Private Menopause Clinic and HRT Treatment UK

Menopause is the point at which a woman’s periods have stopped for twelve consecutive months. It marks the end of the reproductive years and is caused by a natural decline in the production of oestrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. In the UK, the average age of menopause is 51, though it can occur earlier or later. Menopause that occurs before the age of 40 is known as premature ovarian insufficiency.

The most frequently reported symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, irregular or stopping periods, mood changes, anxiety, low mood, sleep disruption, fatigue, brain fog, reduced libido, vaginal dryness and urinary changes. Less commonly recognised symptoms include joint pain, palpitations, skin and hair changes and cognitive difficulties. Symptoms vary widely between women and can range from mild to severely disruptive.

For most women, HRT is safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks. The evidence base on HRT has evolved significantly in recent years, and current guidance from the British Menopause Society and NICE supports its use for the majority of women experiencing menopause symptoms. Your doctor will discuss your health history to assess whether HRT is appropriate for you and, if so, which type and preparation best suit your circumstances.

In most cases, yes. If your doctor determines that HRT is clinically appropriate after your consultation, they can issue a prescription electronically at the same appointment. You do not need a separate follow-up before starting treatment.

Some women cannot take HRT due to their medical history, for example, a personal history of certain hormone-sensitive cancers, or may prefer not to. Non-hormonal treatment options are available, including certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications with evidence for symptom relief, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle measures. Your doctor will discuss all appropriate alternatives with you.

Yes. You can book a private menopause consultation at any of our clinics without a referral from your NHS GP and, where appropriate, receive an HRT prescription at the same appointment.

Private menopause consultations start from [PRICE]. Prescriptions and any additional investigations are priced separately and discussed with you before proceeding. Full pricing is available on our pricing page. There are no hidden fees.

Yes. You can have initial consultations and follow-up appointments by telephone or video if you prefer. If required, a physical examination would need to be arranged in person, and your doctor will advise if this is the case.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Periods may become irregular, and symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and sleep disruption can begin. Perimenopause can last several years. Menopause itself refers to a specific point in time, after which a woman is described as postmenopausal. Symptoms can begin well before periods stop, which is why many women benefit from assessment and treatment during perimenopause rather than waiting.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works by supplementing the oestrogen and, in women with a uterus, progesterone that the body is no longer producing in sufficient quantities. By restoring hormone levels, HRT reduces or eliminates the symptoms caused by the hormonal changes of menopause and perimenopause. It is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms and has additional long-term health benefits, including protection against osteoporosis.

HRT preparations include oestrogen patches, gels, tablets, and sprays; combined oestrogen and progestogen formulations; body-identical hormones; vaginal oestrogen for localised symptoms; and testosterone for low libido related to hormonal changes. Our doctors can prescribe the full range and will recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms, preferences and health history.

Not always. For most women over 45 with typical symptoms, a clinical diagnosis of perimenopause or menopause can be made without blood tests, in line with NICE guidance. Blood tests may be recommended in certain circumstances, for example in younger women or where the diagnosis is unclear. Your doctor will advise whether tests are needed at your consultation.

There is no set time limit for taking HRT. Current guidance supports taking it for as long as the benefits outweigh the risks for the individual, and many women take it for many years. Your doctor will review your treatment at follow-up appointments and discuss the ongoing benefit-risk balance with you over time.

Yes. Non-hormonal options include lifestyle measures such as dietary changes, regular exercise, reducing alcohol and stopping smoking, as well as certain medications that can reduce hot flushes and other symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy has evidence for improving mood and coping with symptoms. Your doctor will discuss all options so you can make an informed choice about your care.

Yes. All appointments are completely confidential. We will not contact your NHS GP without your consent, and your medical information is handled in accordance with GMC guidance and data protection regulations.