marcelleAt 50, Sarah found herself wide awake at 3:30 AM again. Drenched in sweat, heart pounding, mind racing. Her days were filled with brain fog, emotional swings, and a nagging fatigue that no amount of sleep seemed to cure. Everyone told her it was “just perimenopause” and that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the only option. But something didn’t sit right. Was this really only about estrogen? Or was there more to the story?
Why is this happening to me? Why am I gaining weight despite eating clean? Why am I feeling anxious and disconnected? Will I ever feel like myself again?
Every woman transitions through menopause, but no two experiences are alike. While 85% of women experience symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, some glide through it nearly symptom-free. Traditional medicine often treats menopause as an estrogen deficiency problem, but that view is outdated.
Here’s the truth: Menopause is not a one-size-fits-all hormonal crisis.
Menopause is a complex interaction of genetics, nervous system sensitivity, emotional imprints, lifestyle, nutrition, and stress.
The Neurokinin B and Kisspeptin Connection
What many don’t realize is that the root of hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms often lies in the brain—specifically, the hypothalamus. Within this brain region, specialized neurons known as neurokinin B (NKB) and kisspeptin are highly sensitive to changing levels of estrogen. When estrogen begins to drop during perimenopause, these neurons become overactive, disrupting the thermoregulatory zone in the brain.
This disruption triggers exaggerated responses to small changes in core body temperature, causing the sudden waves of heat and sweating known as hot flashes. It’s not the estrogen alone causing the symptoms—it’s the overactivity of NKB and kisspeptin pathways.
New Treatments that Block Pathways
New treatments that block these specific pathways—such as NKB receptor antagonists (blocking the receptor) like Fezolinetant—have been shown in recent studies (e.g., Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141(4):737–747) to significantly reduce hot flashes without the risks associated with HRT, such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, for many women in the holistic health space, pharmaceutical options like Fezolinetant may not align with their preferences.
Fortunately, natural alternatives have also shown promising effects. Herbal compounds like Rehmannia glutinosa and White Peony Root have demonstrated the ability to modulate the kisspeptin/NKB pathways, reducing vasomotor symptoms in a gentle, supportive way. Additionally, melatonin, when used at low physiological doses, helps improve sleep and thermoregulation, indirectly calming these same pathways. These natural approaches offer effective, integrative solutions that align with those seeking non-pharmaceutical methods of menopause management. According to Cell Reports Medicine (2023) and The Lancet (2023;402:2154–2165), these treatments represent a paradigm shift. They treat the brain’s thermal response rather than pushing estrogen into desensitized pathways – where estrogen has problem getting into the cell.
The HRT Dilemma Hormone Replacement Therapy
The HRT Dilemma Hormone Replacement Therapy has its place but comes with risks: increased breast and ovarian cancer, thromboembolism, and more (BMJ 2020;371:m3873). And not every woman is a candidate. Some don’t want it. Others can’t take it. Yet, they’re left without alternative solutions.
Lately, I have been hearing from some of my clients that these risks might not be as universal as once believed. They’ve read or been told that the dangers associated with hormone therapy may be more isolated to specific subgroups—such as women who begin HRT later in full menopause, rather than during the perimenopausal window. This has sparked thoughtful conversations around the timing, type, and context of hormone therapy.
Your Unique Genetic Makeup
The problem with broad risk statements is that they often overlook one critical factor: your unique genetic makeup. Are you efficiently detoxifying estrogens, or is your body pushing estrogen into more inflammatory or carcinogenic pathways? Are you eating and moving in ways that align with your metabolic and cardiovascular genes? If we isolate decisions—like whether to use HRT—without seeing the full picture, we risk making choices that seem beneficial on the surface but could be harmful in the long run.
When we rely on one-size-fits-all answers, we’re essentially crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. But today, we have access to the information that empowers us. By understanding your genes, your detox capacity, your stress resilience, and your emotional patterns, you can make personalized decisions that support long-term health—not just symptom relief.
A New Way to Heal
Let’s revisit Sarah. Her genes were mapped out and revealed imbalances not in estrogen production but in detoxification, stress regulation, and estrogen metabolism. With the help of Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), we discovered emotional imprints (unconscious patterns) stored in her nervous system that amplified her stress response. This wasn’t just about hormones. It was about burnout.
As she began working with targeted supplements, food changes, breathwork, NET sessions, and lifestyle shifts based on her unique health genetics, her brain fog lifted, her sleep returned, and her energy surged.
More Case Studies
Other women, like Allison and Marcy, saw similar transformations when they tailored their care based on genetic testing and emotional work. For instance, Allison’s severe hot flashes were not purely hormonal but rooted in stress gene activation post-trauma – unconsciously reliving the effects of the trauma even though the original event was no longer present. Marcy, on the other hand, responded poorly to HRT due to genetic variants pushing estrogen toward inflammatory pathways. For both, NET and gene-informed nutrition and supplementation brought relief where conventional therapies failed.
What is NET?
