Perimenopause & Menopause

Shared decision-making: hormone therapy (HRT) or alternatives – evidence-based and aligned with your goals.

Illustration: Menopause

Indications

  • Hot flashes, sleep problems, mood, concentration
  • Irregular bleeding, urogenital symptoms
  • Contraception during the transition (perimenopause)

Decision support & process

  • Medical history incl. risks/side effects, physical examination
  • Treatment options: HRT (transdermal/oral) vs non-hormonal alternatives
  • Define goals (e.g., sleep, daily functioning)
  • Start low-dose, close follow-up

Therapy components

  • Systemic HRT (estrogen/progestin) or local therapy (e.g., vaginal gel) – evidence-based and guideline-based.
  • Alternatives: SSRIs/SNRIs, gabapentin, phytotherapy – depending on tolerance and preference.
  • Supportive measures: sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition, stress management.
  • Linked with other topics such as bone health or perimenopause contraception.

Preparation

  • Note previous findings (e.g., mammography), medications, risks
  • A symptom diary (e.g., sleep/hot flashes) helps with evaluation

Follow-ups

  • Check-up after 6–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months
  • Regular re-evaluation of benefits/risks and goals
  • Bone health, cardiovascular health and breast health are considered as part of follow-ups.

Lifestyle & self-management

Exercise, balanced nutrition and targeted supplements (vitamin D, calcium) support treatment results. We recommend individualized plans and, if needed, work with physiotherapy, nutrition counseling or coaching.

For symptoms such as vaginal dryness or changes in libido, we put together a combination of local therapies, pelvic floor training and urogynecological care.

FAQ

Is HRT suitable for me?

It depends on your medical history and goals. We check contraindications and advise individually.

Are there alternatives to HRT?

Yes – e.g., non-hormonal medications, herbal approaches and lifestyle measures.

How long should I treat?

We decide together – reviewed annually – whether continuing makes sense. The goal is the best possible quality of life with low risk.

Are costs covered?

Medically indicated treatments are usually billed to basic insurance. We discuss additional services (e.g., coaching) transparently.

You can also find more information on accompanying symptoms in our FAQ and on specific sections such as therapy components or lifestyle & self-management.