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01483 230481
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01483 230481
0345 4599972
01483 230481
0345 4599972
The perimenopause and menopause can affect everyone differently.
If changes to your periods, sleep, mood or general wellbeing are
affecting you, a consultation at SurreyGP gives you time to talk
through your symptoms and the options that may be suitable for you.
Our GP consultations are tailored to your individual needs and
medical history. We take time to listen to your concerns, answer
your questions and help you consider the next steps, including
whether treatment, tests or a referral may be appropriate.
Menopause and perimenopause can affect women in different ways.
Some experience only mild changes, while others find their
symptoms have a significant impact on everyday life.
Common symptoms include:
Hormonal changes can contribute to these symptoms, although
some may have other causes. For example, hair thinning can
sometimes be associated with thyroid problems or iron deficiency.
If symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, a consultation
at SurreyGP can help you understand the changes you are
experiencing and discuss suitable options for managing them.
Perimenopause most commonly begins during a woman’s 40s,
although some women experience symptoms in their late 30s.
It is the transitional stage leading up to menopause, during
which hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms may develop even
while periods are still regular.
Perimenopause can last several years, commonly around four
years, although for some women it may continue for eight
years or longer.
Menopause is usually defined as having gone 12 consecutive
months without a menstrual period, where this is not due to
another cause. The average age of menopause in the UK is
approximately 51.
Symptoms occurring before the age of 40 should be assessed
by a doctor to investigate possible premature ovarian
insufficiency or other underlying causes.
We will discuss your symptoms, general health, medical history
and what you would like help with. An examination may be offered
if appropriate and with your agreement.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include checks such
as blood pressure and, where useful, your height, weight and
body mass index (BMI).
There is no single approach that suits everyone. Your
consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, explore
your concerns and talk through the options available to you.
Blood tests are not always needed to identify menopause.
Whether tests are helpful depends on your age, symptoms,
medical history and any treatment you are taking.
Your GP can explain when testing may be useful.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment
for many symptoms associated with menopause, particularly hot
flushes and night sweats.
Treatment may also help improve sleep, mood and overall
wellbeing, particularly when these difficulties are related
to menopausal symptoms.
HRT can also help maintain bone strength, prevent bone loss
and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
The cardiovascular effects of HRT depend on factors including
age, medical history, the timing of treatment and the type
of HRT used. HRT is not prescribed specifically to prevent
cardiovascular disease.
HRT is not the right choice for everyone. Your GP will discuss
the potential benefits, risks and possible side effects,
helping you make an informed decision based on your individual
circumstances and preferences.
HRT is not the only option for managing menopause symptoms.
For women who cannot take HRT, or who would prefer not to,
a range of non-hormonal approaches may be considered.
These may include:
Your doctor can discuss the available options and help
you decide which approach is most suitable for your
symptoms, medical history and preferences.
Effective menopause treatment can make a significant
difference to everyday wellbeing and quality of life.
The improvements experienced will depend on your symptoms
and the treatment selected.
Potential benefits may include:
Not every symptom responds equally to treatment, and
improvements vary between individuals. Our aim is to
identify the symptoms affecting you most and develop
a realistic and effective management plan.
If further investigation is needed, we can discuss
the options with you. Depending on your circumstances,
this may include arranging a referral for an ultrasound
scan or mammogram, or discussing a cervical screening
test if you are due one.
Ultrasounds and mammograms are arranged through an
appropriate provider and are not necessarily carried
out at SurreyGP.
If your symptoms or medical history suggest that
specialist assessment would be beneficial, we can
discuss referral to a gynaecologist or another
relevant service.
Finding the right menopause treatment sometimes takes
time. Your symptoms, treatment response and personal
preferences may change over the course of perimenopause
and menopause.
A follow-up appointment allows your GP to assess
how you are responding to treatment, address any
side effects and consider whether adjustments are needed.
If you start or change HRT, a review after approximately
three months is generally recommended, with further
reviews depending on your circumstances.
