Menopause Doctor in North County San Diego
Menopause marks a powerful transition in a woman’s life—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. If you’re navigating hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, or just feeling “off,” you deserve care that truly listens and understands. At her Encinitas-based clinic, Dr. Wafaa Matti, NMD provides compassionate, science-based menopause care designed to help you thrive—not just survive—through this next phase of life.
As a trusted menopause doctor in North County San Diego, Dr. Matti takes a personalized, root-cause approach to hormonal balance. Her integrative protocols are designed to ease symptoms, protect long-term health, and empower women to feel strong, sensual, and supported during midlife and beyond.
Dr. Matti believes menopause is not an end—but a beginning of deeper self-awareness and renewed vitality. Through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), botanical medicine, IV nutrient therapy, and lifestyle coaching, she supports your body’s natural balance without overmedication.
Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause
Perimenopause vs Menopause: What’s the Difference?
- Perimenopause typically begins in your mid-to-late 40s, though it can start earlier. It’s the transitional window when your hormones begin to shift, cycles may become irregular, and symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and fatigue emerge. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years.
- Menopause is officially diagnosed when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period—usually around age 51, though this varies widely. At this point, ovarian hormone production (especially estrogen and progesterone) has significantly declined.
- Postmenopause is the stage that follows, during which hormonal levels stabilize but remain low, and long-term risks (like bone loss, cardiovascular changes, and cognitive shifts) may become more pronounced.
Natural vs Premature Menopause
Not all menopause timelines are the same:
- Natural menopause occurs as a normal part of aging.
- Premature menopause happens before age 40 and can result from genetics, autoimmune conditions, or medical interventions like chemotherapy or surgery.
- Surgical menopause is triggered by the removal of the ovaries and leads to an abrupt hormone drop, often with more intense symptoms.
What’s Happening Hormone-Wise?
As you transition through menopause, your body undergoes complex hormonal shifts:
- Estrogen declines, affecting brain function, metabolism, bone density, and vaginal tissue
- Progesterone drops earlier, which may lead to irregular periods, anxiety, and poor sleep
- Testosterone may gradually lower, influencing libido, motivation, and muscle tone
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Sudden waves of heat, flushing, and sweating—especially at night—are hallmark signs of fluctuating estrogen. They can disrupt sleep and cause discomfort at work or in social settings.
Irregular Periods
Perimenopause often begins with changes in your cycle—shorter, longer, heavier, or skipped periods. These shifts signal hormonal instability and may continue for years before menstruation stops altogether.
Mood Swings and Irritability
Hormonal dips can impact brain chemistry, making you feel more reactive, anxious, or low without clear triggers. These changes are real—and treatable.
Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort
Estrogen loss can lead to thinning of vaginal tissues, resulting in dryness, itching, burning, and painful intercourse. These symptoms are often underreported but profoundly affect quality of life.
Low Libido
Between hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue, many women experience a dip in sexual desire. Addressing physical and emotional root causes is key to restoring intimacy and connection.
Insomnia and Fatigue
Sleep disruptions are extremely common during menopause. You may find it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested—leading to daytime exhaustion and irritability.
Brain Fog and Memory Issues
Many women notice difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or a general “foggy” feeling. These cognitive changes are linked to hormonal decline, stress, and poor sleep.
Weight Gain and Slowed Metabolism
As estrogen decreases, fat distribution shifts, especially to the midsection. Combined with thyroid and insulin changes, weight gain becomes more common—even without dietary changes.
Hair Thinning and Dry Skin
Loss of estrogen and androgens can lead to thinner hair, dry scalp, and rougher skin texture. These changes often reflect deeper nutrient or hormone imbalances.
Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Changes
Hormonal transitions can trigger or worsen mood disorders, especially in those with a personal or family history. You may feel less emotionally resilient—or more overwhelmed than usual.
Dr. Wafaa Matti’s Functional Approach to Menopause
Individualized Hormone Assessment
Dr. Matti begins with comprehensive hormone testing, customized to your needs:
- Saliva Testing for real-time cortisol and estrogen fluctuations
- Blood Panels to evaluate thyroid hormones, insulin, and nutrient levels
- DUTCH Testing for advanced insight into estrogen metabolism, adrenal health, and sleep hormones like melatonin
These tests allow Dr. Matti to pinpoint imbalances and monitor how your body is processing hormones—so she can treat with precision, not guesswork.
