Are You in Perimenopause? How to Know — and How Naturopathic Testing & Treatment Restores Balance, Vitality, and Symptom Relief
Many women in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s begin to notice changes in their bodies and wonder, “Is this perimenopause?” Irregular or heavier cycles, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, brain fog, sleep disturbances, headaches, weight gain—especially around the midsection—and reduced libido are some of the most commonly searched symptoms. This stage can feel confusing, but gaining clarity and validation is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. You don’t have to guess, and you don’t have to be dismissed. Personalized, holistic support can make a meaningful difference.
Naturopathic providers offer a level of individualized testing and assessment that helps identify what’s really driving symptoms. Functional hormone testing, cycle-mapping panels, DUTCH testing, thyroid and adrenal evaluation, blood sugar and insulin markers, along with key nutrient labs such as iron, B12, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s provide a comprehensive picture of what your body needs. These tests help uncover estrogen dominance, low progesterone, disrupted estrogen metabolism, cortisol imbalance, thyroid sluggishness, inflammation patterns, detoxification bottlenecks, and nutrient deficiencies that directly influence hormonal balance and perimenopausal symptoms.
Research continues to show that integrative and naturopathic approaches can support hormonal regulation. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Menopause found that phytoestrogen-rich herbal therapies significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats compared to placebo. Another study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that acupuncture improved vasomotor symptoms and sleep quality in perimenopausal women. Emerging research shows that lifestyle medicine can play a powerful role in easing perimenopausal symptoms. A 2025 systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials found that programs combining exercise, diet guidance, and health-education counseling helped reduce perimenopausal symptom burden and improve quality of life for many women. These findings reinforce what many women experience firsthand: natural therapies can be both effective and empowering.
Naturopathic care focuses on restoring balance through natural hormone regulation, liver detoxification support, improved estrogen metabolism, optimizing progesterone production, calming the nervous system, stabilizing energy, supporting metabolism, and improving sleep and mood clarity. With guided care, many women report more regular cycles, reduced PMS and irritability, fewer hot flashes and night sweats, deeper sleep, improved focus, steadier energy, better weight regulation, increased libido, and a renewed sense of vitality and confidence. The goal is not just symptom control—but helping you feel grounded, resilient, and at home in your body again.
If you’re in the Seattle or Bellevue area and wondering whether you’re entering perimenopause, looking for natural hormone balancing, or seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable perimenopause naturopath, now is the perfect time to get answers and personalized support. Completing the right testing can help design a tailored plan specifically to your needs. Schedule a consultation to begin your path toward balance, clarity, and feeling like yourself again.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnett, contact her office at 425-539-0800 or send an email to staff@drclara.com. Her offices are conveniently located in Seattle and Bellevue, and appointments are also available via telemedicine. Most insurance plans are accepted.