Functional & Herbal Medicine Support for Menopause
Menopause is not a diagnosis — it’s a physiological transition
But for many women, it becomes a period of distress, confusion and loss of confidence in their bodies.
Hot flushes, disrupted sleep, anxiety, low mood, joint pain, brain fog, weight changes, palpitations, loss of libido — often appearing despite “normal” blood tests and reassurance that this is simply something to endure.
At The Body Detective, I work with menopause and perimenopause through a functional and herbal medicine lens, focusing on why symptoms are happening and what your body needs to regain balance naturally during this transition.
Why menopause symptoms can feel overwhelming
Hormonal changes are only part of the picture.
During perimenopause and menopause, shifts in oestrogen and progesterone interact with:
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Stress physiology (HPA axis)
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Blood sugar regulation
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Liver detoxification pathways
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Gut microbiome balance
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Thyroid function
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Inflammation and immune signalling
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Musculoskeletal tension and pain patterns
When these systems are already under strain, menopause can act as a tipping point, amplifying symptoms that may have been quietly developing for years.
This is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
A functional medicine approach to menopause
Functional medicine asks different questions:
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Why are symptoms severe for some women and mild for others?
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Why do some women tolerate hormonal shifts well, while others struggle?
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What underlying imbalances are making this transition harder?
At The Body Detective, menopause support focuses on:
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Identifying drivers of symptoms (not just naming them)
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Supporting the body’s adaptive capacity
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Working with physiology rather than suppressing symptoms
This approach can be used alongside HRT, instead of it, or while you are deciding what feels right for you.
How herbal medicine supports menopause
Herbal medicine offers effective system-wide support during menopause.
Rather than “replacing” hormones, herbs can:
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Support nervous system regulation
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Improve sleep quality and stress resilience
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Aid liver processing of hormones
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Support digestion and gut health
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Modulate inflammation
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Improve energy and cognitive clarity
Herbs are selected individually, based on your symptom pattern, constitution, medical history and current medication — not off-the-shelf formulas.
Common menopause symptoms I support
Women often come to The Body Detective with:
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Hot flushes and night sweats
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Anxiety, low mood or emotional volatility
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Brain fog and poor concentration
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Joint pain, stiffness or new aches
Many have already tried lifestyle changes, supplements or been told everything is “within range”.
Working with me during menopause
My work combines:
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Functional medicine assessment
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Individualised herbal medicine
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Lifestyle and nutritional insight
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An understanding of the body as an integrated system
Where appropriate, neuromuscular therapy may be used as an adjunct, particularly where pain, tension or postural patterns are contributing to symptoms.
This is not about quick fixes — it’s about helping your body move through menopause with greater stability, clarity and confidence.
Menopause is a transition — not a decline
With the right support, menopause can become a period of recalibration rather than depletion.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that feel disproportionate, persistent or unexplained, functional and herbal medicine may help uncover what’s really driving them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause Support
What is functional medicine support for menopause?
Functional medicine support for menopause looks beyond hormone levels alone and explores why symptoms are occurring. At The Body Detective, this means assessing how hormonal changes interact with stress, sleep, digestion, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, liver function and overall resilience. The aim is to support the body as an integrated system, rather than simply managing individual symptoms in isolation.
Can herbal medicine help with menopause symptoms
Yes — herbal medicine can offer valuable support during menopause when prescribed appropriately. Herbs do not “replace” hormones but can help regulate stress responses, support sleep, aid hormone metabolism, improve digestion and reduce symptom burden such as hot flushes, fatigue or anxiety. At The Body Detective, herbal prescriptions are tailored to the individual rather than based on generic menopause formulas.
Do I need to be on or off HRT to work with functional or herbal medicine?
Functional and herbal medicine can be used:
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alongside HRT
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instead of HRT
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or while you are deciding what approach feels right for you
Support is always individualised and takes into account your medical history, preferences and current treatments. The focus is on helping your body adapt more effectively to hormonal change.
Why do menopause symptoms persist even when my tests are "normal"
Many menopause-related symptoms arise from changes in how body systems interact, rather than from a single abnormal test result. Hormone fluctuations can affect nervous system regulation, sleep quality, inflammation and energy production without showing clearly on standard blood tests. Functional medicine looks at patterns and system balance, not just reference ranges.
What happens in a menopause consultation with The Body Detective?
A menopause consultation involves a detailed discussion of your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, stress levels and overall wellbeing. This allows patterns and drivers of symptoms to be identified. Support may include personalised herbal medicine, functional medicine strategies and practical guidance aimed at improving resilience and symptom stability over time.
Is functional menopause support suitable for perimenopause as well?
Yes. Many women experience symptoms during perimenopause — sometimes years before periods stop completely. Early functional and herbal support can help reduce symptom intensity and support smoother hormonal transitions, rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
Start your menopause reset today
Get in touch so we can start working together.
