How it works
It takes just 5 simple steps to provide you with a personalised, holistic menopause treatment plan, and the ongoing care and support that will help you take control of your menopause symptoms. Our typical patient journey is outlined below and, as you’ll see, we’re with you every step of the way.
Register with the clinic
During your appointment
Your first consultation will last 30-60 minutes.
At the first consultation a detailed history will be taken. A physical examination may be undertaken . Investigations may be arranged, and these will usually include an internal ultrasound scan, blood tests to include hormone tests, and other special tests such as bone density and mammogram – unless you have already had these.
There will be plenty of time for you to ask any questions.
After your appointment
Treatment, tailored to your specific presentation, may be commenced immediately.
Results of any investigations may be required before commencing treatment.
You may be asked to keep a symptom diary.
Treatments may be hormonal or alternatives.
Follow-up appointments are usually required, either to commence treatment if results of investigations are required, or to review the impact of any treatment started.
Follow up appointments usually last 20-30 minutes.
What is he menopause?
Menopause simply means that you have had no periods for 12 months but unfortunately going through menopause isn’t simple for many. You many have symptoms for many years before your period stops (Peri-menopause) and for many years after (Post-menopause).
Quite simply, menopause means that your periods have stopped for 12 months or more. All women go through menopause, but menopause affects us all differently. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 years but the symptoms we experience start long before your periods stop. This phase is called perimenopause.
Perimenopause:
The average length of perimenopause is about 4 years. In the perimenopausal time, women can experience varying symptoms, and some can come and go and often therefore it can be difficult to know what is happening to you.
During the perimenopause your normal hormone levels fluctuate greatly and sometimes even day to day, this often feels like you are on a rollercoaster of emotions and symptoms. You may go through weeks or months feeling ok, but then symptoms can come back again.
What signs and symptoms can you look out for?
Symptoms aren’t just hot flushes and night sweats, and can include:
- Mood changes, irritability, anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Worsening migraines
- Joint and muscle pains
- Vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms
- Low libido
- Skin, hair and nail changes
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Period changes
Do you need investigations?
Generally, no if you are aged 45 years or over. You can start treatment based on symptoms alone, but some symptoms may mean that you need investigation for other conditions first.
If you are younger, and certainly if you are aged less than 40, then investigations are required first.
What are the treatment options and HRT?
The most effective way to treat your symptoms is to replace the hormones that are falling in levels, this is called hormone replacement therapy – HRT. The hormones used are oestrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone.
Oestrogen is the main hormone need which will relive the symptoms. Oestrogen is produced by your ovaries, and as they are shutting down, our levels fall. The dose can be adjusted depending on your need. Oestrogen replacement comes in the form of gels, patches, spray and tablets.
Progesterone is needed to protect your womb (if you have had a hysterectomy, then generally this is not needed). Taking oestrogen alone will cause the lining of your womb to thicken and will cause bleeding problems and will increase the risk of cancer – Endometrial cancer. Progesterone is given as a capsule, tablets, or the IUS / hormone coil.
Testosterone can be supplemented also when HRT alone has not relieved symptoms such as low libido, brain fog, and energy levels. Not all women will require testosterone. Testosterone is given as cream or gel.
Alternatives to hormones
Some women will choose not to take hormones or may wish to try without initially. There are other medications and natural remedies to help alleviate symptoms, but they don’t change hormone levels. Not all remedies are evidence based or have had their safety approved.
Benefits of HRT
- Resolve symptoms and quality of life.
- Cardiovascular protection
- Bone protection
- Brain protection
Risks of HRT
- Initial side effects usually short-lived, breast tenderness, bleeding problems, bloating.
- Breast cancer – only 4 extra cases per 1000 women over 5 years! Not as high as we have been scared into thinking!
Initial consultation
The very first consultation is the most important. Over 45 minutes, we’ll listen to your story and take a comprehensive medical history. We will talk through your symptoms, arrange any necessary tests, and discuss a range of evidence-based treatment options.
By the end of the session, you will have a personalised holistic menopause treatment plan that’s right for you.
The fee for the initial consultation also includes up to 2 follow up emails, should you have additional questions about your treatment within 2 months of your consultation.
Any additional email correspondence is charged at £30 per email.
Follow-up Consultation
The second consultation usually takes place three months after the initial consultation and lasts for 25 minutes – but you can book in before this if you prefer. We will check in on your progress and how you’re responding to your treatment plan. We can make any adjustments we think are necessary and discuss any additional tests that might be required.
Further consultations can be booked as required, and if you feel you need more time then please book a 45-minute consultation.
If it’s 2 years or more since you’ve been seen by our clinic, you’ll need to book a 45-minute consultation so that we have enough time to assess any changes in your health or circumstances.
Repeat prescription between consultations
The fee for a repeat prescription between consultations is £35. There are no (repeat) prescription fees where the prescription is issued as part of a consultation.
Please note that the cost of any medicines is not included in the prescription fee.
To order a repeat prescription call us on 0333 230 1490, we’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email us any time at [email protected].
Costs for HRT are variable prices set up by our pharmacy dependent on the type of medication prescribed and dosage
Costs for a month’s supply of HRT will vary depending on the type of medication prescribed and the dosage. For most types of HRT, the range is around £10 to £35 a month. We appreciate that the range is wide, but it depends on the medication prescribed and the current cost at the pharmacy – which can vary according to supply. Testosterone costs around £80 for a 50g tube of Androfemme cream that lasts three to four months.
A dispensing fee of £35 will be charged for a repeat prescription between appointments (the charge is included in the appointment fee if the prescription is made as part of the consultation). Your prescription will cover a supply of three months.
