Our patients visit us from all across the country and we have helped over 5000 women overcome and manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. We provide in-clinic, video and telephone consultations at a convenient time to suit you.

Led by Dr. Helen Fawcett and Dr. Joanne Horgan, our team of doctors are accredited specialists and members of The British Menopause Society (BMS) and many hold the Advanced Certificate for Menopause Care, which ensures you receive up-to-date treatment and care backed up by the latest research for menopause and perimenopause.

As a patient of the clinic, you receive an individual treatment plan developed for your symptoms, including tailored hormone replacement therapy (HRT) plans that may include oestrogen, testosterone, and progesterone (if suitable for you).

Our specialist care includes help and treatment for women with more complex needs, such as high-risk cancer genes and premature ovarian insufficiency.

We also believe in a holistic approach to menopause care, and our team includes experts in weight management, nutrition support, reflexology, acupuncture, and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

These services are particularly useful for patients who are unable to, or do not wish to consider hormone replacement therapy.

We refer directly for Mona Lisa Touch Therapy for patients who cannot / do not want to take oestrogen to help with vaginal atrophy and stress incontinence.

What happens at the Menopause clinic?

Ahead of your appointment with us, we will ask you to complete and submit a comprehensive symptom questionnaire so your menopause specialist can review your medical history beforehand and discuss this with you during your appointment. 

We suggest hormone profile blood tests for all new patients. This provides us with a baseline that can be reviewed and future improvements monitored along with symptom control.

During your appointment, you will have time to:

• Discuss your menopause journey and blood results
• Discuss any issues in depth
• Ask all of your questions
• Discuss and consider related health issues and concerns
• Find out the pros and cons of evidence-based hormone replacement therapy
• Agree on a treatment plan
• Agree next steps

We can prescribe your medications via our online Pharmacy and deliver to you at home. Alternatively you may wish for your GP to be approached to prescribe for you.

If you’d like any advice concerning menopause and available treatments please get in touch to book your tailored consultation. Our team are friendly and welcoming, and we’re always on hand to offer support.

What are the main symptoms of Menopause?

During perimenopause and menopause, the body’s hormone production changes, leading to a decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels.

As a result, women experience a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact their physical and emotional health. Common and not so common symptoms of menopause include: 

During perimenopause and menopause, the body’s hormone production changes, leading to a decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels.

As a result, women experience a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact their physical and emotional health. Common and not so common symptoms of menopause include: 

Menopause and HRT

There are several treatments available to manage the symptoms of menopause. One of the most popular and effective treatments is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

Hormone replacement therapy involves taking oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone (if required) hormones to replace the ones that the ovaries are no longer producing. There are two types of HRT: 

• Oestrogen and optional testosterone only therapy is recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy,
• Whilst combined therapy, adding of progesterone, is for women who still have their uterus.

HRT can be taken orally, as a patch, gel, or cream, and the dosage can be adjusted according to your needs.

Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and frequency of hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms.

Longer term health benefits of HRT also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease when taken before 60. 

HRT is not suitable for all women. Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease can seek our specialist advice on their options. Whatever your personal and family history holds, our advice is tailored to you and takes your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle into account.

Testosterone levels can lower during menopause and taking testosterone can sometimes help with symptoms. If prescribed, the dose is monitored carefully and kept low to avoid androgenic effects of increased facial hair, deepening voice and reduced scalp hair. These side effects are reversible if supplementation is reduced or stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Menopause Start?

Menopause in women usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years – with the average age in the United Kingdom being 51. However, it can occur earlier or later than this – every woman is different.

Menopause can sometimes happen earlier naturally, or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason for early menopause is unknown.

There is also a term known as perimenopause that refers to the transitional phase of life preceding menopause. 

Perimenopause symptoms can start as early as ten years before menopause and cause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes, and irregular periods. During this time, women will experience declining fertility and fluctuating hormone levels. We only reach menopause when we have not had a period for 12 months.

How long does it take for HRT to start working?

This will vary depending on the person. In general, improvements typically happen over the first couple of weeks and months. Most women find that hot flushes and night sweats usually stop within a few weeks of starting HRT, but other symptoms can take several months to settle.

Most women notice early on that they are sleeping better, and as a result of a good night’s sleep, their mood, fatigue, and concentration improve, and energy levels increase.

Many patients explain this as “getting their mojo back”.

When Does Menopause Finish

When will I stop HRT?

You can continue to use HRT long term. 

As we now know that the benefits of HRT now outweigh the risks, we continue treatment long term. 

Long-term benefits include symptom control, improvement in bladder and vaginal health, bone protection in osteoporosis, and reduction in cardiovascular disease.

In the past it was arbitrarily stopped after 5 or 10 years because of the previously perceived risk of breast cancer. However, we now know that risk is less significant following a reanalysis of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. 

Will I put on weight with HRT?

You should not put on weight with HRT, as you are replacing a deficiency of hormones, rather than giving extra.

Does HRT include Testosterone?

It surprises a lot of women that testosterone replacement therapy may be suggested as part of their treatment plan.

Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women. In younger females testosterone levels can be higher than the oestrogen.

As this declines symptoms of fatigue, poor sleep quality, reduced memory, concentration and attention and loss of motivation, loss of “mojo” and lack of sexual interest and sensation.

Testosterone replacement therapy is carried out off license, on a named patient basis and the dose is monitored carefully and kept low to avoid androgenic effects of increased facial hair, deepening voice and reduced scalp hair. These side effects uncommon and are reversible if supplementation is reduced or stopped.