Perimenopause can begin years before menopause, yet many women are told their symptoms are "normal" or that their lab results look fine.

So what's really happening?

In this video, Dr. Miiko Rowley, Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician and Founder of Kale Functional Medicine, explains what happens in the body during perimenopause and menopause, why symptoms often begin before menopause officially starts, and why hormone changes aren't always reflected in standard lab tests.

You'll gain a clearer understanding of the hormonal shifts behind common symptoms and learn why looking at the whole clinical picture can lead to more informed decisions about your health. Whether you're experiencing irregular periods, sleep disruptions, mood changes, brain fog, hot flashes, or simply don't feel like yourself, this conversation will help you better understand what's driving these changes.

Dr. Rowley also shares how functional medicine and conventional medicine approach perimenopause differently, and why that difference matters when it comes to testing, treatment, and long-term wellness.

In this video, you'll learn:

- The difference between perimenopause and menopause.

- Why hormone levels fluctuate before they decline.

- The most common symptoms of perimenopause and what they may indicate.

- Why "normal" lab results don't always tell the whole story.

- How to better understand your body during this transition.

- When it's time to seek additional support.

At Kale Functional Medicine, we believe women deserve clear, evidence-informed education about hormone health, metabolism, and healthy aging. Subscribe for more expert conversations that empower you to understand your body with confidence and make informed decisions about your health.

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Miiko Rowley, MD | Medical Director, Kale Functional Medicine

Website: https://kalemd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/

The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ Shop

Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com

Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

Are your symptoms being dismissed as “normal”? In this episode of The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked, board-certified OBGYN Dr. Monique McKnight breaks down why so many women’s health concerns are minimized; and what that means for long-term health.

From painful periods and hormone imbalances to postpartum recovery and perimenopause, this conversation uncovers the patterns that leave women unheard, untreated, and often questioning their own bodies.

You’ll learn:

- Why “this is normal” can be a dangerous assumption

- The real impact of PCOS beyond fertility

- Early signs of perimenopause most women miss

- What pregnancy complications reveal about future health risks

- Why postpartum recovery is more than a 6-week check-up

- How to advocate for yourself in a system that often overlooks women

This episode is for any woman who has ever been told to “just deal with it”; and is ready for better answers.

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Monique McKnight, MD | Founder, HerWeb.Health

Website: https://www.herweb.health

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Miiko Rowley, MD | Medical Director, KaleMD

Website: https://kalemd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/

The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ Shop

Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com

Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

Why do so many high-achieving people struggle with emotional eating even when they know exactly what to do?

In this episode, Dr. Miiko Rowley speaks with Dr. Aalia Barwani, a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, to explore the deeper connection between emotional eating, stress, shame, and nervous system regulation.

They break down why emotional eating is often not a willpower issue but a response to chronic stress, stored emotions, and subconscious patterns. Dr. Barwani explains how shame and self-criticism can reinforce a cycle that keeps people stuck and why real change requires understanding what is happening in the brain and body instead of only following more rules.

You will learn:

- Why emotional eating is usually an internal, not external, issue

- How stress and shame reinforce the cycle of cravings and overeating

- The role of the nervous system in emotional regulation and behavior

- Why high-performing individuals are especially prone to this pattern

- How awareness can be the first step toward breaking the cycle

If you have ever felt frustrated trying to fix your eating habits with discipline alone, this conversation offers a deeper, more compassionate explanation of what is really going on and how change actually happens.

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Aalia Barwani, MD | Medical Director, Albidaya Wellness

Website: https://albidayawellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albidaya_wellness/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliaalbarwanimd/

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Miiko Rowley, MD | Medical Director, KaleMD

Website: https://kalemd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/

The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/

Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com

Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

In this episode, Dr. Miiko Rowley sits down with Dr. Tiffany Ruder, Pharm.D. a Functional Medicine Pharmacist who specializes in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Tiffany helps unpack the often misunderstood world of hormone replacement therapy and explains why this topic has generated both curiosity and concern over the years.

Together, they explore the history of hormone replacement therapy, including its former black box warning, why it was originally placed there, and what led to it being lifted. Dr. Ruder breaks down the science behind hormones, explains what each one does, and shares a balanced look at the potential risks and benefits.

This thoughtful conversation gives women the information they need to understand their options, ask the right questions, and make empowered decisions about their hormonal health during the perimenopausal and menopausal transition.

