Functional Medicine for Perimenopause

More than symptom management—

Together, we’ll restore gut health, balance your hormones, and restore your vitality.

This doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” You deserve answers, not bandaids.

When we get to the root of your hormone and gut issues, we can fix them—for good.

Let me guess...

You're a motivated, high-performing woman who takes care of herself—but something feels off.

Look familiar?

  • Your sleep is disrupted by hot flashes, night sweats, or restless thoughts.

  • Brain fog and memory lapses are making work and life harder to manage.

  • Energy crashes hit out of nowhere and leave you feeling unmotivated or moody.

  • Digestive issues—like bloating, constipation, or IBS—seem to be getting worse with time.

  • Your workouts don’t feel as effective, and your body isn’t bouncing back like it used to.

  • You just DON’T FEEL LIKE YOURSELF.

Your doctor says everything’s “normal,” but you know something isn’t right.

How do I know?

BECAUSE THIS IS EXACTLY HOW MY PERIMENOPAUSAL PATIENTS USED TO FEEL, TOO.

(And so did I.) 

I created this program because I’ve personally experienced the frustration of feeling “off” while being told everything was fine. And in my practice, I began to see the same patterns again and again—women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s dealing with hormone shifts, worsening gut symptoms, and rising inflammation… and not getting the support they needed.

Hormonal change doesn’t happen in isolation. It impacts your digestion, mood, metabolism, and sleep. When these systems become dysregulated, the effects ripple through every part of your life.

These symptoms are common—but they’re not normal, and they’re not something you just have to live with.

This program goes deeper than conventional care. We use advanced testing to uncover what’s really going on—and then we create a personalized, data-driven plan to help you feel like yourself again.

When we address the true root causes, the results are often life-changing—not just better labs, but better sleep, better energy, better mood, and a deeper sense of ease in your body.

Hormonal Change

Midlife hormonal changes—like fluctuating estrogen and progesterone—can disrupt sleep, mood, metabolism, and cycle regularity. Without support, these shifts can accelerate symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, weight gain, and brain fog.

Gut-Brain Axis

Gut-brain axis

Gut health plays a critical role in hormone regulation and mental well-being. As estrogen fluctuates, it can impact the microbiome—leading to bloating, constipation, or IBS—and disrupt neurotransmitters that affect mood, memory, and focus.

Resilience

Microbe

As hormone levels shift, you may notice longer recovery times, lower stress tolerance, and decreased muscle strength or bone density. Without a targeted approach, this can lead to burnout, injury, or feeling like your body is working against you.

WHAT IF I TOLD YOU...

There is a better way!

You deserve real answers—and a plan that works.

When we address the root of your hormone and gut issues, you can feel like yourself again—clear, energized, and resilient.

Introducing Gut + Hormone Health in Perimenopause

A personalized program built just for women in perimenopause. Designed to help you feel better—often within the first month.

Created to support you through every phase of this transition—from confusion and symptoms to clarity, healing, and long-term vitality.

ARE YOU READY TO FEEL LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN?

This is NOT a one-size-fits-all approach.

We design testing and treatment based on your unique symptoms, history, and goals.

Functional medicine offers the kind of personalized, root-cause care that’s essential for navigating the complex, system-wide changes of perimenopause.

When we uncover and address what’s really driving your symptoms, you don’t just survive midlife—you thrive beyond what you thought was possible.

Functional Medicine Testing in Perimenopause

Get answers with advanced labwork available in our structured programs

  • Women in perimenopause often experience increased demand for key nutrients due to hormonal fluctuations, gut dysfunction, and chronic stress. We assess levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support energy, hormone balance, cognition, and immune resilience.

  • Bloating, constipation, IBS, and food reactivity are common in perimenopause—and often rooted in microbial imbalances. We use advanced stool testing to evaluate digestion, pathogens, inflammation, and microbiome diversity so we can restore your gut from the inside out.

  • This urine-based test gives insight into mitochondrial function, neurotransmitter balance, detox pathways, and nutrient status. It’s especially helpful for unexplained fatigue, brain fog, and chronic inflammation that don’t show up on standard labs.