Botanical and Nutritional Support
Rather than immediately reaching for pharmaceuticals, Dr. Matti utilizes plant-based therapies and targeted nutrients that support your body’s natural hormone production and balance.
- Phytoestrogens (like black cohosh and red clover) to reduce hot flashes
- Adaptogens (such as ashwagandha and rhodiola) to stabilize stress responses
- Magnesium, B-complex, and Omega-3s to support mood, metabolism, and sleep
Every supplement is chosen based on lab results and your specific symptoms—no generic protocols, ever.
Gut and Liver Detox Support for Hormone Metabolism
Your gut and liver play a critical role in how your body eliminates excess hormones. If these systems are sluggish, even the best hormone therapy won’t be effective—and may even make things worse.
Dr. Matti supports hormone metabolism with:
- Digestive enzymes and probiotics
- Liver-supporting herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root
- Detox-friendly diet plans customized for your lifestyle
This ensures hormones are used and cleared efficiently, without creating new imbalances.
Addressing Thyroid and Adrenal Imbalances
Many menopause symptoms overlap with thyroid dysfunction and adrenal fatigue. That’s why Dr. Matti always checks for:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism
- Cortisol rhythm disruptions
- Burnout-related fatigue or anxiety
She treats these issues with gentle but effective protocols, improving energy, focus, and metabolic function.
Integrating Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions
No hormone therapy works without a solid foundation. Dr. Matti helps you implement realistic, sustainable changes in:
- Diet: balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut health
- Movement: integrating strength, flexibility, and rest
- Sleep hygiene: essential for hormonal recalibration
- Stress management: using breathwork, routines, and therapeutic tools
Her approach is functional, flexible, and full-spectrum—because true healing happens when body, mind, and spirit are aligned.
Treatment Options Available at the Encinitas Clinic
Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses plant-derived hormones that are structurally identical to those produced by your body. Unlike synthetic hormone treatments, BHRT offers a gentler, more personalized alternative with fewer side effects.
Dr. Matti prescribes BHRT in carefully calibrated doses—based on comprehensive lab results—to restore balance and reduce symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Insomnia
- Low libido
- Mood instability and brain fog
BHRT may include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA, and is delivered via creams, capsules, or troches depending on your preference and needs.
IV Nutrient Therapy for Fatigue, Cognition, and Sleep
For women experiencing severe fatigue, brain fog, or sleep disturbances, IV therapy can be a game-changer. This treatment delivers high-dose vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream for maximum absorption and rapid results.
Common IV blends used during menopause may include:
- Magnesium and B-complex for calming the nervous system and enhancing sleep
- Vitamin C and glutathione for immune and skin support
- Amino acids for cognitive function and stress reduction
PRP Therapy for Vaginal Rejuvenation (Optional)
As estrogen declines, many women experience vaginal atrophy, dryness, and painful intercourse—symptoms that can drastically affect quality of life but are often under-discussed.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers a natural, non-surgical solution by using your own blood’s healing components to regenerate vaginal tissues, improve circulation, and restore comfort and sensitivity.
This optional therapy is available for patients seeking:
- Enhanced vaginal lubrication and elasticity
- Reduction in urinary leakage or urgency
- Improved sexual pleasure and confidence
Reclaim Balance and Vitality in Menopause
Menopause doesn’t have to mean discomfort, confusion, or silence. It can be a season of transformation—an opportunity to tune into your body, reestablish balance, and embrace your next chapter with strength and self-awareness.
With her deep clinical knowledge, functional medicine training, and heartfelt dedication to women’s wellness, Dr. Wafaa Matti, NMD, is here to guide you every step of the way. Her care is rooted in science and compassion, offering practical, personalized strategies that help you thrive physically, emotionally, and hormonally.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. You deserve to feel vibrant, clear-minded, and supported.
Take the First Step Toward Hormonal Balance
📍 Clinic Location:
324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Located at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
📞 Schedule a Consultation:
760-274-2377
💻 Email:
dr.wafaamatti.nd@gmail.com
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reach out today to schedule your visit or ask a question—Dr. Wafaa’s team is here to support your wellness journey, both in person and online.