Perimenopause is a natural but often confusing stage in a woman’s life. This guide offers a comprehensive, SEO-optimized overview of perimenopause symptoms, causes, hormonal changes, and treatment options to help women feel informed and empowered.

When women struggle with chronic fatigue, mood changes, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, or unexplained symptoms, traditional lab work often fails to reveal the root cause. Organic Acid Testing (OAT) is a comprehensive metabolic assessment that helps uncover deeper biochemical imbalances, making OAT one of the most valuable tools in functional medicine, especially for women experiencing complex or lingering symptoms.

For many women, the days leading up to their period bring familiar changes—mild cramps, fatigue, or mood swings. But for others, these symptoms are far more intense, interfering with relationships, work, and emotional well-being. These more severe symptoms are often signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or its more serious counterpart, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Your gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. In a healthy gut, “good” bacteria help digest food, produce essential vitamins, and keep harmful microbes in check. When this delicate ecosystem becomes imbalanced—a condition known as gut dysbiosis—it can lead to far-reaching health issues, particularly for women.