  • Perimenopause is a dynamic hormonal transition, not a sudden drop. We evaluate estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and DHEA—often through blood testing—to understand the full picture and support natural balance or HRT when appropriate.

  • Midlife shifts can impact blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure—often before symptoms appear. We assess insulin resistance, advanced lipids, and inflammation to reduce long-term risk and optimize metabolism now through Cleveland HeartLab®.

  • Your DNA can influence how you detoxify hormones, absorb nutrients, manage stress, and respond to inflammation. We use genetic insights to personalize your care plan for more effective, targeted results.

Optimize your Hormone + Gut Health with Functional Medicine Today

Interested in becoming a patient? Here’s how...

BOOK ELEMENTAL ASSESSMENT

The Elemental Assessment is your personalized entry point into care at Rise Functional Medicine, combining a 30-minute intake, comprehensive lab work, and a 60-minute deep dive follow-up. It’s designed to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and provide a strategic roadmap for healing, optimization, and long-term transformation.

STRUCTURED PROGRAM

At the Elemental Assessment, we’ll recommend one of our structured, transformational programs designed to carry out your personalized treatment plan. Whether your focus is hormone balance, gut healing, brain health, or athletic performance, each Pathway includes targeted interventions, regular follow-ups, provider access, advanced testing (as needed), and ongoing support to help you reach your goals.

Transform Yourself with Rise

Fatigued, loss of resilience, burned out

Energized, strong, vibrant, resilient

Clarity, resilience, rested, refreshed

Anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, memory loss

Regular, smooth, & effective digestion

Bloated, unpredictable bowel movements

Strategic & personalized supplement plan

Confused, taking random supplements

who am I, anyway?

Hi! I’m Ashley Shrader, DNP, IFMCP

Many of my clients are just like you—smart, capable women who suddenly feel out of sync with their bodies.

I’m a certified functional medicine practitioner with a deep passion for hormone and gut health. And I get it—because I’ve been there too.

After years of pushing through unexplained fatigue, brain fog, and other autoimmune symptoms, I realized something deeper was going on. It wasn’t until I started digging into root causes that I was finally able to heal—without guesswork, gaslighting, or bandaid fixes.

That’s why I do what I do.

What to expect when working with an IFM-certified practitioner?

Feel seen and heard

A large part of functional medicine involves understanding who you are as an individual, your detailed personal and family history, the circumstances around your first symptoms, and the experiences you have had with other healthcare providers.

Test, don't guess

No more hours wasted on Google trying to understand your symptoms. Based on your story, I choose only the necessary testing that will help us create your own unique treatment plan based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences.

A comprehensive approach

From chronic illness to disease prevention, functional medicine systematically addresses the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of all patients. I have a deep understanding of biology, physiology, genetics, social and environmental determinants of health, and the vital connection between mental and physical well-being.

 FAQs

  • Yes. This is one of my specialties. I support women navigating hormonal shifts, gut issues, mood changes, fatigue, and more—using a personalized, root-cause approach.

  • Not at all. Many clients work with me proactively to optimize hormones, energy, gut health, and longevity before symptoms begin.

  • Endurance athletes are at risk of nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and hormonal changes that may not be perceived as symptoms. We are known to push through discomfort! I still recommend this program for you.

  • I accept any gender and member of LGBTQIA+ community.

  • I currently accept patients located in Florida*, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Colorado.

    I will be seeing patients in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington in 2025!

    If you do not live in these locations, reach out or check back soon as this list is likely to expand!

    *Learn more about the Florida Telehealth License here.

  • Appointments are conducted virtually via telehealth. There may be opportunities for in-person visits in the future.

  • Functional medicine treats root causes of disease and restores healthy function through a personalized patient experience. Learn more at the Institute for Functional Medicine.

  • For bloodwork, I can provide you with a lab order to be completed at a local lab. Many of the blood labs we order are covered by insurance.

