Hormone Balancing In Essen

Anticipation Is Prevention

A third of a woman's life, or about 33 years, occurs after menopause, based on an average onset age of 51 and an EU life expectancy of 84. Additionally, women can experience symptoms of perimenopause for up to 10 years. This means for almost half of their lifespan, women may contend with various symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life and productivity.

Patients undergoing HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) frequently state they “feel like themselves again.” Consequently, determining the correct treatment frequency and dosage is a valuable investment in the next 30-40 years of your life.

A simple guide to help identify which hormone may be low:

Low Progesterone: You may experience feelings of anxiety, irritability, and being on edge.
Low Estrogen: You might encounter dryness, feelings of heat, and weepiness.
Low Testosterone: This can manifest as fatigue, weakness, and a lack of motivation.

It's important to know that symptoms and their intensities vary among women. There can be an overlap or a synergistic effect between hormones. Resolving these symptoms is usually a gradual and iterative process.

A medical graph showing fluctuating estrogen and testosterone levels managed by hormone replacement therapy

A woman meditating cross-legged in a bedroom, highlighting the mental wellness focus of hormone replacement therapy.

Identifying Hormonal Imbalance: A Body-Wide Guide

Sleep: Deficient Progesterone can lead to disrupted sleep and waking during the night (due to the loss of GABA's calming effect); Low Estrogen can cause night sweats and very early awakenings.
Mood: A lack of Progesterone is associated with irritability and anxiety; Estrogen deficiency is connected to depression and anhedonia; Low Testosterone diminishes drive and assertiveness.
Menstrual Cycle: Inadequate Progesterone can cause heavy and erratic bleeding (from unopposed estrogen); Insufficient Estrogen leads to shorter or missed cycles.
Vasomotor Symptoms: A deficiency in Estrogen is the main cause of hot flashes and nocturnal sweating.
Libido & Sexual Function: Low Estrogen leads to vaginal dryness and pain; Low Testosterone is the principal reason for decreased spontaneous desire and less intense orgasms.
Cognitive Symptoms: Estrogen deficiency can result in "brain fog" and memory issues; Low Testosterone can impair strategic planning and mental focus.
Metabolism: Insufficient Estrogen contributes to abdominal fat accumulation and insulin resistance; Testosterone deficiency leads to a reduction in lean muscle, which slows the metabolic rate.
Skin & Hair: A lack of Estrogen decreases collagen production and skin suppleness; Low Testosterone may play a role in thinning hair.
Bone & Muscle: Estrogen deficiency is a significant factor in osteoporosis and sarcopenia; Low Testosterone lessens physical endurance and muscular power.
Urogenital Health: Inadequate Estrogen can result in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, which includes atrophy, itching, and frequent UTIs.

An Overview Of The Treatment Plan

HRT is an adaptive, ongoing process customized to your individual biology. In contrast to a fixed prescription, your physician will modify dosages and schedules according to blood work and symptom monitoring. Typically, one hormone is stabilized before another is introduced, leading to follow-up appointments every 3–6 months.

Progesterone (Oral Micronized): Bioidentical progesterone, which is derived from plants, is readily absorbed. Its benefits include protecting the uterine lining, balancing hormones, alleviating anxiety, and enhancing sleep. The typical protocol is 100mg–200mg taken at night (to accommodate its drowsy effect). Perimenopausal women usually take it in the latter half of their cycle (days 14–28), whereas women with irregular cycles or who are post-menopausal take it continuously.
Estradiol (Transdermal): Transdermal applications (like gels/patches) are considered safer than oral estrogen. While taking estrogen orally can increase blood clot risk fourfold, studies (like the BMJ 2019 study) indicate that transdermal delivery poses no such elevated risk because the hormone is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin. Gels are often used initially for easy dose adjustment, and it generally takes 4–8 weeks of regular use to notice symptom relief.
Transdermal Testosterone: Testosterone is beneficial for libido and energy levels, but formulas specifically for women are not widely available outside of Australia. The dose is kept very low (approximately 300mcg/day), as higher amounts can trigger acne or hair growth.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): This is sometimes prescribed as a precursor hormone, but results from oral use can be inconsistent. Note that vaginal DHEA is intended for localized atrophy treatment only and is not a systemic replacement.
Medical Supervision: All HRT protocols must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional.

