Woman smiling in natural sunlight representing wellness during perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause & Menopause Consultation In Gelsenkirchen

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.

Proactive Care for Hormonal Transitions

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, between 60% and 80% of women from 34 to 51 years of age encounter perimenopausal symptoms which impact their life quality and work performance. Symptoms can vary from sleep disturbances and brain fog to anxiety and diminished energy. Frequently, these symptoms are not identified or addressed. The consequences affect families and create substantial economic costs from missed workdays, absenteeism, and women exiting the labor market.

This transition is triggered by a reduction 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, adipose 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 states.

Consider them essential “building blocks”. The "Big Three" are:

  • Progesterone aka "the calm regulator": A decrease in this hormone can lead to disturbed sleep, feelings of anxiety, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Estrogen aka "the main character" Its reduction can affect cognitive functions like memory and concentration, and diminish quality of life through joint pain and vasomotor symptoms such as 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 Perimenopause from Menopause

Perimenopause

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

  • Age of Onset: Generally begins at 34 years of age or later.
  • Definition: This is a transitional phase initiated by the diminishing function of the ovaries.
  • Duration: It typically spans a period of 4 to 10 years.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Periods become unpredictable; they might be lighter, heavier, shorter, longer, or missed altogether.
  • Hormone Levels: Progesterone is the initial hormone to decline, estrogen levels fluctuate erratically, and testosterone levels fall slowly. 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 represents a distinct moment in time that signals the conclusion of a woman's reproductive phase.

  • Age of Onset: It generally happens at approximately age 51, with a common range of 45–55.
  • Definition: This is a definitive milestone confirmed after 12 straight months have passed without a menstrual period.
  • Duration: It is a singular event. The period that follows is known as Postmenopause.
  • Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation has permanently ceased.
  • Hormone Levels: Hormone levels stabilize 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 an elevated risk of bone density loss (osteoporosis), along with a higher risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in individuals not undergoing 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 levels (which impact GABA receptors) and low estrogen that leads to night sweats. A decrease in melatonin after age 40 exacerbates 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 results in body-wide inflammation and less joint lubrication, causing stiffness or conditions like "frozen shoulder".
  • Brain Fog (60%): Neurons need estrogen to utilize glucose for energy. Falling estrogen levels lead to a "hypometabolic" condition in the brain's memory areas (the 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 perceive the body as too hot, initiating abrupt cooling mechanisms.
  • Anxiety & Irritability (50–60%): Falling estrogen levels diminish the production of serotonin (the "happiness hormone"), and lower progesterone lessens the brain's calming effect, resulting in heightened reactivity and mood shifts.
  • Abdominal Weight Gain (50%): The loss of estrogen contributes to increased 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%): Reduced estrogen levels decrease blood flow, collagen, and elasticity within the pelvic tissues, causing atrophy and pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
  • Low Libido (40–45%): This is caused by a significant drop in testosterone for those aged 45–55, which is coupled with the physical discomfort and tiredness resulting from low estrogen.
  • Depressive Symptoms (40–45%): The likelihood of developing new-onset depression rises by a factor of 2 to 4 in perimenopause 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 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

The Longevity Practice Philosophy and How to Begin

The Longevity Practice is dedicated to detecting health risks with early and accurate diagnostics before they develop into serious issues. Rather than responding to illness after it occurs, we design straightforward, individualized strategies for preserving health over the long term. We aim to provide each patient with a thorough understanding of their own body, complemented by actionable steps they can implement immediately. By prioritizing prevention and clear communication, we guide 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 assist them in achieving a longer, healthier lifespan. To accomplish this, we adhere to a set of fundamental principles:

  • Scientific Accuracy
  • Individualized Care
  • A Preventive Focus
  • Clear Guidance
  • Extended Healthspan
  • Transparent Practices

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

Next Steps

Discover if our methodology is a good fit for your needs. Arrange your consultation online and Schedule an appointment

Evidence-based Longevity In Gelsenkirchen

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 Gelsenkirchen

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.