Hormones and Perimenopause

 

 

🌙 What Is Perimenopause?

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Perimenopause is the gradual, natural transition that marks the winding down of reproductive hormones, ultimately leading to the end of your menstrual cycle.

While the average age of menopause (your final period) is around 52, the process of perimenopause actually begins much earlier—often around age 35.

It starts in the brain, where the pituitary gland begins to release increasing amounts of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Over time, this rise in FSH makes ovulation more irregular and gradually leads to a decline in progesterone production.

After 10 to 15 years of these hormonal shifts, ovulation stops completely. Once you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you are considered post-menopausal.

​The approximate breakdown for this is:

• Stage one of perimenopause is 35-45, when you are still cycling and have a decent amount of progesterone.

• During stage two from 45-52, your FSH levels continue to rise and progesterone production drops more, together with estrogen,  leading to heavier bleeding and/or shorter cycles, and eventually to skipped periods.

 

Ovulation protects your brain, heart, and bones, so having your cycle as long as possible is to your advantage.

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Without Proper Support, You May Experience Challenging Symptoms Such As:

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• Unexplained weight gain

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Fluctuations in libido, mood swings, and brain fog

• Persistent insomnia or disrupted sleep

• Irregularities and changes in your menstrual cycle

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⚕️ Typical Conventional Management of Perimenopause

• Hormonal regulation through birth control or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to mask or slow down symptoms

• Increased focus on dieting and exercise to manage sudden or persistent weight gain

• Reliance on stimulants like caffeine for energy and alcohol for relaxation, often as coping mechanisms for fatigue and insomnia

While these strategies may offer short-term relief, they don’t always address the root cause of hormonal imbalances—and in some cases, they may exacerbate symptoms over time.

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🚫 Why These Approaches Often Don’t Work

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• Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation, which can interfere with your body’s natural rhythm and increase your long-term risk of brain, bone, and heart health issues after menopause.

• Poor blood sugar regulation during perimenopause can worsen symptoms like hot flashes and contribute to stubborn weight gain.

• The wrong types of workouts—especially those that are overly intense or stress-inducing—can actually disrupt hormone balance, increase cortisol, and make symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain even worse.​

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I’m currently navigating my own journey through perimenopause, which is why this subject has become such a deep passion of mine. I love empowering women to reclaim their health—because when you feel truly well, you radiate confidence, strength, and vitality from the inside out.
Taking back your health is one of the most powerful ways to take back your life.

I have been in the wellness industry for over 10 years and my deepest passion is to teach everyone that by tapping into their inner intuition, by living in sink with nature, by regulating their circadian rhythm and by embodying a healthy lifestyle, they can add many years to their lives, while feeling happy and vibrant along the way. In all these years I have witnessed over again how people who step into their power, gain back their health and manage to live a vibrant life. I teach people that wellness is a journey, not a destination, and my goal is to support anyone in thriving at every step of the way.

As a certified  Holistic Wellness and Nutrition Coach, I combine evidence-based practices with practical strategies to help clients achieve sustainable health outcomes. I love to engage in workshops, personalized coaching, fertility wellness and community initiatives that inspire lasting change.

Whether designing tailored wellness programs, leading mindfulness seminars, or contributing to health-focused publications, I love to bring a dynamic and empathetic approach to promoting a balanced, vibrant lifestyle. You can read more about me here www.andreapopan.com

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We’re honored to welcome Dr. Kathleen Harley as our special guest. She’ll be sharing insights on how naturopathic medicine supports hormonal health—and offering practical strategies for finding balance amidst the demands of our busy, modern lives.

Dr. Kathleen Harley, N.D., CHT, CMT

Offering innovative therapies and compassionate health care. Dr. Harley earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in Anthropology with a focus on Medical Anthropology and PreMed. While completing her medical school prerequisites she attended UCSC’s Holistic Health Program earning a certificate in Holistic Health and Massage Therapy. After graduating she worked as a social worker for Santa Cruz County before deciding to continue her education and pursue her interest in health care. Dr. Harley attended Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Tempe, AZ) where she earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree. She has been in private practice offering integrative treatments for over 12 years since obtaining a primary care license as a naturopathic doctor in the State of California in 2011.

