Image of doctor analyzing blood test results. Overlay text says "Real Talk: What Your Doctor Might Not Be Telling You About Perimenopause"

Real Talk: What Your Doctor Might Not Be Telling You About Perimenopause

October 21, 20256 min read

‘You’re fine’ isn’t good enough when you don’t feel like yourself.


Tired of being told “you’re fine”? Discover what your doctor might not be telling you about perimenopause and how to finally find real relief and balance.


You’ve probably had that moment.

You sit in your doctor’s office, list out all the symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, low mood, irritability, night sweats, and wait for the solution.

They run a few labs, and everything “looks normal.”
So you leave with the same symptoms, a new supplement (or prescription), and a vague sense that maybe it’s all in your head.

But it’s not all in your head. It’s in your hormones, your stress levels, and your nervous system.

And you deserve to understand what’s really happening inside your body.


In this article, we'll be covering the following:

  1. Why “Normal” Isn’t the Same as Optimal

  2. What Lab Tests Don’t Tell You

  3. Simple Ways to Restore Balance Naturally

  4. Building a Support Team That Gets It

  5. FAQ: Holistic Support for Perimenopause

  6. Join Me for Real Relief


Why “Normal” Isn’t the Same as Optimal

When you get bloodwork back, your doctor compares your results to a wide range of values that include women of all ages and health conditions.

So when they say “everything looks normal,” what they often mean is “you’re not sick.”

But there’s a big difference between not sick and feeling your best.

You might be “within range,” but your hormones could still be fluctuating wildly. Your cortisol (stress hormone) might be high at night, keeping you awake. Your thyroid might be sluggish, even if technically “normal.”

🙅‍♀️ You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve care.
You deserve to feel balanced, clear, and energized again.


What Lab Tests Don’t Tell You

Here’s what your doctor’s quick checkup might miss:

  • Hormone fluctuations: Perimenopause is a rollercoaster. Hormones can swing drastically day-to-day, so a single lab result doesn’t tell the whole story.

  • Stress impact: Chronic stress and lack of rest can spike cortisol, suppress thyroid function, and drain energy.

  • Gut health: If your digestion is off, your body can’t properly metabolize hormones or absorb nutrients, leading to fatigue and bloating.

  • Inflammation and nutrient deficiencies: Low magnesium, vitamin D, or iron can mimic perimenopause symptoms, but rarely get discussed.

Instead of more prescriptions or blanket advice like “eat better and exercise,” you need a personalized plan that supports your whole system, body, mind, and energy.


Simple Ways to Restore Balance Naturally

You don’t have to overhaul your life to start feeling better.
It’s about small, strategic shifts that actually work with your body instead of fighting against it.

Here are three powerful places to start:

  1. Fuel smarter, not less.

    • Eat protein with every meal to balance blood sugar and reduce mood swings.

    • Focus on real food, not restriction. Your body needs nourishment, not punishment.

  2. Support your nervous system.

    • Try deep belly breathing, gentle yoga, or walking outdoors to regulate cortisol.

    • These small resets cue your body to shift out of survival mode and back into healing.

  3. Sleep with intention.

    • Create a wind-down routine with magnesium-rich foods, calming essential oils, and zero screens before bed.

    • The more rested your body feels, the easier it becomes to lose weight and regain focus.

Remember, real relief doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from supporting your body to feel safe enough to let go of what it’s been holding onto.


Building a Support Team That Gets It

You don’t need another doctor’s visit that leaves you confused or dismissed.
You need people who see you as a whole person, not a checklist of symptoms.

Your support team might include:

  • A health coach who helps you connect the dots between nutrition, hormones, and stress.

  • A yoga instructor who guides you to release tension and rebuild strength.

  • A Reiki practitioner to help your body process stored stress and restore energy flow.

  • An aromatherapist who teaches you to use essential oils for mood, sleep, and focus.

Each layer of support helps you come back home to yourself, clear, grounded, and confident again.


FAQ: Holistic Support for Perimenopause

1. Can yoga really help with my mood swings and low energy?
Yes. Gentle, restorative yoga helps balance cortisol, improve sleep, and release tension that builds up in the body. Even ten minutes can make a difference.

2. How does Reiki support hormone balance or fatigue?
Reiki calms the nervous system, improves emotional regulation, and helps shift your body out of chronic stress, where hormones tend to stay dysregulated.

3. Are essential oils actually effective for symptoms like brain fog or irritability?
They can be! Oils like peppermint, clary sage, and lavender help support energy, focus, and relaxation when used intentionally and consistently.

4. How is health coaching different from another diet or supplement plans?
Health coaching looks at you, your stress levels, sleep, food patterns, and mindset. It’s about creating a plan that fits your season of life, not forcing you into someone else’s.


Join Me for Real Relief

If this resonates, know that you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not crazy.
You’re just navigating a phase of life that most women were never taught about.

That’s why I created my upcoming class:


👉 “Brain Fog, Itchy Ears, Weight Gain, etc: Real Food & Real Relief for Perimenopause Symptoms”
📅 October 23 at 7 p.m. ET

We’ll talk about what’s really going on in your body, why you feel the way you do, and how to bring yourself back into balance, without another prescription or quick fix.

You deserve more than “you’re fine.”
You deserve real understanding, real relief, and a plan that finally fits your life.

To your energy (the kind that lasts),

Mary Louise 💜💪


Mary Louise Rose

I am a health and wellness personal trainer and the owner of Health Your Way, specializing in helping busy, career-driven women in midlife who are balancing demanding careers, caregiving, and their own well-being. With a focus on sustainable habit, hormone health, and a balanced approach, I empower women to make real, lasting changes in their health and weight loss journey without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.


Resources:

Complimentary Health Assessment

Personalized Roadmap Session

Complimentary Consultation Call

Reiki (Energy Healing) Session

🧘♀️Virtual Yoga (Recording available & camera's optional)

Escape the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in a session of mindfulness and relaxation in the comfort of your own home.

Virtual Morning Yoga

Virtual Evening Yoga

For those local to me in Virginia:

Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, these sessions are designed to help you unwind, recharge, and find balance amidst the busyness of life.

AromaTouch (essential oil) Session

Improve Your Health, Improve Your Life Groups:

Communities where wellness meets real life. You'll get more great tips, supportive insights, and personal guidance to help you thrive, not just survive!

LinkedIn Group

Facebook Group

Back to Blog