Menopause

The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. The perimenopausal stage normally lasts for a few years leading up to this.

You are thought to be “post-menopausal” when you have had a year since your last period. (But you are only able to know this if you are not on any hormones or contraception that may affect your periods).

Symptoms may include some or all of the below and can be intermittent initially

  • Hot flushes / Night sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Mood changes / Irritability / Tearfulness
  • Forgetfulness / Poor sleep
  • Brain fog
  • Skin dryness/ crawling sensation
  • Joint aches
  • Poor or no libido / Vaginal dryness
  • Urine infections / Urinary incontinence
  • Hair loss
 

Group Consultations

We regularly run group consultations to discuss menopause in more detail. This involves small groups of around 10 patients with a doctor and nurse.

 

"Some advantages for patients is that this type of consultation offers longer sessions with a range of multi-disciplinary clinicians, alongside peer support from people with similar conditions. The outcomes for patients can include a greater ability for self-management, increased health literacy and more attention to the psychological issues that can arise from their condition” RCGP Oct 21

 

If you are interested in attending one of these, please register your interest with your practice via the usual contact methods (Please note that spaces are limited)

Shelley Manor: 01202 309421

Holdenhurst: 01202 587111

Email: SMH.MC@nhs.net