Direct Primary Care Mebane

Perimenopause Is Not "Just Part of Aging"

Perimenopause can be one of the most challenging transitions in a woman's life. Symptoms may include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia and poor sleep quality
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Low libido
• Heart palpitations
• Brain fog and memory changes
• Weight gain and insulin resistance
• Fatigue and reduced energy production
• Joint pain and muscle loss

Research shows that as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone decline, women's risks for cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline increase. In fact, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and risk rises significantly after menopause.

Unfortunately, many women are told they cannot be in perimenopause because they are still having periods, or because a single FSH or LH level falls within a "normal" range. However, hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can be highly variable, making one-time lab testing unreliable for ruling it out. Progesterone often declines before estrogen, and hormone levels can fluctuate dramatically from month to month.

Hormone optimization is about more than simply prescribing hormones. It also involves understanding how the body metabolizes and eliminates hormones, including gut health, liver detoxification pathways, nutrition, inflammation, insulin resistance, and overall metabolic health.

If you're struggling and not getting answers, work with a practitioner who understands the complexities of hormone health and takes the time to evaluate the whole picture.

Schedule a free Meet & Greet at DirectFunctionalMed.com. We have offices in Mebane and Clayton NC

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Our office will be closed this Thursday 6/4.

Social media influencers make everyone with an MTHFR SNP think they need to be on high doses of methylated folate and B12. This is not good advice. There are other genes to consider in the methylation pathways such as COMT. Over methylation can not only cause mood imbalances such as anxiety but cancer also benefits from both over methylation and under methylation.

Risk of over methylation and under methylation in cancer:

The relationship between methylation and cancer is complex because both overmethylation and undermethylation (hypomethylation) can contribute to cancer development or progression — but in different ways.

What “methylation” means in cancer
Methylation usually refers to adding a methyl group (CH₃) to DNA, proteins, neurotransmitters, hormones, or detoxification pathways. In cancer biology, the most important issue is often DNA methylation, which affects whether genes are turned on or off.

A simplified way to think about it:

Too much methylation in the wrong places → can silence protective genes

Too little methylation overall → can destabilize DNA and activate harmful genes

Both patterns are commonly seen in tumors simultaneously.

Why this matters.

Hypermethylation can silence:

Tumor suppressor genes
DNA repair genes
Cell cycle regulation genes
Immune surveillance genes

Examples include silencing of:

BRCA-related pathways
MLH1
p16
APC

This can help tumors evade normal growth control.

If you have cancer or are at increased risk of cancer please work with a functional medicine provider who understands cancer instead of listening to social media influencers.

We are watching the Hantavirus information. Most Hantavirus strains are spread by rodents. The Andes strain can spread human to human in very close contact. Prior to the cruise ship spread there are only a few known cases of human to human transmission. I have been doing research on the pathophysiology of the virus and am aware of therapies that may be helpful if this becomes an issue.

Our office has moved. We are now at 1107 South 5th Street Mebane, NC suite 101

Conventional medical models often interpret laboratory results using a binary “normal vs. abnormal” framework. In contrast, our approach emphasizes identifying optimal ranges that support overall health and long-term well-being—not simply the absence of disease.

Relying solely on standard reference ranges can overlook early imbalances and subclinical dysfunction, which may leave patients feeling unheard or dismissed despite ongoing symptoms. A more comprehensive interpretation allows for earlier intervention and a more personalized, patient-centered approach to care.

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Being a patient at Direct Primary Care Mebane means having a provider who doesn’t rely on outdated protocols or rushed, one-size-fits-all care. It means working with someone who stays current with evolving research, questions conventional norms when appropriate, and is willing to dig deeper to find the most effective, up-to-date approaches for your health.

It’s an integrative model that looks at the whole picture- lifestyle, nutrition and prevention—not just symptoms.

You’re not just another chart. Your provider takes the time to research, collaborate, and personalize your care plan so you’re getting thoughtful, evidence-informed guidance—not guesswork.
This is what modern, patient-centered care should look like.

Being a patient at Direct Primary Care Mebane means having a provider who doesn’t rely on outdated protocols or rushed, one-size-fits-all care. It means working with someone who stays current with evolving research, questions conventional norms when appropriate, and is willing to dig deeper to find the most effective, up-to-date approaches for your health.

It’s an integrative model that looks at the whole picture- lifestyle, nutrition and prevention—not just symptoms.

You’re not just another chart. Your provider takes the time to research, collaborate, and personalize your care plan so you’re getting thoughtful, evidence-informed guidance—not guesswork.

This is what modern, patient-centered care should look like.

Our office is closed today and will reopen tomorrow.