Private Menopause Specialist
The menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life. It occurs when your ovaries run out of eggs and are unable to produce enough female hormones to maintain your monthly menstrual cycle.
The menopause typically occurs gradually, and you may notice your periods becoming more and more irregular over the course of four to five years. You may also develop symptoms due to falling oestrogen hormone levels, even while you are still having periods. This phase is sometimes referred to as the perimenopause, which means ‘around the time of the menopause’.
The average age at which a woman’s monthly periods stop altogether is around 51, although any age between 45 and 55 is considered normal. One in 10 women experience the menopause before the age of 40, due to premature ovarian failure. If you think you could be experiencing a premature menopause it is particularly important to seek medical advice.
Symptoms of the menopause
Every woman has a different experience of the menopause, based on factors such as her diet, lifestyle and heredity. Around a quarter of women notice few, if any menopausal symptoms. The other three-quarters experience symptoms which, for one in four women, are classed as severe.
The most common symptoms associated with the menopause include:
These symptoms will slowly improve but tend to last, on average, for seven years.
While the menopause is a completely normal and natural process, every woman needs individual assessment and treatment. As a private menopause specialist, The Medical Chambers Kensington recognises that you need an individual approach based on your symptoms and preferences.
Menopause treatment
While some women are able to manage their menopause symptoms themselves, many find support hugely beneficial when dealing with the aspects that affect their quality of life. At The Medical Chambers Kensington, our gynaecologists are experts in providing confidential care and professional treatment to help you best manage this significant life-stage.
You may choose to use prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), of which there are more than 50 different types available, including oral tablets, skin patches and gels, hormone implants and vaginal creams and pessaries. Our menopause experts can guide you through the pros and cons of each to help you decide if HRT is the right approach for you.
Women who are unable or unwilling to take HRT, may choose other treatment options that can help. For example, there are medicines that can be prescribed to reduce hot flushes, if needed.
Our experienced gynaecologists can offer support and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you navigate what can be a testing time for many women. Some of the menopause treatments we offer to patients include:
The Cleveland Clinic, one of America's top five hospitals, has published more about Energy-Based treatments and you can learn more here.
Sometimes, holistic therapies are also recommended to complement your medical treatment and help manage menopause symptoms, such as:
Lifestyle changes are also vitally important – it’s never too late to follow a healthier diet, exercise regularly, reduce your alcohol consumption, stop smoking, and get more sleep!
Our Clinic in London
You can visit The Medical Chambers Kensington for an appointment with a consultant gynaecologist, or a GP with specialist expertise in gynaecological and women’s health.
A menopause check includes an in-depth appointment, a full examination, a blood test and in some cases a cervical screen with HPV test. You can find out the costs of our menopause packages here.
To find out how our private menopause specialist can help you, please telephone 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.