Woman smiling in natural sunlight representing wellness during perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause & Menopause Consultation In Erfurt

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.

Anticipating The Hormonal Transition

By 2030, 1.2 billion women will reach menopause, a figure set to rise to 1.65 billion by 2050. Prior to this, 60-80% of women between the ages of 34 and 51 encounter perimenopausal symptoms that diminish their quality of life and work productivity. Symptoms can include everything from sleep disturbances and brain fog to anxiety and diminished energy levels. Frequently, these symptoms are not diagnosed or addressed. The consequences affect families and create substantial economic costs through missed workdays, absenteeism, and women exiting their careers.

The underlying cause is a decline in hormones. In addition to reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and breasts, women possess Estrogen (ER) and androgen (AR) receptors in the brain, liver, kidneys, fat tissue, bones, and immune cells. These receptors play a role in various functions, spanning from bone density and metabolism to reproduction, cognitive processes, and emotional state.

Consider these hormones as essential “building blocks”. The three primary hormones are:

  • Progesterone aka "the calm regulator": A decrease in this hormone can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Estrogen aka "the main character" The reduction of estrogen can affect brain function, causing memory issues and concentration difficulties, or diminish quality of life through joint pain and vasomotor symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes.
  • Testosterone aka the "the drive booster." A drop in this hormone impacts motivation, sex drive, and muscle mass.
Smiling woman in black sweater representing perimenopause and menopause care
Chart showing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and FSH hormone changes across perimenopause stages to menopause

Distinguishing Between Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause

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

  • Age of Onset: Generally begins at age 34 or later.
  • Definition: A transitional phase initiated by the diminishing function of the ovaries.
  • Duration: Usually continues for a period of 4 to 10 years.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Becomes erratic; periods can be lighter, heavier, shorter, longer, or missed altogether.
  • Hormone Levels: Progesterone levels decline first, followed by unpredictable fluctuations in estrogen and a gradual decrease in testosterone. A diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms, not bloodwork.
  • Fertility: Pregnancy is still possible; continuing with a chosen method of birth control is advisable.
  • Key Symptoms: Common indicators include 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 signifies a distinct moment in time that indicates the conclusion of a woman's reproductive phase.

  • Age of Onset: It most often happens around age 51 (with a common range of 45–55).
  • Definition: An established milestone confirmed after twelve months in a row have passed without a menstrual period.
  • Duration: It is a singular event. The period after this event is known as Postmenopause.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation has permanently stopped.
  • Hormone Levels: Hormone production stabilizes at a consistently low level.
  • Fertility: Conception is no longer possible.
  • Key Symptoms & Risks: Symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness can continue. There is a heightened risk of bone density loss (osteoporosis), along with an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in individuals not using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Perimenopause and Menopause: Symptoms Explained

  • Sleep Problems (50–55%): This encompasses insomnia, waking often during the night (WASO), and sleep that is not refreshing. It is caused by fluctuating progesterone (which impacts 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 regulate cortisol and supports the function of mitochondria. 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 results in body-wide inflammation and less joint lubrication, causing stiffness or conditions like "frozen shoulder".
  • Brain Fog (60%): Neurons need estrogen to effectively use glucose for energy. Reduced estrogen levels result in a "hypometabolic" condition in the brain's memory areas (hippocampus), which hinders concentration.
  • Hot Flashes & Night Sweats (50–55%): The hypothalamus (the body's internal thermostat) is regulated by estrogen. When estrogen levels fall, the brain may incorrectly sense the body is too hot, initiating rapid cooling mechanisms.
  • Anxiety & Irritability (50–60%): Falling estrogen levels lower the production of serotonin ("happiness hormone"), and declining progesterone diminishes the brain's "calming" effect, which can cause heightened reactivity and mood fluctuations.
  • Abdominal Weight Gain (50%): The loss of estrogen elevates insulin resistance. The body intentionally accumulates visceral fat around the abdomen in an effort to generate estrone (a type of estrogen) from these fat cells.
  • Vaginal Dryness & Pain (40%): Reduced estrogen diminishes blood circulation, collagen, and elasticity in the pelvic tissues, causing atrophy and pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
  • Low Libido (40–45%): This is prompted by a significant drop in testosterone between the ages of 45 and 55, compounded by the physical pain and exhaustion resulting from low estrogen.
  • Depressive Symptoms (40–45%): During perimenopause, the likelihood of developing new-onset depression rises by 2 to 4 times because of 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 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

Our Approach and Your Next Steps

The Longevity Practice is dedicated to identifying health risks before they develop into problems by using early and accurate diagnostics. Rather than responding to illness after it occurs, we develop straightforward, individualized strategies for preserving health over the long term. We aim to provide each patient with profound insight into their own body and actionable steps they can implement immediately. By emphasizing prevention and clear guidance, we assist our patients in constructing a longer, more healthful life.

Our Core Principles

Our primary mission is to help individuals feel optimal at every stage of life and to support them in achieving a longer, healthier existence. To accomplish this, we adhere to a number of fundamental principles:

  • Scientific Precision
  • Personalization
  • Prevention First
  • Clarity & Guidance
  • Long-Term Healthspan
  • Trust & Transparency

Note: Our methodology is centered around sustainable and non-invasive solutions. We concentrate on these key principles to facilitate enduring physiological improvements and effective long-term health management.

Next Steps

Discover if our approach aligns with your needs. Arrange your consultation online and Schedule an appointment

Evidence-based Longevity In Erfurt

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 Erfurt

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.