General

Menopause is more than the end of menstruation—it’s a complex hormonal transition that reshapes the body, mind, and often, a woman’s relationship to sexuality. As estrogen and testosterone levels decline, many women experience changes in libido—gradual or sudden. What once felt effortless may become muted, physically uncomfortable, or emotionally distant. One of the most overlooked but impactful symptoms is vaginal atrophy—thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues—which affects up to 70 percent of postmenopausal women. This isn’t just about dryness: it’s a structural change that can make intimacy painful, bleeding more likely, and comfort elusive. Yet desire is not simply lost—it evolves. Some women are content stepping away from sex, while others mourn the shift as a loss of vitality, connection, and identity. The key is understanding why these changes occur and exploring options to restore well-being—if that’s your choice.

“My skin suddenly felt dried out – no matter how much cream I used.” Many women describe their first skin changes during menopause in similar words. What used to feel soft, elastic, and easy to care for now feels dry, thinner, or more sensitive. Some notice small cracks, itching, or a feeling of tightness – often without immediately understanding the cause. What many don’t know: the skin is one of the organs that reacts particularly strongly to hormonal changes. Estrogen, in particular, plays a central role in the health and structure of the skin. As estrogen levels drop with the onset of menopause, a new phase also begins for the skin. If your skin changes, it’s not a sign of neglect – it’s the expression of a natural process. That’s why it’s all the more important to understand what’s happening in your body, the role hormones play, and how you can actively support your skin.

“My trousers suddenly didn’t fit anymore – even though I wasn’t eating more or exercising less.” This is a common sentiment shared by many women in midlife who face unexpected weight gain. Even more frustrating: familiar strategies like eating less or moving more seem to have less effect than they used to. Over 50% of women gain weight during menopause. Long-term studies show that this amounts to an average of 1.5 kg per year – leading to up to 10 kg by the end of the menopausal transition. But it's not just the weight itself – it's also about how fat is distributed: shifting from hips and thighs toward the abdominal area. This development isn't only a cosmetic issue – it has real health implications. At the same time, our perception of body image, weight, and beauty is heavily influenced by external ideals. Advertising, social media, and societal expectations set standards that rarely reflect real life. What’s important: there is no such thing as a single ideal figure. What matters is how you feel – and what your body needs to stay healthy.

Many women notice changes in their digestion at the onset of menopause: a persistent feeling of fullness, bloating, or irregular bowel movements. These symptoms often appear during perimenopause – the transition phase to menopause – or worsen during this time. This can be especially frustrating when lifestyle and eating habits haven't changed. Although digestive problems aren't the first things associated with menopause, hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence the function of your digestive system. Bloating, constipation, or a sluggish bowel aren't just coincidental; they can be the result of fundamental changes in your hormone balance – and how your body responds to them.

For many women, the transition through menopause brings changes that go far beyond hot flashes and sleep disturbances. One of the most common yet underdiscussed symptoms is vaginal dryness – a condition that affects more than half of all peri- and postmenopausal women. Despite its high prevalence, it remains a “silent” issue, often surrounded by shame or confusion. But there’s good news: vaginal dryness is not something you have to live with. There are safe and effective treatments – and taking the first step toward understanding the causes and options can make a significant difference in comfort, wellbeing, and intimacy.

Menopause is often described as a time of change, but one crucial transformation that doesn’t get enough attention is its impact on bone health. Declining oestrogen levels can significantly affect your skeleton, leading to a loss of bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Many women experience a hormonal rollercoaster during menopause – with effects that go far beyond hot flushes or mood swings. What is often overlooked: the thyroid also plays a central role during this phase of life. It regulates metabolism, affects energy, mood, weight, and even bone health – all areas that tend to shift during menopause. No wonder that the symptoms of thyroid issues and menopause are so similar – and often hard to distinguish from one another.

Menopause is a natural transition, but its impact on heart health is often underestimated. The declining estrogen levels that accompany menopause can significantly affect the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease. While this might sound alarming, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can empower women to protect their hearts and maintain their health and vitality during this phase of life.

Menopause can be a challenging phase for many women, not only due to hormonal changes but also the wide range of physical and emotional symptoms it brings. Many of these symptoms—fatigue, joint pain, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances—can be exacerbated by chronic inflammation in the body. However, increasing evidence shows how an anti-inflammatory diet can not only alleviate menopause symptoms but also contribute to long-term health.

Menopause can feel like a rollercoaster—your body is changing, your emotions are all over the place, and your social life might be feeling the strain. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there’s a lot you can do to manage this phase with grace and a bit of humor. Yes, it’s tough, but you can take charge and make the ride a bit smoother with a holistic approach.

Menopause affects millions of women worldwide, with profound impacts on their work lives. In Germany, there is growing recognition that this life stage brings not only health but also economic challenges. Symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and concentration difficulties can impair productivity and lead to increased absenteeism.

Menopause is not a sudden change but a gradual process that often spans over ten years. During this time, the ovaries progressively reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones impact not only fertility but also various bodily functions, including cardiovascular health, bone density, and overall well-being. The effects are both physical and emotional, influencing different areas of life—from partnerships and sexual health to social interactions and work activities.

The hormonal changes during this time bring about physical and emotional shifts. Understanding what’s happening in your body can help you manage this phase better and see it as an opportunity for positive changes.

The female cycle is a natural process that prepares a woman's body for pregnancy monthly. This cycle is regulated by a finely tuned interplay of hormones, each playing a distinct role in different phases. The main hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone, which, along with other hormones, ensure the smooth functioning of the cycle. Understanding these hormones and their functions can help you better grasp what’s happening in your body.

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life. It marks the transition from the reproductive to the non-reproductive phase and comes with various physical and emotional changes. This process affects millions of women worldwide, usually beginning between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can start earlier.

Many women will experience changes in body shape and composition at menopause. These changes can be among the most frustrating symptoms experienced at that time. Although actual weight gain may be modest for many women, it can add significantly to the burden for those women.