Some questions to help make sense of your options to get you back to your best self!
Questions about Appointments >Questions about Menopause >Questions about Treatments >Contact usYou 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 via Zoom™ or telephone.
Book NowNo, you can self refer to the clinic. Just book an appointment at a time that works for you with the click of a button.
Book nowIf you are over 45 years old and are suffering from typical menopause symptoms, you do not need any hormone blood tests to make a diagnosis and be offered appropriate treatment. If you are already taking HRT and remain symptomatic, it can be helpful to have hormone levels measured. Your GP might help you with this, but we can arrange blood tests if necessary. Please contact us if you need more information.
Contact usYes. Many women experience perimenopausal symptoms for several years before their periods stop. In fact, changes in frequency and the nature of periods (often becoming heavier) is one of the first signs of hormonal imbalance and starting the perimenopause. If you are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms which are having a negative impact on the quality of your life, then it is likely you will benefit from individualised advice and treatment.
Symptom CheckYou may be unsure whether your symptoms are that of the perimenopause and it can be a lightbulb moment when you make a connection between your symptoms and a hormone imbalance. Just have a look at the many different symptoms, or take our symptom test to see whether your symptoms might be related to the perimenopause/menopause. Alternatively, you can book an appointment so we can discuss your symptoms, help you make sense of them and formulate a plan to help you.
Symptom Check70% of menopausal women will experience worsening symptoms relating to their sexual health associated with low hormone levels. Sadly very few do seek help for these symptoms, often due to a lack of knowledge about treatment options. There are many different options to help you, localised and systemic, so please speak up. It is not embarrassing to us!
Symptom CheckWe all know a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are extremely important. Unchecked, the menopausal hormone imbalance can lead to sugar cravings, joint pain and reduced motivation. The average woman gains around 10kg over the menopausal transition, much of this settling around their middle. Many women who take HRT find they are able to control their weight with natural lifestyle choices, reporting a return of that elusive joie de vivre, having more energy and motivation to return to sports and pastimes they previously enjoyed. There is no evidence that HRT causes weight gain. In contrast, it actually empowers you to lead a more active lifestyle, as we say-back to your normal self!
Creating better sleep routines may prove helpful; aiming to go to bed at a regular time to enable 6-9 hrs of sleep per night (NHS recommendation). Winding down is critical, avoiding blue screen (phones, laptops, etc.) for at least an hour before bedtime. Quality bedding will help with temperature regulation. Avoiding stimulants such as alcohol, chocolate and caffeine. Regular daytime exercise and relaxation exercises such as yoga can also be helpful.
NHS Sleep AppAlthough 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 many over the counter remedies available. The NHS states their safety is untested. Herbal does not necessarily mean safe, as they are not subject to the stringent safety tests that main stream prescription medications, governed by the MRHA, have to adhere to. If you try any complementary over the counter products, always look for the THR logo. There are unknown risks regarding safety and potential liver toxicity and many studies show variable results with generally little value. Patients with breast cancer should exercise caution.
CBT is a well researched treatment shown to alleviate low mood, anxiety, hot flushes and night sweats. It can be very helpful for some women.
More info on CBTWe prescribe body identical HRT, as this is the safest type to use and has the lowest risk of adverse effects. They are rigorously safety tested and approved by the NHS and NICE. <para>For most women, the long term health benefits of HRT outweigh the small risks, and HRT has come a long way from the older types of estrogen extracted from pregnant mare's urine! Body identical estrogen (17 beta-estradiol) is derived from the yam, a root vegetable. It is safest when administered through the skin and is usually prescribed in conjunction with a body identical progesterone (micronised progesterone or utrogestan), again derived from the yam. These hormones are structurally identical to the natural hormones we produce in the body and are simply restoring the levels that have been circulating in your body during your reproductive years.
Current evidence suggests that 5 years of treatment with body identical hormones including estrogen through the skin gives you no increased risk of breast cancer above baseline. (Baseline risk is 23 cases per 1000 women aged 50-59). Beyond these first 5 years of combined HRT use, there is a small increased risk equating to an additional 4 cases per 1000. Click on the link below for a helpful guide to different lifestyle factors and their impact on breast cancer incidence.
WHC factsheet on Breast Cancer riskYes. Testosterone is an important female hormone. Once stablised on HRT, many women who take testosterone report that it not only improves their libido, but also their stamina, energy levels, mental clarity and concentration. Periodic monitoring is required to confirm blood levels remain within the female range.
It is very common for women to have irregular, unscheduled and even sometimes heavy bleeding when they start HRT or when they increase the dose of estrogen in the HRT. This can take 3-6 months to settle. If you have bleeding that worsens or does not improve after this time, you should contact us at the clinic or your GP as further investigations may be necessary.
It is common for women to experience breast tenderness when they start taking HRT. This can be due to either the estrogen or progesterone component and usually settles with time. It can take a few months to settle completely. Many women report Starflower Oil (available over the counter) gives symptom relief.