Your Hormone Cycle at Every Age: A Functional Medicine Overview

Hormones play a powerful role in how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. From the first signs of puberty to postmenopause, your hormones are constantly shifting. But those shifts shouldn’t mean you feel tired, foggy, moody, or out of balance.

In functional medicine, we take a root-cause, whole-body approach to hormone health. That means we don’t just look at whether your hormone levels are “normal.” We ask why they might be off and what we can do to support true balance.

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening with your hormones at each life stage, and how functional medicine can help you feel your best.

Teens & Early 20s: The Foundation Years

What’s happening hormonally:
This is when the menstrual cycle begins, and hormone production kicks into gear, especially estrogen and progesterone. Cycles may be irregular at first. Mood swings, acne, and painful periods are common.

Functional medicine approach:

Nutritional support for hormone regulation and skin health: evaluating nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities, and gut health.
Education on cycle tracking and natural rhythm: understanding what is happening behind your prior hormonally so that cycles are more regular and less symptomatic.
Addressing gut health, blood sugar, and inflammation early: these issues contribute to many of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance and difficult menstrual cycles.
Gentle detox support if needed: simple changes in lifestyle and approaches to living more cleanly go a long way to improved hormonal health (and health in general).

Common issues: painful periods, acne, anxiety, irregular cycles

Late 20s to Early 30s: Hormonal Peak (and Subtle Shifts)

What’s happening hormonally:
Estrogen and progesterone are typically at their most balanced during this time. But stress, over-exercising, birth control use, or underlying conditions can disrupt the cycle.

Functional medicine approach:

Full hormone panels, not just basic screening labs: tracking the entire cycle with urine hormones (yes, we can do that!) or strategic timing of hormone blood work encompassing not only estrogen and progesterone, but also thyroid and adrenal hormones.
Support for fertility, libido, and energy: looking outside of the usual “hormone” lens to whole-person evaluation and personalized, targeted treatment.
Addressing cortisol and thyroid health: issues with these hormones are easily confused for hormone symptoms, and vice versa.
Blood sugar balance to protect long-term hormone health: preventing or reversing insulin resistance is critical at this stage.

Common issues: PMS, fatigue, thyroid changes, fertility struggles

Mid-30s to Early 40s: The Transition Begins

What’s happening hormonally:
This is often the beginning of perimenopause, even if cycles are still regular. Progesterone is usually the first hormone to decline, which can lead to mood changes, sleep disturbances, and heavier periods.

Functional medicine approach:

Salivary or urine testing for cortisol and sex hormones: understand where you are on the perimenopausal roadmap and get out ahead of it, as much as possible.
Support for progesterone production and stress response: personalized selection of hormonal, nutritional and supplement interventions.
Blood sugar and insulin support (crucial for hormonal balance): tracking blood sugar, body composition, and key blood test findings over time.
Lifestyle strategies for mental health: evaluate neurotransmitters (biomarkers that, when imbalance cause mood changes), and establish strong sleep, nutrition, and stress management habits for immediate and long term health.

Common issues: irritability, sleep problems, PMS/PMDD, weight changes

Mid-40s to Mid-50s: Perimenopause to Menopause

What’s happening hormonally:
Estrogen and progesterone become more erratic, and you may start skipping cycles. This transition can bring on hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, and anxiety.

Functional medicine approach:

In-depth hormone testing (like the DUTCH test): every woman at this stage deserves to understand her hormone levels and how she detoxifies (gets rid of) estrogen to decrease potential risks later in life.
Bioidentical hormone therapy from experienced providers: hormones are right for most women struggling with symptoms, and can help with some areas of prevention, including osteoporosis, heart health, and brain health.
Thyroid and cortisol assessment (both shift significantly in this phase): staying on top of ALL the hormones is key to feeling one’s best.

Common issues: hot flashes, poor sleep, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue

Postmenopause (Mid-50s and Beyond): A New Normal

What’s happening hormonally:
After menopause, your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Hormone levels stabilize at lower levels, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with symptoms.

Functional medicine approach:

Ongoing bioidentical hormone support when appropriate
Design and support of exercise and movement strategies that prevent injury and promote strength and balance: joints that move are less painful, and stronger women fall less often!
Cognitive, cardiovascular, and bone health strategies: evaluating bone density and monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids, inflammation, and other important markers.

Common issues: joint pain, weight gain, memory issues, bone loss

How We Support Hormone Health at Vytal Health

At Vytal Health, we specialize in personalized hormone care. We offer:

Bioidentical hormone therapy safely prescribed by providers with deep expertise in hormone replacement
Advanced testing for sex hormones, thyroid, cortisol, and glucose regulation
A supportive, root-cause approach to symptoms
One-on-one care with a hormone expert for individualized support and treatment plans

Whether you’re just starting to explore hormone health or you’re ready for personalized care, we meet you where you are virtually, from the comfort of your home.

Ready to Get to the Root?

If your hormones feel “off” and you’re tired of being told everything looks fine, functional medicine could be your missing piece. We’ll help you uncover what’s really going on and create a personalized plan to help you feel like yourself again.

Schedule a free call with a care coordinator to get started today.

Not quite ready to schedule?

Check out our online hormone course—you’ll get an at-home test kit and a self-paced, expert-led program with Dr. Tiffany Mullen to help you better understand your hormones and next steps.