Let’s start with the truth:
Perimenopause isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re going about your life—working, taking care of people, doing your best—and suddenly you’re sweating through your favorite shirt in a meeting, or you’re awake at 3 a.m. thinking about eighth-grade regrets. The mood swings, brain fog, hot flashes, sleep struggles—it’s a lot.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t your body betraying you. It’s your body changing channels. And with the right support—acupuncture, herbs, smart nutrition, and a sprinkle of humor—you can navigate this phase feeling steadier, cooler, and a lot more like yourself.

Acupuncture: Your Nervous System’s Reset Button

Acupuncture is like hitting “refresh” on your whole system. The tiny needles calm the nervous system, balance hormones, and remind your body how to regulate itself.
In Chinese medicine, we call this transition a shift in Kidney Yin—your body’s cooling, nourishing energy. When Yin runs low, you get more heat (hello, hot flashes) and restlessness (goodbye, sleep). Acupuncture helps rebuild Yin, soothe the mind, and cool that internal thermostat that’s suddenly set to “volcano.”

Herbal Medicine: The Yin to Your Yang

Acupuncture gets your Qi moving, and herbal formulas help sustain the change. Depending on your pattern, I might prescribe something to:

• Nourish Yin and fluids if you’re hot and dry.

• Soothe Liver Qi if you’re moody, tense, or prone to muttering at drivers in traffic.

• Calm the Shen if your brain insists on replaying the day at 2 a.m.

Herbal formulas can be custom-made or come in prepared blends—and they work beautifully with acupuncture. They’re like your long-term allies, gently reminding your body that balance is possible.

Supplements for the Modern Yin Goddess

Sometimes, we add a few high-quality supplements from my Fullscript dispensary for extra support. (Think of them as the modern equivalent of a fan, a nap, and a good friend who tells you you’re not crazy.)

Here are a few I often recommend:

• Magnesium Glycinate by Pure Encapsulations – helps muscles relax, calms the nervous system, and supports sleep. It’s like giving your body a bedtime story.

• Cortisol Manager® by Integrative Therapeutics – a blend of ashwagandha, L-theanine, and magnolia that helps dial down that wired-but-tired feeling.

• Estrovera® by Metagenics – a plant-based, hormone-free option shown to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Basically, a peace treaty for your internal thermostat.

You can find these and other options through my Fullscript dispensary, where they’re shipped right to your door—no frantic pharmacy runs required.

Lifestyle Tweaks (That Don’t Involve Denying Yourself Everything Fun)

Holistic self-care doesn’t mean moving to a mountaintop or eating kale three times a day. It means stacking small, doable things that make your body and mind feel supported.

Here’s what I suggest:
Sleep like it’s your job: Go to bed before midnight, turn off screens early, and keep the room cool.
Eat like you love yourself: Focus on whole foods, leafy greens, and plenty of hydration. (Wine is fine, but maybe not nightly.)
Move your Qi: Try walking, yoga, or Tai Chi—something that feels nourishing, not punishing.
Cool your jets: Herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, and mint can calm both body and mind.
Laugh often: Watch a ridiculous movie, call that friend who makes you snort-laugh. Laughter smooths Liver Qi, and yes, that’s an actual TCM concept.

The Bigger Picture

This stage isn’t a decline—it’s a recalibration. Your body is wise, even when it feels chaotic. When you support it holistically, it responds beautifully.

A composite patient of mine, let’s call her “Amy,” came in exhausted, anxious, and waking up drenched at 2 a.m. every night. After a few acupuncture sessions, a custom herbal blend, magnesium glycinate, and a ban on doom-scrolling after 9 p.m., she started sleeping through the night again. Her words, not mine: “I feel like someone turned the lights back on.”

Your Turn

Perimenopause is not a punishment—it’s an initiation. Your body is asking for deeper care, not control. With acupuncture, herbs, and a few thoughtful supplements, you can feel steady, rested, and maybe even radiant.

If you’re ready for that kind of support, book your session here or call me at 773-517-7187. I’m in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and United Healthcare PPO, and I’d love to help you feel balanced and at home in your body again.