    Other functional tests such as stool tests, saliva, and breath tests can be sent directly to your home and shipped from your home to the lab. We have partnered with Rupa Health to streamline this testing process.

  • To offer the very best in care without the shortcuts often required by insurance companies, Rise is out-of-network, direct pay only. Please take the time to understand your insurance benefits and deductibles. I am happy to generate “superbills” required by insurance companies for out-of-network expenses.

  • Nurse practitioners are ideal functional medicine practitioners due to their dual training in conventional and holistic diagnostic and treatment modalities. Nurse practitioners are trained how to implement a therapeutic encounter through deep understanding of the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of the patient.

  • Yes, I can prescribe medications and hormone therapy, if indicated.

    I am a member of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and have completed training with Dr. Neil Rouzier.

  • I am an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and board certified Nurse Practitioner by the AANP. I received my doctorate from Frontier Nursing University and my Family Nurse Practitioner degree from George Washington University. I have received extensive training in biological sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, blood chemistry and pharmacology, hormone therapy, gender affirming care, as well as conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, I have completed comprehensive training in clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling. I am also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance.

What Rise Clients are Saying…

  • "Here’s to my “MVP” - aka Most Valuable Practitioner, Ashley Shrader, NP!"

    I had a “team” of providers who I went to for deep tissue massages, chiropractic care, acupuncture treatment, nutrition guidance, training advice, and pre-workout energy supplements. Improving my hormone health through meetings with Ashley was the last piece of the puzzle for this 55 year old former 400-intermediate hurdler turned distance runner. It took me 5 years to qualify for the Boston Marathon, but I made it and ran and danced my way through all 26.2 miles of the course! I didn’t even try to PR…. I just celebrated and soaked up the day. I’ll always be grateful to the team that helped it happen and Ashley’s health advice was a big part of my fitness and ability to qualify and then “party” the day away! Thank you for your invaluable health guidance and support, Ashley! You’re forever a part of my Boston experience!”

    -CT, 127th Boston Marathon Finisher

  • "I cannot recommend this practice more."

    I have dealt with chronic symptoms and I was told by numerous doctors that I was “fine” even though I felt horrible. I’m young, active and generally healthy, and knew I shouldn’t feel this bad everyday.

    I came across Rise and I’m SO glad I did. Not only is Ashley extremely kind, intelligent, compassionate and thorough but she also really genuinely listens to your needs and wants you to feel better. She offers thoughtful treatment suggestions and holistic approach is backed by science. In my short few months of following her treatment plan, I have never felt better. My brain fog has lifted, I feel lighter, happier and like myself again. I’m so grateful to have found Rise and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone who is thinking about making an appointment to do so!

    -VR

  • “She was intuitive in looking deeper in areas I had never considered.”

    I’ve had many women ask me who I use for my ‘women stuff’ and I tell them, Ashley Shrader. She LISTENED intently to concerns I had and was intuitive in looking deeper in areas I never considered. If you are looking for an NP that knows hormones, autoimmune issues, and LISTENS, I highly recommend her!

    -JB

  • “I will never forget your kindness.”

    I will never forget your kindness, thoughtfulness, patience, and personal interest in making my life, journey healthier, in both body and mind. Our paths connecting was life altering for me. I do not have all the words, but can tell you how much I have appreciated all you gave me through this journey, both professionally, and personally!

    -DS

  • "She doesn’t stop at a diagnosis..."

    Ashley is one of the most intelligent providers I’ve ever worked with. She doesn’t stop at a diagnosis but truly wants to find the deeper underlying causes and address those. She’s compassionate, a great listener, works hard for her patients, and has a desire to keep learning as functional medicine continuous to improve. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! She’s one of the good ones!!!

    -RM

  • "She will dive deep into your health..."

    Dr. Shrader is not only incredibly knowledgeable in the field of functional medicine, she is also one of the kindest humans on the planet. She listens, is compassionate, and will dive deep into your health to look for root cause issues. She is one of the best out there— Can’t recommend highly enough.

    -SR