What is perimenopause and when does it start? Perimenopause is the hormonal transition before menopause, when estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate. It can begin as early as the mid-30s and last up to 10 years. Many women experience symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, and brain fog years before their periods stop.
Why do my labs come back normal when I feel terrible? Standard lab panels are designed to rule out disease, not detect the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause. Functional medicine testing goes deeper — looking at fasting insulin, full thyroid panels, cortisol patterns, and nutrient levels that standard bloodwork skips entirely.
What does a first visit with Dr. Jena look like? Your new patient visit is split into 2 separate appointments: a 60-minute deep-dive into your health history, a neurological scan to see if you are stuck in fight-or-flight, and a body scan where Dr. Jena tests every organ reflex to see which are stressed and why. The 2nd visit is when you come back for your detailed report of what she thinks is going on and a plan of care.
Is functional medicine covered by insurance? Most functional medicine services are self-pay. Chiropractic care may be covered depending on your plan. Contact us to check your specific coverage before your first visit.
Can I work with Dr. Jena if I don’t live in Traverse City Yes. Dr. Jena offers virtual perimenopause care for women nationwide. Lab kits can be sent to your home, and all appointments are conducted via video call.
How is Dr. Jena’s approach different from seeing my regular doctor Most conventional doctors treat individual symptoms. Dr. Jena investigates the root cause — looking at how your hormones, thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar, and nutrition interact — and builds a personalized plan rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all protocol.
