Frequently Asked Questions

Can a naturopath help with menopause if my blood tests are ‘normal’?

Yes – many menopausal symptoms are about how your body feels and functions, not just laboratory numbers. The Australasian Menopause Society notes that many women use complementary and lifestyle approaches for symptoms like hot flushes and sleep issues, even when standard blood tests are within normal ranges.

“I look at your test results through the lens of ‘optimal’ ranges, analysing patterns and relationships.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

As a naturopath, I help women understand the whole person – diet, stress, sleep and nutrient status can all influence symptoms even when bloodwork looks ‘normal’,” says me.

Helpful tip: Check out my blog post about blood tests here.

When is it time to get professional help for menopause symptoms instead of pushing through?

It’s a good idea to seek professional support when symptoms start interfering with your daily life, work, sleep, mood or relationships. Australian health sources advise seeing a GP or specialist if menopausal symptoms are bothersome or persistent, not just mild annoyances.

“As a naturopath, I often see women who’ve tried to ‘push through’, only to find relief once we tailored support to their unique symptoms and lifestyle. I also think Perimenopause is an excellent time to start addressing your health with a preventative lens, setting yourself up for great health the the second half of life.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Helpful tip: Track your symptoms weekly so you can clearly describe their impact when you talk with your healthcare team.

Should I see a naturopath or GP for perimenopause symptoms?

Both can play important roles. Your GP can help test for and diagnose medical conditions such as thyroid issues, iron or B12 deficiency or adenmyosis, for example, and can prescribe pharmaceutical interventions like HRT if needed.

A naturopath will view your symptoms through a whole body lens, and will aim to support your body through this transition, making adjustments if needed to your nutrition, sleep, or lifestyle and will prescribe herbs and nutritional supplements if warranted. 

“As a naturopath, I welcome collaboration with GPs and can work in a way that complements medical care. However, I’m also collaborating with the client, working out what they want their health to look and feel like and how best to attain that in a way that works with their unique circumstances.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Helpful tip: ask your GP and Naturopath to collaborate so you get the best health care for you!

Perimenopause symptoms list — how do I know if that’s what’s happening to me?

Perimenopause can feel like your body has suddenly changed the rules on you! Common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disruption, brain fog, and reduced libido. According to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, perimenopause can begin up to 10 years before your final period, often starting in your early-to-mid 40s.

“In my clinic, I find many women are surprised to learn their symptoms started years before they expected — perimenopause is a gradual transition, not a sudden event. However, other conditions that can cause similar symptoms do need to be ruled out, like thyroid issues, low iron or B12 status, chronic stress or insulin resistance.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Helpful tip: Check out Lisa’s free Perimenopause Thrive Guide – it will give you a good idea of what the symptoms of Perimenopause are and some easy steps you can take to help yourself.

Is natural treatment effective for perimenopause or is HRT the only option?

HRT works well for some women, but it’s absolutely not the only path. Research published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that lifestyle interventions, herbal medicine, and nutritional support can meaningfully reduce symptom severity for many women in perimenopause.

“In my practice, I see great results combining evidence-based herbal and nutritional support with lifestyle changes – and for some women, we work alongside their GP if HRT is also part of the picture, it doesn’t have to be either or.” ~Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Can stress, burnout or adrenal fatigue make perimenopause symptoms worse?

Absolutely — and this connection is so often overlooked. Your adrenal glands play a key role in producing hormones during perimenopause, so chronic stress can significantly amplify symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, sleep disruption, and hot flushes. The Australian Psychological Society has highlighted that midlife women carry disproportionately high stress loads, which directly impacts hormonal balance.

“In clinic, I rarely see perimenopause in isolation — stress and burnout are almost always part of the picture, and addressing them is often the missing piece.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Helpful tip: Notice whether your symptoms flare during high-stress periods — that pattern alone is really valuable clinical information.

How long does it take to feel better with naturopathic treatment for menopause?

Most women begin noticing meaningful improvements within six to twelve weeks, though this varies depending on how long symptoms have been present and what’s driving them. Research from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that herbal and nutritional interventions typically show measurable effects within eight to twelve weeks of consistent use.

“I always explain to my clients that we didn’t get here overnight, and lasting change takes a little time. But most women feel genuine shifts within the first couple of months, with many symptoms improving within weeks.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Helpful tip: Track your top three symptoms weekly. Improvements can be easy to miss without a record to look back on.

How do I find a good naturopath for perimenopause in regional Victoria?

Finding the right practitioner makes all the difference. Look for someone registered with an association such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) or the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), with specific experience in women’s hormonal health. Research consistently shows that therapeutic relationship quality is a strong predictor of treatment outcomes – so trust your gut about whether someone really listens.

“Perimenopause and menopause care is the main focus of my practice and I am constantly updating my training around this.I’m based in Castlemaine and work with women across regional Victoria and Australia via telehealth, so geography doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting good support.” ~ Lisa Eastley, Naturopath

Helpful tip: Many naturopaths offer a short introductory call — use it to ask about their experience with perimenopause specifically before committing to an appointment.