PERIMENOPAUSE AND THE NEUROENDOCRINE AXIS: A SYMPTOM-MAPPING APPROACH TO PERSONALIZED NUTRITION CARE
Perimenopause is a complex neuroendocrine transition involving shifts across hormonal, metabolic, and stress-response systems.. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone infl uence not only reproductive function, but also interact with the HPA axis, thyroid signaling, insulin regulation, and the nervous system. These shifts often present clinically as fatigue, changes in body composition, disrupted sleep, mood variability, and altered appetite or stress tolerance.
These symptoms are not random—they refl ect coordinated physiological adaptation. Although often experienced as inconsistent or disconnected, they refl ect predictable patterns of physiological adaptation. Without a framework to interpret these changes, both clinicians and patients often default to isolated symptom management and approaches that do not address the underlying drivers.
In this session, perimenopause is reframed as a whole-system transition, and participants are introduced to a practical method for mapping symptom patterns across the neuroendocrine axis. This approach supports more accurate assessment, improves clinical reasoning, and helps translate complex physiology into targeted, individualized nutrition strategies.
Emphasis is placed on real-world application, including how to recognize common symptom clusters, connect them to underlying neuroendocrine dynamics, and apply this understanding within the nutrition care process. This framework supports clinicians in moving beyond one-size-fi ts-all recommendations and toward care that is aligned with both underlying physiology and individual patient goals.
Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:
- Describe key neuroendocrine changes occurring during perimenopause, including interactions between ovarian hormones, the HPA axis, and metabolic regulation.
- Identify common symptom patterns associated with neuroendocrine shifts in midlife women.
- Apply a symptom-mapping framework to support clinical assessment and interpretation.
- Develop targeted nutrition interventions aligned with underlying physiology and patient.
Live Event Date:
May 06, 2026
Expiration Date:
Apr 21, 2027
Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 5.1.2, 10.6.2, 11.2.9, 11.3.4
Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals
Total Cost:
1 Site Credit
About the Presenter: Kimberly Evans, MS, RD, LDN
Kimberly Evans, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian with 30+ years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, and functional wellness. She holds a master’s in Health Care Administration and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard. Kimberly specializes in women’s health, thyroid and metabolic conditions, autoimmune fatigue, and midlife transitions—using a systems-based lens to help dietitians elevate care through real-world, client-centered strategies.
As founder of the Nourish Radiance Method, she offers CEU courses and mentoring that translate lab data and physiology into meaningful, compassionate care. Her teaching bridges evidence-based practice with integrative insight—empowering RDs to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.
