We all know about menopause, but the phase before it—perimenopause—gets far less airtime.

Perimenopause is the lead-up to menopause and usually lasts 4–10 years. It’s characterized by erratic estrogen levels (sometimes high, sometimes low) and progressively dropping progesterone.

When Does Menopause Actually Happen?

Menopause itself is just one day—the day your menstrual periods permanently stop. After that, you’re considered postmenopausal.

The average age of menopause is 51, but it can fluctuate. Some experience it in their 40s, while others much later. It’s common to follow a similar pattern to your mother’s, though not everyone does.

Most Symptoms Are Actually Perimenopausal

That means many of the hormonal symptoms women describe are actually caused by perimenopause. And because this phase can begin in your 30s, it often catches people off guard.

Common Perimenopause Symptoms

Throughout perimenopause, your hormones fluctuate irregularly, leading to a long list of possible symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Irregular periods
• Changes in libido and vaginal dryness
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Joint and muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Skin or hair changes
• Digestive problems

And that’s just to name a few.

Why So Many Women Don’t Realize What’s Going On

Symptoms can be subtle for some and seriously disruptive for others. But because awareness is still low, many women suffer without realizing perimenopause is the root cause.

Even when they do bring it up, symptoms are often dismissed as “just a natural part of growing older.”

Perimenopause is natural—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it without support. Ten years is a long time to live feeling exhausted, unwell, or not like yourself.

How We Support Perimenopause at Faithfully Guided

At Faithfully Guided, we take perimenopause care seriously.

When treating any hormone concern, we evaluate the interplay between genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Our goal is to create harmony—a symphony of hormones working together in balance.

To help you feel supported and empowered through perimenopause and hormonal changes, here are six core strategies we often recommend:

1. Nutrition for Perimenopause & Hormonal Balance

Diet is a big part of perimenopause treatment. Your functional medicine provider may support you with meal timing, a balanced diet rich in whole foods and protein, fiber intake, gut health support (like probiotics and prebiotics), and elimination of inflammatory foods.

2. Strength Training to Prevent Muscle Loss During Perimenopause

Starting around age 35, we lose up to 1% of muscle mass each year. That loss lowers metabolism and contributes to stubborn weight gain. We recommend 20 minutes of strength training at least three times per week.

3. Detoxification Support for Hormone Balance

Detox services help balance hormones, calm the mind, and reduce inflammation. We often recommend therapeutic mud baths and infrared sauna treatments as part of a holistic approach.

4. Emotional & Spiritual Support During Perimenopause

You may also see a Christian counselor for emotional support, relationship challenges, and building stress resilience. This phase of life can surface cumulative or unresolved trauma—and learning how to truly rest can be transformative for busy moms and working women.

5. Nervous System Healing to Improve Stress & Digestion

Even after talk therapy begins, deeper healing can happen through nervous system work. Somatic therapy can teach your body how to experience more rest, better digestion, and deeper peace.

6. Progesterone Therapy for Perimenopause Symptoms

Personally, we (Jamie and Ashlee) are taking progesterone—and it’s been a game changer. Progesterone helps counteract excessive estrogen activity, supports hormonal balance, and improves sleep.

You Deserve Whole-Person Perimenopause Support

If you suspect perimenopause is contributing to your symptoms, don’t sweep it under the rug. Let’s create a comprehensive plan that helps you embrace this phase of life with support and confidence.

Learn more about how we treat hormone health →
Inquire about becoming a client or schedule an appointment →

Wishing you abundance,
Ashlee Seek & Jamie Schofield
Co-Founders & CEOs