Poor Sleep
Do you recognize this?
You're lying awake at three in the morning staring at the ceiling, even though you're exhausted. Or you fall asleep fine, but wake up wide awake around the same time every night. Sleep problems are among the most commonly reported, and most underestimated, menopause symptoms. The nasty part: poor sleep makes almost every other symptom worse, from mood swings to concentration problems.
Many women recognize:
- Trouble falling asleep, even when severely tired
- Waking up at night (often between 2 and 4am) and ruminating
- Shallow sleep: never getting that deep, restorative sleep anymore
- Getting through the day on willpower and coffee
Why does this happen?
Sleep problems are partly a direct result of night sweats, but there's also a direct hormonal influence at play. Progesterone has a sedating effect and is often one of the first hormones to decline in menopause. In your body it's partly converted into allopregnanolone, a substance that acts on the GABA receptors in the brain and thereby promotes calm and sleep. When progesterone declines, that calming effect disappears.
Estrogen also influences the production of serotonin and melatonin, both essential for a healthy sleep-wake rhythm.
Chronically poor sleep in turn affects cortisol, insulin sensitivity, and mood, which can create a self-reinforcing pattern. That explains why sleep hygiene alone is often not enough for many women when hormonal dysregulation is the underlying cause.
What can you do yourself?
Good sleep hygiene won't fix a hormonal cause, but it does give your sleep the best chance:
- Fixed rhythm: get up around the same time every day, even on weekends, to train your biological clock.
- Screens off in the last hour before bed; blue light suppresses melatonin production.
- No alcohol as a nightcap. It helps you fall asleep faster, but makes the second half of the night more restless.
- Move during the day, preferably outside: morning daylight strengthens your sleep-wake rhythm.
- Worry time: write down your worries in the evening, so they don't keep you awake at 3am.
How Menovia addresses this
At Menovia, sleep isn't treated as an isolated symptom, but as a window into your hormonal balance. During the intake, a BIG-registered doctor maps out your sleep pattern and symptoms. Through blood testing we look at your hormone levels, and depending on your package, also your thyroid function, blood sugar, and vitamin status, all three of which can affect your sleep.
The treatment plan is tailored to your picture. Progesterone at the right, personalized dose can support sleep quality for many women; where needed, we also advise on lifestyle and supplements. Every 12 weeks we evaluate with blood testing and your own experience, and adjust as needed.
You can get started quickly: no waiting list, and the 10-minute introductory call is free.
This is what the treatment process looks like
Online Screening
Leave your details and schedule an intake. Through a digital questionnaire, we'll check whether you're eligible for a free introductory call (10 min) or intake (45 min). When scheduling, you pay a deposit of €150, which is deducted from the intake costs of your package.
Intake
You will discuss our program with one of our specialized doctors and decide whether to participate.
Blood & DNA research
You will receive the tests at home for a smooth process. Blood tests are done at a location near you.
Personal Treatment Plan
Based on your research results, the doctor will create a personal treatment plan, usually consisting of bioidentical hormone supplementation and, if necessary, supplements.
Start Traject
Het traject duurt minimaal 6 maanden om er zeker van te zijn dat we je goed begeleiden.
Monitoring
During your treatment, you will be in regular contact with our expert team. Blood tests are done every 12 weeks for adjustments.
Evaluation
At the end of your treatment, we will determine your next steps together. This may include a referral back to the doctor or further guidance with Menovia.
Persoonlijke zorg, op maat samengesteld
Frequently asked questions
Your sleep naturally becomes lighter in the second half of the night. Declining progesterone levels, night sweats, and a more sensitive stress system mean you're more likely to wake up during that lighter phase, and the racing thoughts do the rest.
Sleeping pills don't address the cause and are usually unsuitable for long-term use. If your sleep problems are related to menopause, it makes more sense to look at the hormonal cause.
Many women find that their sleep can improve when hormonal balance is supported, especially if night sweats play a role. Whether this fits you is assessed by the doctor during the intake.
Since May 2026, part of the consultations are reimbursed through supplementary insurance, depending on your insurer and policy.
Want to know more?
Go to our frequently asked questions
Experiences from other women
Start with personal hormonal guidance
Want to find out whether hormone therapy is right for you and what your body needs during menopause? Schedule an intake consultation with Menovia.
