Menopause Service in Winchester

 What is Menopause?

Menopause is a stage in life when the ovaries stop making eggs and start producing less of the hormone oestrogen. The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51, but this can be earlier or later for some. The menopause usually happens gradually – the time leading up to it is called perimenopause, when periods might become more irregular, and sometimes heavier. This often starts at around 45.

What are symptoms of Menopause?

Symptoms of menopause can be debilitating and can include hot flushes, tiredness, palpitations, muscle pain, fatigue, poor concentration, low mood, anxiety, vaginal dryness and sometimes urinary incontinence. These symptoms can vary a lot between individuals and may come and go. The symptoms can last for anything from a few months to more than 10 years and there is no way of predicting how long they will last nor what the impact will be. However, with the right support, the symptoms and their impact can be lessened, making a real difference to how we live our lives.

What does our service include?

Ahead of your first appointment we will ask you to complete a questionnaire to better understand how you are and your current health status. During the consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss what this means for you and agree next steps which may include some blood tests.

You will agree a plan with our specialist pharmacist and she will potentially prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which we can usually dispense for you straight away. If we need to see the results of your bloods before prescribing, then this will be completed the following day.

Why and how is my blood analysed?

Blood tests are not required for prescribing HRT for  over 45’s however there may be a reason to undertake blood testing if indicated.  Any blood samples will be taken by our trained clinicians and sent to our laboratory for analysis.

What is Testosterone fast start?

National menopause guidance (NICE) states that testosterone can be prescribed to women with lowered sex drive despite taking HRT.

What causes sexuality and desire, or lack of it, is complicated and can change during one’s life. Sexual identity, desire, arousal, orgasm, emotional satisfaction and intention are all involved.

Testosterone can help but there may be other factors at play, and so we listen and involve you in decision-making about treatment. 

In our clinical practice, we also notice that many women notice that adding testosterone improves other symptoms such as brain fog, concentration, sense of calm, anxiety and poor sleep. Although it should be noted that the evidence is still lacking around additional benefits.

Our Testosterone service is a half-hour, lower cost appointment with a clinician to discuss your suitability for testosterone and the likely benefits of adding testosterone to your HRT regime. You must be on HRT  before starting testosterone, as it won’t work unless you have adequate oestrogen. We will check in your appointment that symptoms likely to be due to oestrogen deficiency are addressed.

We recommend that your second appointment is around 3 months after your first appointment, and then you will then be reviewed annually. The cost of the prescription is in addition, which can then be delivered to your home.

Blood tests are are required at starting treatment and at 2-3 months, and annually to check that you are being treated in the normal female range. We can do your blood test in the same appointment as your consultation.

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