By Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist & Functional Medicine Specialist | O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, Saint Paul, MN
Menopause is a major transition—not just hormonally, but physically, emotionally, and mentally. While hot flashes and mood swings might get the most attention, menopause is much more than a few uncomfortable symptoms. It’s a whole-body shift that can impact everything from metabolism and sleep to brain function and heart health.
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we take a Functional Medicine approach to menopause, helping women move through this life stage with clarity, confidence, and balance.
Understanding Menopause in the Functional Medicine Model
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and graduate of an Internal Medicine program, I approach menopause by asking:
Why is the body struggling to adapt? Where are the imbalances? What support does this individual need to thrive—now and long-term?
Functional Medicine isn’t about pushing one-size-fits-all hormone therapy. Instead, we examine the interconnected systems of your body—hormones, digestion, brain, liver, thyroid, adrenal glands—and uncover the root causes of imbalance.
Common Menopause Symptoms We Address
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Hot flashes and night sweats
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Sleep disturbances
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Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
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Brain fog and memory issues
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Fatigue and low energy
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Weight gain or shifting body composition
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Low libido and vaginal dryness
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Digestive changes or bloating
Many women are told “this is just part of getting older,” but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.
What We Evaluate
A Functional Medicine assessment for menopause may include:
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Comprehensive hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, thyroid)
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Blood sugar and insulin resistance
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Inflammation markers
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Liver detoxification pathways
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Gut microbiome and digestive health
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Nutrient levels and mitochondrial function
This data allows us to build a personalized care plan—not just symptom relief, but true support for your entire system during this life stage.
Our Approach to Menopause at O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
We support our patients through menopause with a variety of integrative tools:
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Hormone balancing through food, lifestyle, and targeted supplements
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Stress reduction and adrenal support
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Sleep optimization protocols
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Gentle detox strategies to support estrogen metabolism
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Nutritional and herbal therapies tailored to your lab results
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Mind-body approaches to support mood and resilience
Menopause is a transition—but it can also be a transformation.
You're Not Alone—And You're Not "Just Getting Older"
If you're experiencing uncomfortable changes and haven’t found answers—or if you’ve been told everything is “normal” but don’t feel like yourself—Functional Medicine can provide a new path forward.
We take the time to listen, investigate, and build a plan that supports your body’s wisdom while helping you feel strong, focused, and in control of your health.
Contact Us
O'Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Phone: 651-292-8072
Website: www.improveurhealth.com