Dr. Harley has completed additional specialized training in intravenous nutritional therapies, intramuscular vitamin therapies, clinical chelation and complementary detoxification methods, ozone and prolozone therapies. As well as hypnotherapy and quantum hypnosis healing technique (QHHT), allergy desensitization treatments, integrative medicine for mental health, low dose naltrexone therapy, methylene blue therapy, anti-aging, functional lab interpretation. She is also a trained facilitator for group workshops on Taking Action for Wellness through Conscious Educators.

Today, Dr. Harley’s private practice focuses on treating musculoskeletal pain, injuries and degenerative conditions utilizing nutrients, botanicals, homeopathy and ozone therapies, including prolozone injections, to relieve pain and stimulate healing. She also specializes in gastrointestinal disorders, graceful aging, chronic age related conditions, detoxification and elimination support for heavy metals and other environmental toxins. Immunology (autoimmunity, allergies and immune system strengthening and rebalancing), mental health, mind body medicine, chronic fatigue, neurotransmitter and hormone balancing, including adrenal, sex hormones, blood sugar dysregulation, etc.

When she is not practicing medicine, she enjoys art, writing and reading poetry, pursuing spiritual interests, listening to music, dancing, skiing, hiking, gardening, cooking, yoga, meditating, exploring the mysteries of the universe, playing with her three dogs and spending time with her family and friends.

 

 

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The Workshop will conclude with a series of Q&A with Roseanna Webber, RN, BSN, CHC, owner of The Sanctuary about health and wellness. www.thesanctuarytahoe.com

 

 

 

 

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Roseanna has been in the health field for over 40 years. Her desire to care for others and their well being, has been her main focus, her entire life. Her passion for health and wellness and her own cancer diagnosis, have led her personally down a path of true wellness and to a career as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. With a firm belief in the importance of diet and nutrition, as related to health and wellness, she is excited to share her education and experience with those who are in need of a positive lifestyle change and vibrant future.n our time together at the workshop we will go in depth on what works from a holistic point of view so that you can treat your body and this period of your life with as much gentleness and care as possible.

 

 

We will cover subjects such as: 

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• Supporting natural ovulation for as long as possible through gentle lifestyle changes, stress management, and whole-food nutrition that in return helps protect long-term brain, bone, and heart health.

• Balancing blood sugar with mindful eating - like slowing down, including more protein, healthy fats, and fiber in your diet- to help reduce the intensity of hot flashes, energy crashes, and weight gain.

• Choosing hormone-supportive movement, like strength training, walking, pilates, or yoga. These type of exercises will help regulate cortisol and support metabolism without over-stressing the body.

• Prioritizing sleep, restorative routines, and nervous system care  that calms inflammation and stabilizes mood, energy, and hormones.

• Nourishing the whole body with minerals, adaptogens, and functional foods to strengthens resilience during this natural transition.

• Adrenal function - what are the adrenals and how they manage your hormones

• Kinds of menopause: natural menopause and perimenopause; premature menopause; artificial menopause

 

If you—or someone you care about—are within the perimenopausal age range and experiencing any of its symptoms, this workshop is for YOU.

If you are not yet in that age range but you want to be prepared, this workshop is for YOU!

The insights shared during our time together are truly transformative. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to navigate this chapter of your life with grace, knowledge, and a gentle, holistic approach.

Because you deserve to feel your best—now and always.

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Spaces are limited—reserve yours today!

This is your chance to learn how to move through this chapter of life with greater ease, understanding, and self-compassion.

Your body is always communicating with you. When you learn to understand the language of your hormones, you can begin to work with your body, not against it—turning this hormonal symphony into your greatest ally.

Join us and discover how to tune in, take charge, and thrive.

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Sign up today!

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The workshop will take place at The Sanctuary 205 Stateline Rd
Kings Beach, CA 96143

Date: June 8th from 1-4 PM

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Reserve Your Spot Now!

The cost of the workshop is $75.​​