Treatments
Menopause symptoms
The menopause is a natural stage of life in which the body gradually brings the fertile years to an end. Many women experience physical and psychological symptoms that can have a major impact on daily life and wellbeing.
At Femmecare we offer a personal, multidisciplinary approach, with a treatment plan that suits your stage of life, your wishes and your medical history.
What is it?
What is the menopause?
During the menopause the ovaries produce less and less oestrogen and progesterone. In the run-up to the final period, hormone levels fluctuate: the cycle becomes irregular and symptoms can come and go. After the final period, hormone levels remain low.
This process can take several years. Symptoms differ from woman to woman in severity and duration.
45 to 55 yearsThe age at which the menopause usually begins. It can also start earlier or later.
Before the age of 40In around 2 in 100 women the menopause begins this early. This is known as early menopause. You are welcome at our clinic in that case too.
In figures
You are not alone
The menopause affects a large group of women in the Netherlands. Even so, it is still rarely talked about.
- ± 1.8 millionwomen in the Netherlands are going through the menopause, mostly between the ages of 40 and 60.
- 8 in 10women going through the menopause experience hot flushes and night sweats to a greater or lesser degree.
- 3 to 7 yearsis how long hot flushes usually last, sometimes longer.
- 7 in 10working women with menopause symptoms notice that those symptoms affect their work.
Sources (Dutch professional guidelines): NHG-Standaard De overgang (2022); TNO, Overgang en werk (2022); NVAB-richtlijn Overgang en werk (2026).
Symptoms
Possible symptoms
The menopause can cause a range of symptoms, varying in severity and duration from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings, such as low mood or outbursts of anger
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
- Reduced interest in sex
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
- Joint pain
Your visit
What does treatment involve?
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Comprehensive first consultation
Treatment always starts with a comprehensive first consultation with one of our specialist doctors. We discuss:
- your symptoms and how long you have had them
- your medical history
- conditions that run in your family
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Examination
If needed, we perform an ultrasound scan and/or blood tests.
This allows us to judge which treatment is safe and suits you best.
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Treatment plan
On this basis we draw up a treatment plan together with you. Your symptoms, your wishes and any possible risks are all taken into account.
Treatment
What can treatment consist of?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy tops up the hormones your body is short of. The aim is not to turn back the clock, but to help you through the menopause comfortably and in good health.
- Body-identical hormones. We prefer hormones that are identical to the ones your body produces itself.
- A form that suits you. As a patch, gel, spray or tablet. Together with your doctor you choose what fits your lifestyle and medical history best.
- Starting in good time. It is best to start within 10 years of your final period and before the age of 60. If you start later, your doctor will look especially carefully at your personal risks.
- Regular review. Your doctor regularly discusses with you how things are going and whether the treatment still suits you.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Your doctor will discuss with you beforehand whether HRT is safe for you. According to the Dutch national guidance, using estradiol with body-identical progesterone, in the absence of other risk factors, does not carry an increased risk of breast cancer.
Do you still have a womb?
If so, you will always be given progesterone alongside estradiol. Progesterone protects the lining of the womb. If you no longer have a womb, estradiol on its own is usually enough.
Lifestyle advice
Advice on diet, exercise, sleep and managing stress.
Non-hormonal medication
If hormone replacement therapy is not suitable, or if you would rather not use it.
Vaginal treatment
For local symptoms such as dryness, pain during sex or recurrent infections.
Working together
Multidisciplinary where it is needed
Menopause symptoms are not only physical. If mood problems or other factors also play a part, we work together with other care providers. At the same location we work with Vrouw GGZ (psychology) and the Polikliniek voor het Vrouwenbrein (psychiatry).
What does it achieve?
What is the aim of treatment?
With well-tailored treatment, women usually experience a clear improvement in their quality of life. Possible results include:
- Fewer hot flushes and night sweatsMany women find that within a few weeks to months their hot flushes become less frequent and less intense.
- Better sleep and more energyBetter sleep quality often noticeably reduces fatigue and irritability.
- A more stable moodSupport or medication can help with low mood, anxiety or mood swings.
- Comfort during sex restoredVaginal dryness and pain during sex can be treated effectively.
- Better physical functioningMuscle and joint pain can ease with lifestyle advice, physiotherapy or hormonal balance.
- More control and confidenceWomen often say they feel heard and supported, and regain control over their body and their life.
See also
For GPs
Referring patients with menopause symptoms
Many menopause symptoms can be treated well in primary care. Femmecare is here as a partner when symptoms call for more specialised care.
ZorgDomein: ‘Femmecare Clinics’
Reasons to refer
- Moderate to severe symptoms with doubt about HRT or the choice of HRT
- Relative contraindications or raised cardiovascular or thrombosis risk
- Early menopause or suspected POI
- Persistent urogenital atrophy or loss of libido despite treatment
- Symptoms for which multidisciplinary care (psychology, psychiatry) is desirable
What we offer
- HRT in line with the NVOG practical HRT guidance (2025)
- Transdermal estradiol as first choice, with body-identical progesterone
- Non-hormonal alternatives and vaginal oestrogens
- Multidisciplinary care at a single location
Back in control of your body
Our aim is a treatment plan that suits your stage of life, your wishes and your medical history. Would you like an appointment? First discuss with your GP whether a referral to Femmecare is appropriate.