Menopause is a natural life transition, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Despite being a normal biological process, it is often surrounded by misinformation and stigma, leaving many women feeling uncertain about their health and future. While some experience a smooth transition, others struggle with symptoms that disrupt daily life. The good news is that with the right support, women can navigate perimenopause and menopause with greater ease, maintaining balance in their overall health.

Empowering Women Through Personalized Care

Menopause is not an illness—it is a transition, and with the right care, it can be a time of renewed vitality. Taking control of your health during menopause can lead to long-term benefits, from better sleep and mood to stronger bones and cardiovascular wellness. Helping guide patients through hormonal changes, Dr. Gamsemer conducts thorough assessments, including medical history evaluations and lab testing, to determine the best course of action. Ongoing monitoring ensures that hormone therapy remains safe and beneficial over time.

Dr. Nicole Gansemer, ND, offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach that empowers women to take charge of their health, integrating natural and medical therapies to support balance and longevity. If you’re curious about your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gansemer to explore what works best for you. Call 541-330-0334 or visit our online appointment form.

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s 40s, though some may notice changes in their mid-30s. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, menstrual cycles become irregular, and symptoms may emerge unpredictably. As the body transitions into menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, marking the end of menstrual cycles and reproductive capability.

A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Balance

Dr. Nicole Gansemer, ND offers an approach to perimenopause and menopause care that is rooted in natural therapies that support the body’s ability to regulate itself. Depending on individual needs, she may recommend:

  • Herbal Medicine – Plant-based remedies can help regulate hormone levels, support adrenal function, and ease symptoms naturally.
  • Acupuncture – This ancient practice can aid in balancing hormones, improving sleep, and reducing stress.
  • Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling – Diet, exercise, and stress management play a vital role in overall hormonal health.
  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) – When necessary, personalized hormone support can help restore balance and alleviate severe symptoms.

The Role of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

BHRT not only helps women age well, it also it helps prevent many diseases attributed to aging such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, gynecological problems, Alzheimer’s disease dementia, memory loss, and even some cancers.

Maintaining the proper balance of hormones is essential to good health for both women and men. Hormone levels are affected by quality of sleep, diet, stress, exercise, medications, as well as the environment. Hormones play a major role in the life of any woman, and an imbalance can start at any age. In younger women poor nutrition, emotional stress, overuse of alcohol, birth control pills, and early onset of menopause can lead to hormonal imbalances. In mature women, perimenopause and menopause are the most common causes of uncomfortable hormone related symptoms.

For some women, lifestyle changes and natural therapies provide sufficient relief. When symptoms persist, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be an option. BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are structurally identical to those produced by the body, making them a more natural alternative to conventional hormone therapy.

BHRT can help manage:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mood changes and cognitive function
  • Bone density loss and cardiovascular health

Unlike synthetic hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones are designed to match the body’s natural chemistry more closely, potentially reducing side effects. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring that hormone levels are optimized for safety and effectiveness.