Beyond Quick Fixes: The Science of Perimenopause & Women's Health After 35 - Expert Talk & GP Panel

Understanding your body after 35: supporting your health through change.

Many women begin noticing subtle shifts in their bodies from their mid-thirties onward - early signs of perimenopause, changes in energy, sleep, muscle recovery, or metabolism. Yet few were ever taught why those shifts occur, what perimenopause actually means for their body, or what it takes to support themselves through this stage of life.

Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this evening combines an evidence-based presentation with an interactive panel discussion featuring a practicing General Practitioner (GP) to give you actionable insights for both your daily life and your medical appointments.

What We’ll Cover:

Part 1: The Science & Lifestyle Presentation

* The biology of change: What shifts during perimenopause and after 35 across hormones, metabolism, muscle, and stress resilience.

* Lifestyle as leverage: How strength training, nutrition, and recovery actively protect long-term vitality.

* Practical action: Sustainable, evidence-backed habits you can start implementing right away.

Part 2: The Panel & Q&A (Navigating Dutch Healthcare)

* Working with your GP: How to effectively navigate the Dutch medical system when experiencing perimenopausal shifts or health changes after 35.

* Self-advocacy: How to prepare for doctor appointments, ask the right questions, and get taken seriously.

* Medical options: Understanding what treatment options exist, how much GPs are trained in women’s health, and what to do when you don't feel heard by your doctor.

* Interactive Q&A: An open, welcoming space to get your questions answered by our speakers and GP.

Join us to move past the noise of wellness trends, gain a deeper understanding of perimenopause and your evolving body, and leave with the confidence and tools to take charge of your long-term health.

About the Speakers

Sarah Bale (Presentation Speaker)

Sarah is a personal trainer and women's health specialist with a background in both fitness and psychology - a combination that shapes everything she does. As a mother of two and an expat in Amsterdam, she experienced the lack of specialized support for women firsthand. Sarah creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where confusion lifts and health feels manageable again.

Credentials:

* Certified Personal Trainer (EIF)

* Pre & Postnatal Coach (ISSA)

* Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)

* Women's Coaching Specialist (GGS)

* Fitness & Motivation Coach (EIF)

Stef Baars (Presentation Speaker)

Stef spent over a decade as a media executive before following her passion for sports and women's health. Originally from Germany and a mother of two, she understands how overwhelming it can feel to navigate body changes without knowing where to start. Stef specializes in translating complex science into clear, actionable steps so every woman leaves feeling in complete control of her health.

Credentials:

* Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)

* Menopause & Women's Coaching Specialist (GGS)

* Nutrition Coach (PN1) & Specialist in Nutrition for Metabolic Health (PN)

* Sleep, Stress Management & Recovery Coaching Certification (PN1-SSRC)

* Pre & Postnatal Coach (GGS)

Guest Panelist: Medical Perspective

Dr. Amparo Chin, MD | General Practitioner & Lifestyle Medicine Specialist

Dr. Amparo Chin has been practicing as a GP since 2012. Passionate about looking beyond isolated symptoms, she takes a holistic approach to understanding the whole person. To complement her medical practice, she completed advanced training in Lifestyle Medicine (2021–2022), integrating preventive care and lifestyle choices directly into primary healthcare. Outside her clinic, she is an active athlete who strongly believes in the transformative impact of movement on physical and mental health.

Credentials & Background:

* MD in Medicine: VUmc School of Medical Sciences (2000–2007)

* GP Specialization (Huisartsopleiding): Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2010–2012)

* Lifestyle Medicine Certification: Academie voor Leefstijl en Gezondheid (2021–2022)

* Clinical Background: Emergency Medicine (Flevoziekenhuis) & Internal Medicine (Waterlandziekenhuis)

This event is a collaboration between Think & Drink and WE WOMEN (wewomen.fit - Stef and Sarah).

Sarah Bale Stef Baars Dr. Amparo Chin

Zoku Amsterdam Rooftop

We are thrilled to bring this event to an amazing new venue partner, Zoku Amsterdam! Please note that Zoku's bar, restaurant, and event spaces are all located on their stunning 6th-floor rooftop. Simply enter via Zoku Amsterdam, take the elevator straight up to the 6th floor to check in, grab your included drink, and settle in.

Schedule

7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Sip & Settle

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm The Deep Dive with Sarah & Stef

8:30 pm - 8:40 pm Quick Break

8:40 pm - 9:30 pm Open panel with Sarah, Stef and Dr. Amparo Chin

9:30 pm- 10:30 pm Wrap up. You're welcome to stick around & mingle