Perimenopause & 

Menopause

More than hormones — It’s a whole-body transition

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just about hot flushes or mood swings. They represent one of the most profound biological transitions in a woman’s life and we can feel blindsided by the changes. Anxiety and restless sleep that weren’t there before, stubborn weight gain, sudden fatigue, brain fog, skin changes, digestive upset, or a sense that their body no longer responds the way it used to.

These shifts aren’t “just in your head.” They reflect deep changes across the whole system, including the thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar regulation, gut and liver detoxification, mitochondrial energy, and even the way the brain processes stress. As oestrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate, they influence neurotransmitters, inflammation, collagen production, and metabolic function.

But while this transition is natural, the severity of symptoms isn’t inevitable. That’s where naturopathic care can make a real difference.

Natural hormone replacement for perimenopause at Essencia Wellbeing Sydney.

Personalised, root-cause naturopathic care

My approach is to understand what’s really driving your symptoms, not just balance hormones on the surface.

Through detailed case-taking and, when appropriate, functional testing, I look for patterns such as:

  • Oestrogen dominance or deficiency affecting mood, energy, and metabolism

  • Sluggish detoxification or methylation limiting hormone clearance

  • Adrenal and cortisol dysregulation

  • Emerging thyroid changes common in perimenopause

  • Gut and liver dysfunction influencing hormone metabolism

  • Nutrient gaps — magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins, omega-3s — impacting mood and energy

Once we identify what’s out of balance, I use targeted nutritional, herbal, and lifestyle medicine to restore equilibrium and help you feel like yourself again.

Treatment may focus on:

  • Supporting healthy hormone rhythms and detoxification

  • Improving sleep, energy, and mental clarity

  • Reducing anxiety, irritability, and emotional volatility

  • Enhancing metabolism and reducing central weight gain

  • Supporting cardiovascular and bone health

  • Restoring libido and vitality.

Redefining midlife — Stronger, wiser, and rebalanced

Perimenopause doesn’t have to mean decline. It can be a powerful recalibration. When your body is supported in the right way, this stage can bring renewed energy, deeper rest, emotional stability, and a stronger sense of self.

I help women like you navigate this transition with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care so you can step into the next phase of life feeling balanced, confident, and connected to your vitality again.

healthy happy woman on herbal hormone support at Essencia Wellbeing Sydney.

Functional testing for hormonal & metabolic balance

Functional testing can provide valuable insights into what’s driving your perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, whether it’s fluctuating hormones, adrenal fatigue, thyroid slowing, nutrient deficiencies, or changes in metabolism and detoxification.

I may recommend testing when:

  • Symptoms are severe, complex, or not responding as expected

  • You’ve had inconsistent results with standard blood work

  • You want to understand the why behind what you’re feeling

The following types of testing can offer clarity and guide a more personalised plan:

Each provides a different lens on how your body is adapting to hormonal change — helping us fine-tune your naturopathic support for energy, mood, metabolism, and resilience.

Functional testing for perimenopause and hormone balance at Essencia Wellbeing Sydney.

Integrating test results into care

Test results are never viewed in isolation. I combine them with your history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors to form a clear picture of what your body needs.

Whether or not testing is chosen, the focus remains the same - to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and help you transition through midlife with confidence and vitality.

Naturopathic consult with Catrina Bleicher at Essencia Wellbeing in Sydney

Transition to menopause FAQs

  • Not always. In many cases, symptoms and case history already paint a clear picture of what’s happening hormonally.

    However, testing can be useful when symptoms are complex or when you’ve tried other approaches without results. It helps identify whether your oestrogen, progesterone, or adrenal patterns are the main drivers — so your plan can be precisely targeted rather than based on guesswork.

  • Yes. Naturopathic care complements hormone replacement therapy beautifully.

    While HRT focuses on replacing hormones, naturopathic support works on the terrain, improving detoxification, nutrient balance, gut health, and adrenal resilience. This combination can reduce side effects, enhance wellbeing, and support long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.

  • Absolutely. Herbal and nutritional medicine can help balance oestrogen and progesterone naturally, regulate stress hormones, and ease symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, and sleep disturbance.

    Many women find they can stabilise symptoms effectively through natural care alone, while others combine both approaches. The goal is always to tailor the plan to your comfort level and needs.

  • It depends on the underlying cause and how long your system has been out of balance.

    Most women start noticing improvement in energy, mood, and sleep within 4–6 weeks, with deeper metabolic and hormonal balance unfolding over several months. I guide you through each stage and make adjustments as your body recalibrates.

  • Because it does. The hormonal shifts of perimenopause affect not just the reproductive system but also the thyroid, adrenals, brain, and gut. These systems communicate constantly, so when one falters, others follow.

    That’s why holistic treatment works best. It restores communication across your entire body, not just one hormone.

  • Yes. Nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and balanced blood sugar regulation have a profound effect on hormone metabolism, mood, and energy. I provide practical, evidence-based nutrition plans tailored to your phase of transition and metabolic needs.

  • Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, when oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate unpredictably.

    Menopause itself marks 12 months since your final menstrual period.

    Both stages can cause symptoms, but perimenopause tends to bring more ups and downs because hormones are still shifting.

Struggling with menopause symptoms?

You don’t have to navigate menopause alone or feel pressured into a one-size-fits-all solution. I can help you feel like yourself again, naturally, confidently, and on your terms.

Book your free 10-minute call to explore your options."

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