A healthcare professional in a white blouse providing expert hormone replacement therapy guidance in a modern office.

Abstract pink and blue swirling textures symbolizing complex biological changes during hormone replacement therapy.

Timeline For HRT Effectiveness

First Few Weeks You may begin to experience slight relief from symptoms, including improvements in sleep, mood, or energy. This timing depends on which hormone you start with. Progesterone often acts faster, whereas Estradiol may take at least 2 to 4 weeks for initial effects to be felt. This is a time to establish your application routine.
1 to 3 Months The dosage is tested and adjusted, as this therapy is personalized to your symptoms. If symptoms reappear, the dose may be increased. If you experience breast tenderness or migraines, the estrogen level may be lowered. Ideally, your mood swings will begin to even out, and your energy will improve. Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats should occur less often.
3 to 6 Months During this period, most people feel significant relief, as transdermal Estradiol and Testosterone take time to reach their full effect. Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness often improve significantly, while mood swings become much rarer.
6 to 12 Months You experience the full impact of the treatment and see a marked improvement in your quality of life. You learn that adjustments are an ongoing part of the process and can adapt the dosage or method of administration.
Month 13 Onwards In the long run, additional advantages accumulate, such as stronger bones (which lowers the risk for osteoporosis) and enhanced heart health, supporting your well-being as you age. Note that these outcomes are optimized when combined with strength training, a healthy diet, and sufficient protein consumption.

Next Steps

At The Longevity Practice, our emphasis is on detecting health risks with early, precise diagnostics before they develop into problems. Instead of responding to disease, we formulate clear, individualized strategies to support long-term wellness. Our objective is to equip every patient with a thorough understanding of their body and provide actionable steps they can implement immediately. With prevention and clarity as our foundation, we assist patients in building a longer, healthier existence.

Find out if our approach is suitable for you. Arrange your consultation online and Schedule an appointment

Evidence-based Longevity In Essen

In our practice, we rely exclusively on evidence-based methods and medical diagnostics that have been scientifically proven to make a difference. Our focus is on preventing the “four horsemen” of aging—cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration—rather than offering trends like epigenetic age tests or wellness drips. Our Prevention strategy addresses tailored exercises, nutrition, sleep, mental health and if necessary support by supplement and medication.

Cost Of A Hormone Replacement Therapy Focus Session In Essen

The cost for a Hormone Replacement Therapy Focus Session is based on the German healthcare pricing system (GOÄ – Gebührenordnung für Ärzte). We encourage you not to stop at consultation alone, but to begin your full Longevity Journey with us. Here is what our protocol looks like:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Focus Session

199€

Goal: Conduct a comprehensive hormone panel and risk-benefit analysis to develop a personalized HRT protocol and targeted treatment strategy.

Duration: 45 minutes

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Full Diagnostic Visit

1,399€

Goal: Establish a data-driven biological baseline to unlock personalized peak performance and long-term health optimization.

Duration: 3 hours

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Introduction Session

0€

Schedule a quick video call to learn more about The Longevity Practice services and approach.

Duration: 15 minutes

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Testimonials

What our customers say about us

Julia, 46 – HRT & Strength

When I saw how much muscle mass I had lost, I finally understood why I felt weaker. It took longer than I expected to get my hormone levels properly adjusted, but once they were stable, my sleep and daily energy improved dramatically. Combining this with regular strength training has made me noticeably stronger and more resilient in everyday life.

Anna, 44 – HRT & Sleep

I never realized how much my hormones were affecting my sleep until I have taken progesterone. After adjusting my therapy and tracking my sleep for six weeks, I went from waking up four or five times a night to sleeping through almost every night. It’s such a relief to finally wake up feeling rested and ready for the day.

Pia, 45 – Menopause & Brain Fog

I thought I was losing my mind. I’d forget simple words in the middle of sentences. Realizing it was just the estrogen drop was a huge relief.

Anna, 49 – Menopause & Sleep

The night sweats were brutal—I was waking up drenched and exhausted every single night. I was so irritable with my family. Once I balanced my hormones, I finally got my sleep back.

Anita, 54 – Menopause & Anxiety

Nobody told me about the sudden heart palpitations and anxiety. I felt on edge for no reason. Learning it was hormonal made so much sense.