promoting healthy estrogen metabolism – DIM helps the body convert estrogen into a “good” form, reducing estrogen dominance.

• Supporting hormone balance – By regulating estrogen levels, DIM may help reduce symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and hot flashes.

• Protecting overall health – Balanced estrogen supports heart health, bone density, and metabolic function.

  
  

DIM is an oral capsule dosed once a day.

2. Revibe (Kisspeptin) – The Master Hormone Regulator

Kisspeptin is a naturally occurring peptide that plays a key role in controlling reproductive hormones, and it offers unique benefits for women navigating menopause:

• Stimulates the hypothalamus – Kisspeptin signals the brain to regulate the release of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which controls LH and FSH, hormones that influence estrogen and progesterone balance. Even during menopause, supporting this signaling can help optimize residual hormone function.

• Balances estrogen and progesterone – By enhancing hormonal communication, Kisspeptin may help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irregular cycles.

• Supports libido, mood, and metabolic health – Kisspeptin may help improve sexual desire, stabilize mood, and support metabolism, all of which can be impacted by declining hormone levels during menopause.

Ready to regain your hormonal balance?

Our Hormonal Harmony package is now available! Head to www.arvirtualhealth.com to schedule your free consultation today or browse our packages and products online.

Struggling with stubborn weight gain? We can also add a GLP to your personalized plan to help optimize results. Have you heard of GLP NEXT?

Take control of your health and feel your best at every stage of menopause!

Nutrition Tips for Hormonal Balance in Menopause

1. Prioritize Protein

   • Helps maintain muscle mass and metabolism, which can decline with lower estrogen.

   • Sources: lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, Greek yogurt.

2. Support Bone Health

   • Estrogen loss increases osteoporosis risk.

   • Include calcium-rich foods: dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens.

   • Ensure adequate vitamin D intake to aid calcium absorption.

3. Include Phytoestrogens

   • Plant compounds that gently support estrogen activity.

   • Sources: soy, flaxseeds, chickpeas, lentils.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables for Detox

   • Broccoli, cauliflower, kale support estrogen metabolism (and complement DIM supplementation).

5. Healthy Fats for Hormone Production

   • Omega-3s support heart and brain health.

   • Sources: fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts, olive oil.

6. Limit Processed Sugar and Refined Carbs

   • Helps manage insulin sensitivity and prevent excess weight gain.

7. Hydration and Fiber

   • Supports digestion, satiety, and overall metabolic health.

   
   

   You don’t have to navigate the stages of menopause alone! At AR Health, we’re here to partner with you and create a personalized plan to help optimize your hormonal balance, so you can feel like yourself again

   
   

   Stay tuned to Peptide Pulse as we break down the latest health upgrades.

   
   

   By: Marissa Casey, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC  

   AR Health

   
   

   Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website, is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.