Treatment
Menopause and HRT Consultation
Clinical consultation for menopause symptoms and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal options.
Condition
Menopause
The end of monthly periods and the years around that change — educational overview of symptoms, assessment and care options.
Medical disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified health professional.
Quick facts
- Type
- Condition
- Category
- Women's health
- Prevalence note
- Most women experience menopause; average age in the UK is around 51, with a wide normal range.
- Evidence status
- See sources and linked research
Overview
Menopause is when periods stop permanently. It usually happens between ages 45 and 55, though timing varies. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms may begin while periods are still irregular.
Common symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, brain fog and joint aches. Not everyone has severe symptoms, but for many people they affect work, relationships and daily life. Symptoms can also overlap with other conditions, so assessment matters when the picture is unclear or red-flag features appear.
For many women over 45 with typical symptoms, menopause can be recognised clinically without routine blood tests. Younger people, or those with atypical features, may need hormone tests or specialist review. Care options range from lifestyle measures and non-hormonal treatments to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), depending on symptoms, history and preferences.
MHI links related menopause and HRT consultation pathways and providers for comparison. This page does not prescribe HRT or diagnose individuals.
Symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Mood changes, anxiety or low mood.
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex.
- Brain fog or memory concerns reported by some people.
- Joint aches or changes in periods during perimenopause.
- Symptoms vary widely and do not prove menopause on their own.
Possible causes
- Natural decline in ovarian hormone production with age.
- Surgery to remove ovaries, or some cancer treatments.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency / early menopause in some people.
- Other conditions can mimic menopausal symptoms and need clinical consideration.
When to seek medical advice
Speak to a GP or menopause clinician if symptoms affect your life, periods change unexpectedly, or you want to discuss HRT or alternatives. Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding, bleeding after menopause, severe pain, or sudden worrying symptoms. Early menopause or menopause after cancer treatment needs individual clinical advice.
Common diagnostic pathways
Diagnosis is often based on age and symptom pattern. Blood tests (for example FSH) are not routinely required for women over 45 with typical symptoms, but may be used in younger people or uncertain cases. Discussion of treatment options should cover benefits, risks and alternatives, including HRT where appropriate.
Treatment options
Related providers
Provider
Newson Health
Newson Health is one of the UK's most prominent specialist menopause providers.
Provider
Menopause Care
Menopause Care is a specialist menopause clinic serving UK-wide. Its published services include Menopause consultation, HRT, Women's health, Follow-up care.
Provider
The London Menopause Clinic
The London Menopause Clinic is a menopause clinic provider serving London.
Provider
The Menopause Doctor
The Menopause Doctor is a menopause clinic provider serving UK-wide.
Provider
My Menopause Centre
My Menopause Centre is an online menopause clinic provider serving UK-wide.
Provider
The Marion Gluck Clinic
The Marion Gluck Clinic is a UK specialist private healthcare provider focused on hormone and women's health clinic. Its published services include Hormone con…
Provider
London Hormone Clinic
London Hormone Clinic is a UK specialist private healthcare provider focused on hormone health clinic. Its published services include Hormone assessment, Women…
Provider
Menopause Experts Group
Menopause Experts Group is a menopause clinic network provider serving UK-wide.
FAQs
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition when hormones fluctuate and symptoms may start. Menopause is reached after periods have stopped for 12 months (definitions can vary in clinical contexts).
Do I need blood tests?
Not always. Many women over 45 with typical symptoms do not need routine hormone blood tests. A clinician will advise if tests help in your situation.
Does MHI recommend HRT?
No. MHI explains options educationally and links related consultation pages and providers for comparison.
Editorial information
- Editorial owner
- MHI Editorial
Sources
- NHS — menopause and perimenopause(guideline)
- NHS — hormone replacement therapy (HRT)(guideline)
- NICE — menopause: identification and management (NG23)(guideline)
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