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HIGHGATE HORMONE CLINIC

Support....

When supporting women through the menopause, I play a number of roles. The most important is responding to the medical questions my patients have on any part of their journey. I also help with medication and medical examinations. Additionally, I enjoy thinking with patients holistically to begin addressing issues that are not likely to improve or have not improved with medication. I also might play a surgical role when difficulties arise that require this type of intervention.

Answering questions

Most of my patients come with a number of medical questions that I am happy to answer. For example, women might ask:

All patients are unique and my response to each question is based on individual symptoms and other unique aspects of the woman's history. However, I also base my recommendations on up to date scientific literature and information from established medical bodies and societies, such as the British Menopause Society.

Medical examinations

Irregular bleeding is a common problem in women during peri-menopause and menopause. Internal (transvaginal ultrasound) is a key investigation to help give a full understanding of this problem. I am able to perform ultrasound scanning in clinic at the same time as a consultation.

Prescribing

My approach to hormone prescribing is patient focused, with treatment plans modified to your needs. Everyone is different. Safety is paramount, therefore, the approach I take to prescribing is to use medication at the lowest dose that leads to symptom relief.

I am happy to think together with my patients about the potential risks of HRT and will discuss the costs and benefits in every case. HRT for most women is extremely safe but, as with any medication, there are individual circumstances that need to be taken into account. It is my belief that it is not a doctor's decision as to whether a woman should take HRT, but it is a doctor's role to provide the information needed to help patients make informed decisions.

Hormonal support is only one strategy that can be used to try and improve wellbeing. A number of symptoms arise during midlife that are not related to hormones. I like to think with my patients about this in a stepwise way, helping them to consider other causes of remaining problems after hormones are in balance.

The menopause is a time of life that coincides with other milestones as well as physical changes. It is often a time of reflection and reappraisal. I see HRT as sometimes a way of providing the physical and mental support that then gives a woman space and energy to allow for other important changes to be put in place.

Once the right hormone treatment is established, my patients might benefit from psychological support, help thinking about physical fitness or environmental changes that can help them at work and home. I enjoy working with a multidisciplinary team and can signpost women to experts who can help them to think about their overall wellbeing.

Surgery

Occasionally, surgery is needed during peri-menopause and menopause. This could happen when symptoms do not settle with medication. Surgery might be required for heavy bleeding that does not resolve, or when bleeding is irregular or unexpected. These difficulties might be caused by problems such as polyps.

Most surgery for menopausal women can be performed in an outpatient setting and invasive procedures are not usually required. The most common procedures are hysteroscopy (to explore inside the womb using a very thin camera which is like a long pen) and endometrial ablation (a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy for heavy bleeding). These are procedures that I hold accreditation for (as well as being a trainer) and perform regularly.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

 

Highgate Hormone Clinic

Highgate Private Hospital

17-19 View Road

Highgate, London

N6 4DJ

 

office@highgatehormoneclinic.co.uk