Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but they can be accompanied by physical and emotional changes that vary greatly from one woman to another: hot flashes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood swings, physical changes, and vaginal discomfort.
At La Clinique Naturelle in Geneva, we offer a variety of complementary support services to help you better navigate this time in your life, based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and needs. These services are designed to complement your medical or gynecological care when necessary.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to the gradual cessation of menstrual cycles. It can begin several years before menopause and is often accompanied by irregular cycles and various symptoms related to hormonal changes.
Menopause is defined retrospectively as 12 consecutive months without menstruation, provided there is no other cause to explain the cessation of menstruation. It most often occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
However, this transition does not unfold in the same way for all women: some experience few changes, while for others, the symptoms can have a significant impact on their sleep, daily life, or quality of life.
Our Approach at Clinique Naturelle
Every situation is different. Two people facing a similar situation may experience it very differently and may not have the same needs.
That is why we always prioritize personalized care. Depending on your situation, one or more complementary therapies may be recommended, and, when appropriate, several therapists may work together to provide you with a comprehensive care plan, always in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Complementary therapies that may be part of your treatment plan:
1. Focus on a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being
Diet, physical activity, sleep, and lifestyle habits play an important role during perimenopause and after menopause. Certain approaches can help you assess your situation and make realistic, personalized adjustments.
2. Manage certain symptoms and cope better with changes
Depending on your symptoms and preferences, certain complementary therapies may be considered to support you during this time.
3. Finding the strength to cope with physical and emotional changes
The effects of menopause are not limited to physical changes. Sleep, stress, emotions, body image, and sexuality can also be affected.
What Makes Our Support So Effective
FAQ – Perimenopause and Menopause
The duration varies widely. Perimenopause can last for several years, and some symptoms may persist even after menstruation has stopped permanently. Their nature, intensity, and progression differ greatly from one woman to another.
Hormonal changes can contribute to changes in fat distribution, particularly around the abdomen. However, age, a decrease in muscle mass, physical activity, sleep, and eating habits also play a role. Weight gain is therefore neither inevitable nor solely due to hormones.
Hot flashes and night sweats can cause you to wake up, but hormonal changes, stress, or mood swings can also play a role. When sleep disturbances become persistent, it’s important to investigate the various causes.
Certain lifestyle changes and non-medication approaches may help some women, but their effectiveness varies. When hot flashes are severe or interfere with quality of life, it is recommended to discuss them with a healthcare provider to evaluate the various treatment options.
Physical activity—particularly exercises that engage the muscles and bones—along with a diet that provides sufficient protein, calcium, and vitamin D, contributes to bone health. This depends on individual risk factors.
There is no one-size-fits-all “menopause diet.” A balanced diet that is rich in protein and foods that provide calcium and fiber helps maintain muscle mass as well as support bone and cardiovascular health. Nutritional needs can be tailored to each individual.
Sources and Information
Sources and Medical Information
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Sources consulted:
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Menopause –WHO – Menopause
- Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) – Menopause – HUG – Menopause and Perimenopause
- NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Menopause: Identification and Management NICE – Menopause: Identification and Management
Last update to this page: August 21, 2026
Further information
Educational articles written by our therapists to help you better understand this topic and answer the most frequently asked questions:
Are the sessions covered by supplemental insurance?
Les séances peuvent être remboursées, en partie, par certaines assurances complémentaires. La prise en charge dépend toutefois de votre contrat, de la thérapie suivie et du thérapeute choisi.
Before your first appointment, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider directly and provide them with the following information:
- le nom du thérapeute ;
- la thérapie concernée.
Les thérapeutes de La Clinique Naturelle disposent de reconnaissances professionnelles qui varient selon leur spécialité, notamment auprès de l’ASCA et/ou du RME. Ces reconnaissances ne garantissent toutefois pas automatiquement le remboursement des séances : seule votre assurance peut confirmer les conditions exactes de votre prise en charge.
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