Appointments
You can book online and choose the time and date that best suits you. We offer face to face meetings at the clinic, or virtual consultations.
No, you can self refer to the clinic. Just book an appointment at a time that works for you.
You will receive a pre-consultation questionnaire. It is really helpful for us to have the completed questionnaire 24 hours before your appointment, so that we can be more efficient during our time together.
After your initial consultation, if started on HRT, we suggest a review after three to four months to check that the medication is suiting you and controlling your symptoms. Once you are established on adequate doses you would need an annual review.
Questions about the Menopause
Menopause is the natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. Some women may also experience memory problems and joint pain. Some of these symptoms may overlap with other conditions so it is always useful to talk it through with a doctor. See our symptom checker for a more exhaustive list.
Yes, hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. It's important to address mental health concerns as part of your overall treatment plan. CBT for menopause can help manage some of the mental health related symptoms of the menopause.
Weight gain is common during menopause due to hormonal change and some of this weight tends to settle around the middle. There is no evidence that HRT causes weight gain, in fact with a return of your “mojo” you may find energy levels return enabling you to exercise and eat healthily and hence manage the weight.
Yes, the drop in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to bone thinning and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Bone health can be managed with calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercises, and medication if necessary. HRT helps to preserve bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
It is highly unlikely to become pregnant after menopause, but it is still possible if you are perimenopausal (the time before menopause when periods become irregular). It’s important to use contraception until you’ve reached menopause. This is 1 yr after your last period. However, If you are taking HRT or on oral contraception and don’t know when your last period would have been, you need to use contraception until the age of 55.
Some women find relief with natural remedies like black cohosh, soy isoflavones, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. However, it’s important to discuss any alternative treatments with your doctor to ensure they are safe and effective for you.
The duration of menopause symptoms varies for each woman. Most women experience symptoms for several years, with some relief after 3 to 5 years. However, symptoms can last longer for some individuals.
Sleep disturbances are common during menopause. To improve sleep, try establishing a regular sleep routine, avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and manage stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may also be helpful.
Yes, regular check-ups are important to monitor your health during menopause. These check-ups can include screenings for bone health, breast cancer, and other age-related conditions.
It’s important to communicate openly with your partner about your symptoms and needs. Offering emotional support and understanding will strengthen the relationship during this transitional time.
Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve symptoms. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are all key to managing menopause effectively.
Yes, the experience of menopause varies widely from woman to woman. While some may have mild symptoms, others may experience severe changes. The timing and severity of symptoms can also differ.
This list can be customized based on specific services your clinic offers and the common concerns of your patients.
Questions about Treatments
Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best approach based on your symptoms and medical history.
HRT is a treatment that involves taking hormones to replace the ones the body no longer produces after menopause. Oestrogen is needed to alleviate many of the symptoms and is particularly good for hot flushes, sweats, anxiety and mood changes. It may help with some of the other symptoms. Progesterone is always needed to counteract oestrogen’s tendency to thicken the womb lining, the exception is in women who have had a hysterectomy or have a progesterone coil such as mirena in situ. Testosterone may be considered for women who have a low libido. It must always be prescribed together with oestrogen and progesterone.
While HRT can be very effective for managing menopause symptoms, it may increase the risk of certain conditions like breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke, especially in women with certain health conditions. Your doctor will assess your individual risk before recommending HRT.
Although the majority of women usually benefit from taking HRT this is only one part of treatment for menopause. Some women choose not to take HRT and for a small minority it is not recommended as a first line treatment. We can talk you through the evidence. We practice shared decision making which is key to good practice in line with GMC guidance.
There are some women in whom HRT is not safe. These women include those with a history of breast cancer, a strong family history of cancer and clotting disorders. Your medical and family history will be explored at your appointment and an assessment made of your risks and benefits. If you are not eligible to take HRT, there are alternatives that may be tried.
Non-hormonal treatments include medications such as anti-depressants and gabapentin, which can help manage hot flashes and mood swings. Lifestyle changes like exercise, a balanced diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine and stress management techniques can also be beneficial. Some herbal supplements such as black cohosh and red clover may be tried.