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Dr. Tiffany Ruder, Pharm.D. | Functional Medicine Pharmacist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizeherpharmacist/

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Miiko Rowley, MD | Functional Medicine Physician

Website: https://kalemd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/

The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/

Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com

Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show. ​

In this episode Dr. Miiko Rowley Show chats with Nathalie Sessions, Registered Dietitian who supports women in perimenopause and menopause using nutrition to support hormone balance and healing. Together, they explore the confusion many women face in today’s online world where social media is filled with advice that often contradicts itself.

Nathalie explains what a registered dietitian really is, what kind of education and training it takes to earn that title, and how that background allows her to create personalized nutrition plans that fit each woman’s unique needs.

This episode focuses on using food as a tool for healing, not just maintenance, and understanding how the right meal structure can help women feel stronger, more balanced, and more in control of their health.

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Nathalie Sessions, RD | Registered Dietician

https://www.nutritionsessions.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-sessions/

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Miiko Rowley, MD | Functional Medicine Physician

Website: https://kalemd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/

The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ Shop

Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com

Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show. ​

In this episode of The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show, you’ll sit in on a powerful conversation between Functional Medicine Physician Dr. Miiko Rowley and Cardiologist Dr. Asif Ali as they unpack why heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States and what you can actually do to prevent it.

You’ll hear them break down the real root causes behind America’s heart disease epidemic, including lifestyle, metabolic health, and familiar risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, in a way that is clear and actionable for you. Together, they translate the science into practical, prevention-focused steps you can start using right away, covering nutrition, movement, stress management, and how to catch silent warning signs early.

Dr. Rowley and Dr. Ali also show you what is possible when functional medicine and cardiology work hand in hand, moving beyond a model that centers only on procedures and prescriptions toward a more holistic approach that supports true, long-term heart health.

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Asif Ali, MD | Cardiologist

Website: https://hccheart.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-ali-md/

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Miiko Rowley, MD | Functional Medicine Physician

Website: https://kalemd.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/

The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/

Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com

Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show. ​

In this episode of Functional Medicine Unlocked, Dr. Miiko Rowley, Functional Medicine Physician, sits down with Brain Scientist Ronald Swatzyna, PhD to explore how understanding the brain can unlock real healing when conventional approaches fall short.

Together, they dive into how advanced brain mapping tools like EEGs help uncover why psychiatric medications may not work for some individuals and why symptoms often persist when the root cause is missed.

Dr. Swatzyna shares his experience helping patients identify hidden patterns in brain function, while Dr. Rowley brings the body into the conversation, highlighting the critical connection between brain health, physiology, and whole-body healing.

This powerful discussion bridges the gap between neuroscience and functional medicine, showing how collaboration between brain and body specialists creates more personalized, effective paths to healing.

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

Perimenopause is more than the end of menstrual cycles. It is a complex hormonal transition that can affect energy, mood, sleep, metabolism, and brain function.

Many women expeience fatigue, brain fog, and low energy long before their last period and feel like their body is working against them.

In this episode, Dr. Miiko Rowley, a Functional Medicine Physician, sits down with her patient Colleen McKnight, a successful Houston attorney, to hear her personal journey through perimenopause. Colleen shares what it felt like to navigate overwhelming symptoms while maintaining a demanding career and how she found clarity and relief through a functional medicine approach.

By watching this conversation, you will gain awareness that your perimenopause symptoms are real, they deserve attention, and they are not something you have to silently endure. This episode is for anyone who wants to recognize the signs early, take their symptoms seriously, and explore ways to feel like themselves again.

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

What does it really mean to heal in today’s world? After experiencing two life-altering neurological events and receiving an MS diagnosis, Dr. Rowley chose a different path.

One focused not on managing symptoms, but on understanding root causes and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. That decision led her to medical school, functional medicine training, and a healing journey that has kept her symptom-free for more than 18 years.

Dr. Miiko Rowley is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, a Certified Practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine, and the owner of KaleMD, a Functional Medicine practice in Houston, Texas. Drawing from both her clinical experience and her personal health journey, she breaks down how chronic illness develops and what it actually takes to create lasting health.

The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked features thoughtful conversations with leading voices in Functional and Integrative Medicine. Each episode explores the science behind chronic disease, the stories behind real transformation, and practical strategies you can apply in everyday life.

This show is for anyone who wants to better understand their body, move beyond symptom-focused care, and take an active role in their health through nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset. If you are ready to explore health from a root cause perspective, subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Welcome to The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show.

Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.