Menopause Specialist Clinic | Whiteley, Hampshire

Menopause Clinic

Welcome to the
Menopause Clinic

Navigating menopause can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Led by Dr. Helen Pandya, a GP with a Special Interest in Menopause, our clinic offers expert guidance and personalised care to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. We provide comprehensive menopause support tailored to your needs.

What IS the Menopause

Menopause marks the time in a woman’s life when her periods stop, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It is a natural biological process that happens when the ovaries stop producing eggs and levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones decline. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The perimenopause describes the period surrounding menopause, where hormone levels fluctuate and can cause a wide variety of troubling symptoms. Perimenopausal symptoms can last for many years either side of the menopause.

Symptoms of PERIMenopause

Menopause affects every woman differently, with a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Hot flushes and night sweats
Mood changes, such as anxiety, irritability, or depression
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
Reduced libido
Joint and muscle aches
Weight gain and changes in body shape
Difficulty concentrating and memory issues

While these symptoms can be distressing, there are effective ways to manage them and find relief.

Treatment Options

At our clinic, we believe in offering a tailored approach to managing menopause. Depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, our team will work with you to create a plan that suits your needs. Management options can include a combination of lifestyle changes, therapies, and medical treatments.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes can significantly impact the severity of menopause symptoms. Our team provides guidance on how to adopt habits that support your well-being during menopause:

Balanced Diet: Incorporating calcium-rich foods and lean protein can help maintain bone and muscle health.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost mood, help with weight management, and improve sleep.
Stress Management: Mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Sleep Hygiene: Adjusting your sleep environment and routine can aid in managing insomnia and night sweats.

Alternative Therapies

Some women prefer to explore natural and complementary therapies to help manage their symptoms. While the evidence for effectiveness varies, these options can be a part of a holistic plan:

Herbal supplements like black cohosh, red clover, and soy isoflavones
Acupuncture for hot flushes and mood support
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage anxiety and mood changes

Our clinic team can discuss these therapies with you, ensuring they are safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Non-Hormonal Prescribable Medications

For women who cannot take HRT or prefer not to, there are non-hormonal medication options that can help manage certain symptoms, including:

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, which can help with hot flushes and mood symptoms
Gabapentin for hot flushes and night sweats
Clonidine, a medication that can reduce hot flushes

These options can be part of a comprehensive plan to address your symptoms and enhance your well-being.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is one of the most effective treatments for alleviating menopause symptoms and can significantly improve quality of life. HRT involves replacing the hormones that your body is no longer producing, helping to relieve symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

HRT can be tailored to your needs and is available in various forms:

Tablets
Skin patches
Gels
Coils

Our specialists will work with you to determine the best type and dosage of HRT, monitoring your progress to ensure optimal results.

Problems Whilst Taking HRT

Side Effects

HRT is safe for many women, but some may experience side effects, including:

Breast tenderness
Headaches
Vaginal Bleeding

Our clinic team will work closely with you to adjust your treatment and find the right balance, minimizing any discomfort.

Bleeding Problems

Irregular bleeding can occur when starting HRT or adjusting the dose. Our specialists are experienced in managing these issues and will investigate any unusual bleeding patterns to ensure your safety.

Breast Cancer and HRT

The relationship between HRT and breast cancer is complex. Our clinic provides clear, evidence-based information to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

I Have a Family History of Breast Cancer

If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of HRT carefully. Our specialists will review your medical history, discuss your individual risk factors, and explore all available options to find a safe and effective solution.

I Have Had Breast Cancer Myself

Women who have had breast cancer are often advised to avoid HRT, but there may be non-hormonal alternatives that can help manage symptoms. Our team will work with your oncology team to create a plan that prioritizes your safety while addressing your menopausal needs.

Early MenOPAUSE

What is Early Menopause?
Early menopause, also known as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. This can happen naturally or as a result of certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery to remove the ovaries. POI is less common than menopause that occurs around the usual age but can have significant physical and emotional impacts.

Symptoms of Early Menopause
The symptoms of early menopause are similar to those of natural menopause, including:

Irregular or missed periods
Hot flushes and night sweats
Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Reduced fertility or difficulty conceiving

Risks of Early Menopause
Women experiencing early menopause face additional health risks, such as:

Increased risk of osteoporosis due to lower oestrogen levels, which can lead to bone density loss
Higher risk of cardiovascular disease
Potential impact on mental health due to the unexpected and early loss of fertility and hormonal changes

Treatment for Early Menopause
At our clinic, we offer a range of treatment options to help manage early menopause and minimize its long-term effects:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT is often recommended for women with POI to replace the hormones their ovaries no longer produce. This can help alleviate symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats while protecting bone and heart health until the average age of natural menopause.
Fertility Support: For women who wish to conceive, our team can work closely with fertility specialists to explore potential options, including assisted reproductive technologies.
Non-Hormonal Treatments: For those unable to take HRT, non-hormonal medications and lifestyle modifications can be effective alternatives to manage symptoms.
Bone Health Support: Strategies such as weight-bearing exercises, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and medications to strengthen bones may be recommended to prevent osteoporosis.

Emotional Support
Early menopause can be emotionally challenging, especially for women who are still planning their families. Psychological therapies can help women cope with the emotional impacts and adjust to this change.

Testosterone in Menopause Treatment

The Role of Testosterone in Menopause Treatment
Testosterone is sometimes used in menopause treatment to address symptoms of low libido. While traditionally associated with men, women also produce testosterone in smaller amounts, and levels can decline during perimenopause. In certain cases, adding testosterone to a treatment plan can help improve sexual function when oestrogen therapy alone is insufficient.

Considerations and Limitations
Testosterone is however, not suitable for everyone. It is most often considered when other treatments, such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), have not fully addressed specific symptoms like reduced libido. Its use requires careful blood monitoring, as improper dosing can lead to side effects like acne, excess hair growth, or voice changes. Additionally, there is limited long-term safety data on testosterone therapy for women.

Our clinic, led by Dr Helen Pandya, offers personalised assessments to determine whether testosterone is a suitable option for you, ensuring all treatments are safe and effective.

Book Your Consultation Today

Our clinic is dedicated to providing empathetic and specialised care for women during the perimenopause. We aim to help you navigate this stage of life with confidence and ease. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step towards managing your perimenopause.