Perimenopause & Menopause Consultation In Bochum

Understanding the Hormonal Shift

By 2030, 1.2 billion women are projected to reach menopause, a figure that will rise to 1.65 billion by 2050. Prior to this stage, between 60% and 80% of women from age 34 to 51 encounter perimenopausal symptoms that diminish their quality of life and work productivity. These symptoms can include everything from sleep disturbances and brain fog to anxiety and diminished energy levels. Frequently, these conditions remain undiagnosed and are not addressed. The consequences affect families and create substantial economic costs from missed workdays, absenteeism, and women departing from their careers.

This transition is prompted by a decrease in hormones. In addition to reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and breast, women possess Estrogen (ER) and androgen (AR) receptors throughout the body, including the brain, liver, kidneys, adipose tissue, bones, and immune cells. These receptors play a role in various functions, spanning from bone density and metabolic processes to reproduction, cognitive abilities, and emotional state.

Consider these hormones as essential "building blocks". The three primary ones are:

Progesterone, also known as "the calm regulator": A reduction in this hormone can lead to sleep disturbances, feelings of anxiety, and significant bleeding.
Estrogen, often called "the main character": The depletion of estrogen can affect brain function, causing memory problems and concentration difficulties, or diminish life quality through joint discomfort and vasomotor symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes.
Testosterone, or "the drive booster": A decrease in this hormone impacts motivation, sexual desire, and muscle mass.

Smiling woman in black sweater representing perimenopause and menopause care

Distinguishing Perimenopause from Menopause

Perimenopause

Frequently referred to as “the second puberty,” this term describes the transitional period of several years that precedes the final menstrual period.

Age of Onset: Usually begins at 34 years of age or later.
Definition: A transitional phase initiated by a reduction in the function of the ovaries.
Duration: It commonly persists for a period of 4 to 10 years.
Menstrual Cycle: Periods become unpredictable; they can be lighter, heavier, shorter, longer, or missed altogether.
Hormone Levels: Progesterone is the initial hormone to decline, followed by erratic fluctuations in estrogen and a gradual decrease in testosterone. A diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms, not blood work.
Fertility: Pregnancy is still possible; continuing with your chosen method of birth control is advised.
Key Symptoms: Includes sleep disturbances, fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, anxiety, brain fog, joint pain or stiffness, muscle soreness, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and symptoms of depression.

Menopause

Menopause refers to a distinct moment that signifies the conclusion of a woman's reproductive phase.

Age of Onset: It generally happens at approximately age 51, with a common range of 45 to 55.
Definition: A defined point confirmed after twelve straight months have passed without a menstrual period.
Duration: It is a singular event. The stage that comes after this point is known as Postmenopause.
Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation has ceased entirely.
Hormone Levels: Hormonal levels stabilize at a consistently low point.
Fertility: It is no longer possible to become pregnant.
Key Symptoms & Risks: Symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness can continue. There is an elevated risk of bone density loss (osteoporosis), as well as a higher risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in individuals not using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Symptoms and Hormonal Shifts in Perimenopause and Menopause

Sleep Problems (50–55%): This covers insomnia, waking often during the night (WASO), and sleep that is not refreshing. It is caused by fluctuating progesterone levels (impacting GABA receptors) and low estrogen that leads to night sweats. A decrease in melatonin after 40 also contributes to the problem.
Low Energy and Fatigue (~80%): Estrogen helps manage cortisol and assists mitochondrial activity. A reduction in estrogen results in metabolic stress and a decrease in cellular energy, which frequently happens in conjunction with sleep issues.
Joint & Muscle Pain (65%): A decrease in estrogen elevates pro-inflammatory cytokines, which causes widespread inflammation and less joint lubrication, resulting in stiffness or conditions like "frozen shoulder."
Brain Fog (60%): Neurons need estrogen to utilize glucose for energy. Falling estrogen levels result in a "hypometabolic" condition within the brain’s memory areas (the hippocampus), which affects the ability to concentrate.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats (50–55%): The hypothalamus, which acts as the body's internal thermostat, is regulated by estrogen. Reduced levels can cause the brain to incorrectly perceive the body as too hot, initiating abrupt cooling mechanisms.
Anxiety & Irritability (50–60%): A fall in estrogen diminishes the production of serotonin (the "happiness hormone"), and lower progesterone lessens the brain's calming effects, which can lead to heightened reactivity and shifts in mood.
Abdominal Weight Gain (50%): The loss of estrogen leads to greater insulin resistance. The body intentionally accumulates visceral fat around the abdomen in an effort to generate estrone (an estrogen type) from these fat cells.
Vaginal Dryness & Pain (40%): A reduction in estrogen diminishes blood flow, collagen, and elasticity within pelvic tissues, which results in atrophy and pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Low Libido (40–45%): This is caused by a significant drop in testosterone for women aged 45–55, which is compounded by the physical pain and tiredness resulting from low estrogen levels.
Depressive Symptoms (40–45%): During perimenopause, the likelihood of developing new depression rises by a factor of 2 to 4 because of how estrogen affects the density of serotonin receptors in the brain.
Dry Skin & Urinary Problems (35–45%): These issues stem from the same decrease in collagen, moisture retention, and tissue elasticity that also impacts the vaginal walls.

Woman in her 40s experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms, wearing turquoise sweater in natural light

Modern menopause and perimenopause clinic, The Longevity Practise, with patient consultation space and wellness equipment

The Longevity Practice: Our Approach & Getting Started

The Longevity Practice is dedicated to detecting health risks before they develop into problems by using early and accurate diagnostics. Rather than responding to illness, our method involves developing straightforward, individualized strategies for preserving long-term wellness. We aim to provide each patient with a thorough knowledge of their own body and actionable steps for immediate implementation. By prioritizing prevention and clear information, we guide our patients in constructing a longer, more healthful life.

Our Core Principles

Our primary commitment is to assist individuals in feeling their best regardless of age and to support their pursuit of a longer, healthier life. To accomplish this, our work is centered on several fundamental principles:

Precision in Science
Individualized Care
A Focus on Prevention
Clear Guidance
Extended Healthspan
Transparency and Trust

Note: Our methodology is built around sustainable and non-invasive solutions. We adhere to these core principles to facilitate enduring physiological adjustments and effective long-term health stewardship.

Next Steps

Discover if our methodology is a good fit for you by booking your consultation online to Schedule an appointment

Evidence-based Longevity In Bochum

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 Perimenopause And Menopause Focus Session In Bochum

The cost for a Perimenopause and Menopause 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:

Perimenopause and Menopause Focus Session

199€

Goal: Assess menopausal stage and symptom profile to evaluate disease risk associated with hormonal decline and determine optimal clinical interventions.

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

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.

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.

Anne, 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.