Specialist care for the treatment and management of menopause symptoms

Menopause Specialist

Every woman is different, but for many of us menopause can be a hugely challenging time in our lives. Low mood, hot flushes, insomnia, weight gain and anxiety are just some of the symptoms that can have a significant impact on how we feel. Our team of menopause specialists are experts in their field and are here to help. 

From advising you on the risks and benefits of HRT, to guiding you through the latest in treatment options, to helping you understand your symptoms, they can provide you with all the support and guidance you need at this significant time of change.

 

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that happens as women get older and hormone levels start to drop. This usually 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 and progesterone levels, even while you are still having periods. 

This phase is known as perimenopause, and can last just a few months or several years, and often begins around your forties. 

The signs and symptoms of menopause itself are different for everyone and usually begin between the ages of 45 and 55 for most women, with the average age being 51. 

The symptoms you’ve experienced during perimenopause may intensify around this time, and menopause itself is defined as when you have not had a period for 12 months.

 

What is early menopause?

Around 1 in 10 women go through menopause before the age of 40, and it’s not always clear why this is. It can happen naturally - it may run in your family - or be caused by treatment for other conditions. 

The main symptom of early menopause is not having your period regularly, or your periods stopping completely. However, you may not have obvious signs, especially during the early stages. Issues at this time can include fertility problems, as well as anxiety, brain fog, night sweats and vaginal symptoms - all of which can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. 

If you have any signs of early menopause, it is always a good idea to see a doctor or specialist - they can carry out blood tests to check your hormone levels and advise you on what to do next. 

 

What are the common symptoms of menopause? 

Around a quarter of women notice few, if any menopausal symptoms. The other three-quarters experience symptoms, while for one in four women, symptoms are classed as severe. However, every woman has a different experience of the menopause, based on a wide range of factors, including diet, lifestyle, social circumstances, as well as family history

 

The most common symptoms associated with the menopause include:

hot flushes
night sweats
low mood, not feeling ‘yourself’
anxiety
irritability
difficulty concentrating
poor sleep patterns
fatigue
muscle and joint aches and pains, including back, knee and shoulder pain
urinary symptoms, including recurrent infections and incontinence
vaginal dryness, itching, burning
painful sex
lack of libido

There is much that can be done to reduce and treat symptoms, including HRT as well as non-hormonal treatments. Symptoms can also change and improve over time, but on average they tend to last for seven years.

Tailored Menopause Treatment

At The Medical Chambers Kensington, our team of highly experienced gynaecologists are experts in providing personalised care and the latest in treatment options. They will carry out a comprehensive assessment and develop an individual treatment plan to help you navigate the right pathway for your needs. 

If you are thinking about taking HRT, for example, they can advise you on the pros and cons of the different types that are available and help you decide if this is the right approach for you. For those who can’t or don’t wish to take HRT, there are many other treatments that can help. For example, we offer non-hormonal medication to reduce hot flushes or cutting-edge technology to help manage uncomfortable vaginal symptoms.

Menopause treatments we offer include:

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) – to bring low levels of oestrogen hormone back into the normal range
Topical hormones such as oestrogen and DHEA for vaginal dryness
Female Testosterone
State of the art laser treatment for vaginal symptoms
Radiofrequency – non-invasive treatment for vaginal symptoms, including urinary incontinence and dryness
Medications that calm the bladder down
Guidance on pelvic floor physiotherapy
Treatment for low libido and other sexual issues

We recommend an integrated approach and often incorporate holistic therapies to complement your medical treatment and help manage menopause symptoms. 

These can include:

Yoga - studies show that yoga may help to reduce symptoms of menopause
Herbal and other supplements - some women may find supplements helpful, such as such as soy isoflavones, black cohosh and sea buckthorn oil
Acupuncture may help to reduce hot flushes
Support with lifestyle changes – including dietary advice, exercise, reducing your alcohol consumption, stopping smoking and help with sleep issues

Our Clinic in London

You can visit The Medical Chambers Kensington for an appointment with one of our consultant gynaecologists or a GP with specialist expertise in gynaecological and women’s health

Our menopause appointments include an in-depth consultation so you have plenty of time to discuss your symptoms, a full examination and a blood test. You can find out the costs of our menopause packages here

To find out how our private menopause specialists can help you, please telephone 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.