Woman smiling in natural sunlight representing wellness during perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause & Menopause Consultation In Dessau

Fast appointments (self payers or privately insured patients only)

Online doctor consultations and testing at our office in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg

On-demand coaching from doctors for your current problems, needs and healthspan goals.

A Proactive Approach to Hormonal Health

By 2030, 1.2 billion women will reach menopause, a figure rising to 1.65 billion by 2050. Prior to this stage, 60-80% of women between the ages of 34 and 51 experience symptoms of perimenopause that diminish their quality of life and productivity. These symptoms can include everything from sleep issues to cognitive fog, anxiety, and low energy. Often, these conditions are not identified or addressed. This has an effect on families and creates a considerable economic cost from lost productivity, absenteeism, and women leaving their careers.

This is triggered by a decline in hormones. In addition to reproductive organs (like the uterus, ovaries, and breast), women have Estrogen (ER) and androgen (AR) receptors located in the brain, liver, kidney, adipose tissue, bone, and immune cells. These receptors govern functions ranging from bone density and metabolic rate to reproduction, cognitive ability, and mood.

You can view them as essential “building blocks.” The three primary ones are referred to as the "Big Three":

  • Progesterone, also called "the calm regulator": A reduction in this hormone can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Estrogen, also known as "the main character": A loss of estrogen can affect brain performance (such as memory issues and concentration difficulties) or life quality because of joint pain and vasomotor symptoms (like night sweats and hot flashes).
  • Testosterone, also known as "the drive booster": A decrease in its levels influences motivation, libido, and muscle development.
Smiling woman in black sweater representing perimenopause and menopause care
Chart showing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and FSH hormone changes across perimenopause stages to menopause

The Key Differences Between Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause

Frequently referred to as “the second puberty,” this transitional period spans several years before menstruation ceases.

  • Age of Onset: Generally begins at 34 years of age or later.
  • Definition: A transitional phase initiated by the diminishing function of the ovaries.
  • Duration: Usually extends for a period of 4 to 10 years.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Periods become unpredictable; they can vary in flow (lighter or heavier), duration (shorter or longer), or may be missed altogether.
  • Hormone Levels: Progesterone levels are the first to drop, estrogen fluctuates erratically, and testosterone shows a gradual decline. A diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms, not bloodwork.
  • Fertility: Pregnancy is still possible; continuing with your chosen method of contraception is advised.
  • Key Symptoms: Includes disturbed sleep, exhaustion, hot flashes, night sweats, emotional shifts, anxiety, cognitive fog, joint pain or stiffness, muscle soreness, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and symptoms of depression.

Menopause

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

  • Age of Onset: Commonly happens around the age of 51 (with a typical range of 45–55).
  • Definition: An established landmark confirmed after experiencing 12 straight months with no menstrual period.
  • Duration: A singular event in time. The stage that follows this event is known as Postmenopause.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation has entirely stopped.
  • Hormone Levels: Hormonal levels stabilize at a new, consistently low baseline.
  • Fertility: Conception is no longer possible.
  • Key Symptoms & Risks: Symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness can continue. There is a heightened risk for bone density loss (osteoporosis), along with an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for women who do not use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Symptoms and Hormonal Shifts of Perimenopause and Menopause

  • Sleep Problems (50–55%): This encompasses insomnia, waking often during the night (WASO), and unrefreshing sleep. It is caused by fluctuating progesterone (impacting GABA receptors) and reduced estrogen that leads to night sweats. A decrease in melatonin after 40 also contributes to the problem.
  • Low Energy and Fatigue (~80%): Estrogen plays a role in managing cortisol and aiding mitochondrial activity. A drop in estrogen causes metabolic strain and a reduction in cellular energy, which frequently happens in conjunction with poor sleep.
  • Joint & Muscle Pain (65%): A decrease in estrogen elevates pro-inflammatory cytokines, which results in body-wide inflammation and less joint lubrication, causing symptoms like stiffness or "frozen shoulder".
  • Brain Fog (60%): Neurons need estrogen to effectively use glucose for energy. Falling estrogen levels result in a "hypometabolic" condition in the brain's memory areas (the hippocampus), which compromises concentration.
  • Hot Flashes & Night Sweats (50–55%): Estrogen helps control the hypothalamus, which acts as the body's internal thermostat. Reductions in estrogen can make the brain incorrectly sense overheating, which sets off abrupt cooling mechanisms.
  • Anxiety & Irritability (50–60%): Falling estrogen levels diminish the production of serotonin ("happiness hormone"), and lower progesterone lessens the brain's natural calming effect, resulting in heightened reactivity and fluctuating moods.
  • Abdominal Weight Gain (50%): The loss of estrogen promotes insulin resistance. In response, 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 decrease in estrogen lessens blood circulation, collagen, and elasticity within the pelvic tissues, which can cause atrophy and painful 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 unease and tiredness resulting from low estrogen levels.
  • Depressive Symptoms (40–45%): During perimenopause, the likelihood of developing depression for the first time rises by 2 to 4 times, owing to estrogen's effect on the density of serotonin receptors in the brain.
  • Dry Skin & Urinary Problems (35–45%): These issues stem from the same reduction in collagen, moisture retention, and tissue elasticity that impacts the vaginal tissues.
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

Our Philosophy and 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 crafting straightforward, individualized strategies for sustaining health over the long term. We aim to provide each patient with profound insight into their own body, complemented by actionable steps for immediate implementation. Grounded in prevention and clarity, our practice assists patients in constructing a longer, healthier existence.

Our Core Principles

Our primary commitment is to help individuals feel optimal at every stage of life and to assist them in achieving longer, healthier lifespans. To accomplish this, our work is centered on a number of fundamental principles:

  • Evidence-Based Precision
  • Customized Care
  • Preventive Focus
  • Clear Direction
  • Lasting Healthspan
  • Openness & Integrity

Note: Our methodology is built around sustainable and non-invasive options. We concentrate on these foundational principles to promote enduring physiological improvements and effective long-term health strategies.

Next Steps

Discover if our approach is the right fit for you. Book your consultation online and Schedule an appointment

Evidence-based Longevity In Dessau

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.

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Cost Of Perimenopause And Menopause Focus Session In Dessau

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
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
Introduction Session
0€
Schedule a quick video call to learn more about The Longevity Practice services and approach.
Duration: 15 minutes

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.