Private Menopause Care in Marlborough
Menopause & Perimenopause Support at Sloane Street Surgery Marlborough
Hormonal changes during midlife can affect many aspects of a woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing. For some women these changes are mild, while for others symptoms can significantly affect sleep, mood, energy levels and quality of life.
At Sloane Street Surgery Marlborough, we offer specialist menopause consultations to help you understand what is happening in your body and explore treatment options that suit your individual circumstances.
Appointments are available in person in Marlborough or online via video consultation.
Initial menopause consultations are 30 minutes.
What is Perimenopause and Menopause?
Menopause refers to the point when a woman’s periods stop and the ovaries lose their reproductive function. It is typically defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided there is no other medical cause, if over 50 years old, and 24 months if under 50. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 years.
However, many symptoms begin during the perimenopause, which is the transition period leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate significantly. This stage can begin several years before periods stop completely.
These hormonal fluctuations can affect many systems in the body, which is why symptoms vary widely from one woman to another.
What symptoms can occur during perimenopause and menopause?
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Sleep disturbance
- Mood changes, anxiety or low mood
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Joint aches and muscle pain
- Increased headaches or migraines
- Vaginal dryness or recurrent urinary infections
- Low libido
Symptoms can sometimes be difficult to recognise initially, particularly as they develop gradually over time.
How Can a Menopause Specialist Help?
During your consultation, your GP will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle before discussing the most appropriate treatment options.
Support may include:
- Advice on lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) where appropriate
- Non-hormonal treatment options
- Support for sleep, mood and cognitive symptoms
- Advice around bone health and cardiovascular health
Lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management, can play an important role in improving wellbeing during this stage of life.
With more treatment options available than ever before, knowing what’s right for you isn’t always straightforward. Find out when specialist advice may be particularly valuable in Perimenopause and Menopause: When Can Specialist Menopause Care Help?
Our In-house Menopause Specialist
Dr Clare Michell
BSc (hons) MBChB (hons) MRCP MRCGP DFSRH PPMC
Certified Menopause Specialist
Dr Clare Michell is a GP with a specialist interest in Women’s Health and menopause care and is a Certified Menopause Specialist accredited by the British Menopause Society.
She takes a holistic approach to patient care, considering lifestyle, mental health and medical treatment together to support overall wellbeing.
Her menopause clinic runs Monday mornings at Sloane Street Surgery Marlborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
If symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog or irregular periods are affecting your quality of life, it can be helpful to speak to a GP. Many women experience symptoms during the perimenopause, which can begin several years before periods stop completely.
Your GP will discuss your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors. Together you will explore possible causes of your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options. This may include lifestyle advice, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or non-hormonal treatments.
Initial menopause consultations at Sloane Street Surgery Marlborough are 30 minutes, allowing time for a detailed discussion of your symptoms and treatment options.
Yes. Appointments are available in person at our Marlborough clinic or via secure video consultation, depending on your preference.
In many cases, menopause and perimenopause can be diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. Blood tests may sometimes be recommended, particularly in younger women or where symptoms are unclear.
Treatment options vary depending on symptoms and individual circumstances. These may include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Non-hormonal medications
- Lifestyle changes such as nutrition, sleep and exercise
- Support for mood or sleep problems
Your GP will help you decide which approach is most appropriate.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to replace hormones, particularly oestrogen, that naturally decline during the perimenopause and menopause. By helping to stabilise hormone levels, HRT can reduce symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, brain fog and vaginal dryness.
There are many different types of HRT available, and the most appropriate option will depend on your symptoms, medical history and personal preferences. Your GP will discuss the benefits and risks with you and help you decide whether HRT is suitable for you.
HRT can be taken in several different ways, including:
- Skin patches
- Gels or sprays applied to the skin
- Tablets
- Vaginal oestrogen creams, pessaries or rings
Some women require oestrogen alone, while others need a combination of oestrogen and progesterone. Testosterone may also be considered in certain circumstances.
There is no single ‘best’ form of HRT. During your consultation, your GP will discuss the different options and recommend an approach tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history.
For many women, HRT is a safe and effective treatment for menopause symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks based on your individual medical history and help you decide whether it is appropriate for you.
Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. It often starts in the mid-40s but can begin earlier. Common signs include irregular periods, hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes and brain fog.
The average age of menopause in the UK is around 51 years old, although symptoms of perimenopause can begin several years earlier.
Yes. Hormonal fluctuations can affect brain chemicals and sleep patterns, which may lead to symptoms such as anxiety, mood changes, difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
Lifestyle changes can make a significant difference for many women. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, good sleep habits and stress management can help reduce symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
HRT may be considered when menopause symptoms are affecting quality of life. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks based on your medical history and individual circumstances.
Make an Enquiry
HOW TO BOOK
Appointments are available:
- In person at Sloane Street Surgery Marlborough
- Online via video consultation
Initial consultation: 30 minutes
For online and face-to-face appointments, it’s easy to book online here or call the surgery on 0207 245 9333.
Menopause Insights
Our doctors regularly share clinical insights on perimenopause, menopause, hormone health, HRT, lifestyle medicine and women’s wellbeing. Browse recent articles below:
- What to Expect During the Perimenopause and How We Can Help
- Navigating Perimenopause, Menopause and HRT
- When Can Specialist Menopause Care Help?
- When should I start breast screening?
- Understanding Endometriosis – When pain should not just be accepted
- Your Cervical Screening Guide – Simple, Important, Life-Saving
