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Perimenopause Isn’t the End—It’s the Beginning of Something New

  • Dr. Anne Devereux, DACM, L.Ac.
  • May 10
  • 3 min read

Natural Hormone Support & Acupuncture in Longmont, CO

Documents on wooden desk with "HORMONES" in blue and "PERIMENOPAUSE" in bold. Glasses rest nearby. Bright, educational mood.

When most people hear the word perimenopause, they picture hot flashes, mood swings, and disrupted sleep. For many women, this life chapter feels confusing, unpredictable, and frankly—exhausting.


But it doesn’t have to be that way.


At Mulberry Acupuncture and Wellness here in Longmont, we see perimenopause as a powerful transition. With the proper support, it can be a time of deep healing, clarity, and renewed vitality.


What Is Perimenopause, Really?

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause—when your ovaries gradually start producing less estrogen and progesterone. It can begin as early as your late 30s, though most women notice symptoms in their 40s or early 50s. This stage can last several years, with fluctuating hormones that affect your mood, sleep, metabolism, menstrual cycles, and more.

Common symptoms include:

  • Irregular periods

  • Hot flashes and night sweats

  • Mood changes or anxiety

  • Brain fog

  • Weight gain (especially around the middle)

  • Fatigue

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Low libido

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And while these changes are common, they’re not something you have to just “live with.”


A Holistic Approach to Perimenopause Support

What makes our approach at Mulberry Acupuncture and Wellness unique is that we look at your whole body—not just your hormones. We blend the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern insights to help women in perimenopause feel supported, balanced, and empowered.

Acupuncture and customized herbal medicine can help:

  • Regulate hormone fluctuations

  • Improve sleep and reduce night sweats

  • Support blood sugar and metabolism

  • Ease anxiety, irritability, and overwhelm

  • Boost energy and clarity

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

We often hear from patients: “I feel more like myself again.”


Why Symptoms Like Stress & Blood Sugar Changes Matter

1. Stress

Women in midlife are often juggling careers, families, aging parents, and changing bodies—all while trying to keep it together. Chronic stress spikes cortisol, which in turn throws off blood sugar, disrupts sleep, and amplifies mood swings.

Simple, consistent breathwork can help you reset your nervous system. Try:

  • Five deep breaths at every red light

  • A breathing reminder between meetings

  • Short pauses during transitions throughout your day

Reducing stress doesn’t have to mean big changes—just mindful ones.


2. Blood Sugar

During perimenopause, insulin sensitivity tends to decline. That’s why many women notice stubborn belly weight or cravings that weren’t a problem before.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Walking 10–20 minutes after meals

  • Adding more protein and healthy fats

  • Avoiding snacking between meals

Small shifts in when and what you eat can have a big impact.


3. Metabolism & Muscle

As we age, we naturally lose lean muscle mass, which slows metabolism. This can feel especially frustrating in midlife when what used to work suddenly doesn’t.

Adding strength training—especially lifting heavier weights with good form—can:

  • Boost metabolism

  • Support insulin balance

  • Improve bone and joint health

Even modest changes to your workouts can make a difference.


What About Hormones?

Estrogen and progesterone don’t just affect your cycle—they influence everything from brain chemistry to skin health to sleep quality. As they decline, symptoms like inflammation, dryness, mood swings, and low energy often emerge.

At Mulberry, we support this transition with:

  • Personalized herbal medicine based on Chinese diagnostics

  • Targeted, evidence-based supplements

  • Functional hormone tracking (like BBT, Inito, or lab testing)

  • Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored to you

You don’t need a one-size-fits-all solution—you need care designed around your body and your life.


You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

Perimenopause isn’t just a hormonal event—it’s a life stage. And like all life stages, it deserves support, compassion, and attention.

At Mulberry Acupuncture and Wellness in Longmont, we specialize in guiding women through this transition using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic care that truly sees the whole person.

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and starting to wonder if what you’re feeling is “just aging”—this is your reminder that change doesn’t have to mean suffering.


👉 Book a visit with us today and take the first step toward feeling vibrant again.


About the Author

Dr. Anne Devereux, DACM, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac.This blog was written by Dr. Anne Devereux, a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. With over 16 years of clinical experience, Dr. Anne specializes in integrative, evidence-informed acupuncture and herbal medicine. She is passionate about helping patients understand the root causes of their health concerns and supporting them on their journey to healing and vitality.


This blog and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health-related program.

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