Neuro Emotional Technique is a non-invasive, proven method that helps clear emotional blockages stored in the nervous system. NET uses muscle testing to identify “neuro-emotional complexes”—patterns of stress, memory, and belief—and clears them using principles from acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Research published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship (2017) and a randomized controlled trial in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2015) showed that NET significantly reduced stress biomarkers and improved emotional resilience. One study demonstrated NET reduced heart rate reactivity in cancer survivors when exposed to traumatic memory triggers. Another highlighted NET’s ability to change functional brain connectivity in regions associated with emotion regulation and trauma response.
Supplement Strategies
- Rehmannia glutinosa and White Peony Root: Shown in clinical trials to reduce hot flashes by calming the kisspeptin/NKB pathways (PLoS One. 2019;14(9):e0223014).
- DIM (diindolylmethane): Supports healthy estrogen metabolism, especially critical for women with certain CYP1B1 gene variants.
- Melatonin: Low doses can reduce vasomotor symptoms and support sleep while modulating estrogen-related pathways (Sleep Sci. 2017;10(1):16–22).
- Liposomal glutathione and NAC: Crucial for detoxifying harmful estrogen metabolites and supporting phase II liver detoxification.
- Stress Reset: Balances HPA axis dysfunction linked to perimenopausal symptoms.
- Berberine and Resveratrol: Improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support adiponectin production.
- L-Carnosine: Helps regulate leptin and ghrelin, especially helpful in addressing menopausal weight gain and metabolic slowdown.
Lifestyle Approaches that Support the Transition
- Incorporate regular breathwork and meditation to reduce sympathetic dominance.
- Engage in strength-based and mobility exercise (according to your genes) to support bone density and metabolic rate.
- Focus on protein-rich meals (according to your genes demands for proteins intake) to counteract Protein Leverage Effect (PLE) and maintain lean body mass.
- Address gut health—support with probiotics and fiber for estrogen detox via the estrobolome (collection of gut bacteria).
- Track sleep and work with circadian-friendly routines; avoid screens after 8PM.
Summary of the Article: Menopause is not just an estrogen issue. It’s a total-body transition influenced by:
- Your genetic predispositions
- Your stress hormones and emotional patterns
- Your detox pathways and nutrient availability
- Your mindset and environment
What We Learned:
- Traditional views of menopause are outdated.
- Genes can reveal which pathways need support.
- NET can unlock and reset unconscious stress loops.
- Nutrition and lifestyle changes work best when personalized.
- Targeting kisspeptin and neurokinin B offers a safer, more precise treatment path.
What Can You Do Today?
- Take a deep breath in and out, often during the day.
- Write down 3 actions or mindsets that could bring you strength if shifted.
- Eat a clean, whole-food diet.
- Get your health genes mapped and analyzed, we use this lab to get raw data: https://dnaallure.com/ultimate-genomics.html.
- Reflect on imprints or emotional patterns holding you back.
- Review your supplements with a practitioner trained in genetic and hormone health.
- Commit to one meaningful change.
Are you ready to let go of exhaustion, reclaim your energy, and thrive in this new season of life?
Take that first step today.
Let’s explore what’s possible—together. If you’re curious about how your genes, stress patterns, and unique biology may be shaping your menopause experience, I’d love to help!
📩 Email me at infodrmarcelle@gmail.com. Ask about booking a personalized session or simply share what’s going on—I’ll guide you from there. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
References
Obstetrics & Gynecology (2023) Study on neurokinin B (NKB) receptor antagonists like Fezolinetant showing significant reduction in hot flashes by targeting the brain’s thermoregulatory centers. Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141(4):737–747
Cell Reports Medicine (2023) Research highlights how supporting hypothalamic pathways (rather than just estrogen levels) can lead to better outcomes in menopause symptom management. Cell Reports Medicine. 2023
The Lancet (2023) Discussion of the paradigm shift from hormone-centric to brain-centric approaches in managing menopause symptoms. Lancet. 2023;402:2154–2165
BMJ (2020) Comprehensive review of the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including cancer and cardiovascular concerns. BMJ. 2020;371:m3873
PLoS ONE (2019) Clinical trials showing how herbal extracts like Rehmannia glutinosa and White Peony Root reduce vasomotor symptoms by calming kisspeptin/NKB activity. PLoS One. 2019;14(9):e0223014
Sleep Science (2017) Evidence for low-dose melatonin improving sleep quality and thermoregulation during perimenopause. Sleep Sci. 2017;10(1):16–22
Journal of Cancer Survivorship (2017) Study showing NET (Neuro Emotional Technique) reduced cortisol reactivity and improved resilience in cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv. 2017
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2015) Randomized controlled trial demonstrating how NET helps regulate brain regions tied to trauma and emotional stress. J Altern Complement Med. 2015
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for personalized care from a qualified health practitioner.
Everyone’s health journey is unique—especially when it comes to addictions, genetics, and emotional wellbeing. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplementation, or mental health routine.