If you are already taking HRT and would like your
treatment reviewed, please bring details of your
current medication and dose to your appointment.
If you would like to discuss perimenopause or menopause
symptoms, contact SurreyGP to arrange an appointment.
If you are unsure whether a consultation is right for
you, our team can help explain the booking options.
Perimenopause most commonly begins in a woman’s 40s,
although symptoms can sometimes develop in the late 30s.
If symptoms suggest menopause before the age of 40,
medical assessment is important to investigate possible
premature ovarian insufficiency.
Perimenopause commonly lasts around four years,
although it can be shorter or continue for eight
years or longer. Symptoms and their severity can
fluctuate during this time.
Many women begin to notice improvements within the
first few weeks of starting HRT. Hot flushes and
night sweats may improve relatively quickly,
while other symptoms can take longer.
It can take up to three months to assess the initial
benefit of treatment, and adjustments to the dose
or preparation may sometimes be needed.
Yes. Depending on your symptoms and medical history,
non-hormonal approaches may include lifestyle changes,
CBT for anxiety or low mood, certain prescription
medications and vaginal moisturisers or lubricants.
Your GP can discuss the options most appropriate for you.
Treatment may help reduce hot flushes and night sweats,
improve sleep and emotional wellbeing, and relieve
vaginal dryness or discomfort.
HRT can also help maintain bone strength and reduce
the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
Benefits vary according to the treatment used
and your individual circumstances.
Finding the most suitable treatment can take time.
If symptoms persist or you experience side effects,
your GP can review your progress and consider
adjusting the dose, changing the type or method
of HRT, or exploring alternative treatments.
Further investigation may also be appropriate
if symptoms suggest another underlying cause.
Not always. For many women aged 45 or over,
perimenopause and menopause can usually be
identified from symptoms and changes to periods
without hormone blood tests.
Tests may be considered in some circumstances,
particularly when symptoms begin at a younger age
or another medical condition is suspected.
Your GP will advise based on your individual situation.
For many women, the benefits of HRT outweigh the
risks, particularly when treatment is started
around the time of menopause.
However, suitability depends on factors including
your age, medical history, personal risk factors
and the type of HRT being considered.
Your GP will explain the potential benefits
and risks to help you make an informed decision.
Yes. You can discuss your current treatment,
how well it is helping and any concerns or
side effects. Please bring the names and
doses of your medicines to the appointment.
Where clinically appropriate, we can discuss
referral for further investigations, such as
an ultrasound scan or mammogram.
These are arranged through an appropriate
provider and are not necessarily carried
out at SurreyGP.
This depends on your symptoms and the plan
agreed with your GP. If you start or change
HRT, a review after approximately three
months is generally recommended.
Follow-up appointments allow your GP to assess
your progress, address concerns and make
treatment adjustments where appropriate.
Every woman’s menopause experience is different.
At SurreyGP, we believe your care should be
just as individual as you are.
Our doctors offer a personal and supportive
approach, taking time to listen to your concerns,
understand how symptoms are affecting your life
and discuss the treatment options available.
Whether you are experiencing the first signs of
perimenopause, considering HRT, exploring
non-hormonal alternatives or reviewing existing
treatment, we aim to provide clear advice,
individualised care and ongoing support.
Qualified in medicine in 2005 at Guy’s,
King’s and St Thomas’ Medical School.
Former eye surgeon with experience in
both NHS and private general practice.
Qualified in medicine in 2012 at Guy’s,
King’s and St Thomas’ Medical School,
with a first degree in Psychology and
experience across a range of medical
specialities.
Qualified in medicine in 2003 at the
University of Edinburgh and completed
GP training in 2007. Has a special
interest in Women’s Health and
Family Planning.
MBChB, BSc, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH.
Has additional qualifications in
gynaecology and family planning,
with a particular understanding
of women’s health.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are waiting to take your call.
01483 230481
0345 4599972