Perimenopause: What to Expect and How to Find Relief—Naturally

Read on if you are wondering if you may be in perimenopause or for anyone who knows someone who may be in perimenopause!

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feeling off—you’re not imagining things. You may be in perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause. This shift can begin as early as your mid-30s, though it’s most common in the early to mid-40s and can last several years.

So what does perimenopause actually feel like?

Common Symptoms:

• Irregular or heavier periods

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood swings or anxiety

• Low libido

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

Lesser-Known (But Still Very Real) Symptoms:

• Heart palpitations

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Joint or muscle pain

• Headaches or migraines

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Urinary frequency or urgency

• Breast tenderness or swelling

• Digestive changes (bloating, constipation, reflux)

• Itchy skin or a “crawling” skin sensation

• Tingling in hands or feet

• Changes in body odor

• New or worsened allergies

• Burning tongue or metallic taste in mouth

• Hair thinning or loss (especially at the crown)

• Acne or changes in skin texture

• Dry eyes or blurry vision

• Increased PMS symptoms

• Feeling “wired but tired”

• Heightened sensitivity to stress

Every woman’s experience is different. Some breeze through this phase, while others feel like a stranger in their own skin.

How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Can Help

At West Knox Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we specialize in helping women navigate this hormonal rollercoaster.

Acupuncture helps to:

• Regulate hormones naturally

• Improve sleep and reduce hot flashes

• Ease anxiety and mood changes

• Support digestion and metabolism

Herbal medicine offers targeted support for specific symptoms—whether you’re dealing with irritability, insomnia, fatigue, or cycle changes. We tailor formulas to your unique pattern and phase of life.

What You Can Do at Home:

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, these lifestyle shifts can make a big difference:

• Get moving. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or strength training balances hormones and boosts mood.

• Sleep like it matters. Prioritize 7–9 hours per night. Create a calming bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.

• Eat for balance. Focus on whole foods, reduce sugar and alcohol, and include healthy fats to support hormone production.

• Stay cool. Dress in layers, keep your room cool at night, and try cooling teas like mint or chrysanthemum.

• Breathe. Even 5 minutes of daily breathwork or meditation can calm your nervous system and reduce stress-related symptoms.

You don’t have to navigate this chapter alone—and you don’t have to “just deal with it.” Natural, effective support is available.

Book a consultation today to feel like yourself again—even better.

Still have questions? We’d love to chat! Book a consultation to see how acupuncture can support your health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit this page or contact:

•  Phone: (865) 275-2444

• Email: info@westknoxacupuncture.com

 About West Knox Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine: West Knox Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is at the forefront of integrating traditional and modern medical approaches. The clinic is committed to offering holistic and individualized healthcare solutions with various services, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cutting-edge treatments like ozone therapy and SAAT.

Drs. AJ & Monica Sarrat
West Knox Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine
(865) 275-2444
info@westknoxacupuncture.com

www.westknoxacupuncture.com