Menopause and the perimenopause – do you recognise these symptoms?
We explore some of the common symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause.
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Menopause Services
All women experience menopause at some point in their lives, with the majority, more than 80%, reporting symptoms and a quarter describing the symptoms as severe and debilitating. Women face a variety of challenges, and with dozens of symptoms reported, not everyone’s experience is the same. Moving through this stage of life can be daunting, and GPs don’t always have the specialist knowledge and experience needed to help.
Empowering you to take back control.
At The Repton Clinic, we are here to listen to your concerns, and our menopause specialist is passionate about helping you on your journey with evidence-based treatment options designed to improve your health and well-being. Our focus is to deliver empathetic, personalised care at this often-overwhelming time of life to the same high quality you have come to rely on at our Clinic.
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Our Menopause Services
Initial Consultation
New patient consultation to produce a tailored plan based on specific individual symptoms. This includes a private prescription if required.
PRICE £245
Existing Patient Review
Follow-up appointments for existing patients with review of symptoms and progress. Includes private prescription if required.
PRICE £175
Blood Tests
For some patients, blood tests may be required. The cost varies depending on the test needed and is in addition to the consultation fee.
PRICE FROM £85
For a private menopause constulation
Why Choose The Repton Clinic
Expert Consultation
With a British Menopause Society-accredited doctor, you can be confident that you're receiving expert guidance based on the latest research and best practices.
Individualised Treatment
Since each woman's experience with menopause is unique, having a tailored plan that considers your specific symptoms, health history, and personal goals is invaluable. Menopause treatments can include hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and alternative treatments.
Holistic Care
Menopause can affect physical, emotional, and mental well-being. An approach that considers all aspects of health can more effectively address the range of symptoms experienced.
Supportive Environment
The journey through menopause can be isolating for some women. A clinic that fosters a supportive, understanding environment can make the experience more manageable.
Education and Empowerment
A critical aspect of managing menopause is understanding what's happening in your body and the options available. We will give you in the information to empower you on your journey.
Find out more
Get in Touch
Take back control of your menopause journey by booking a consultation at The Repton Clinic.
Meet our expert
Dr. Iram
Dr. Iram Afshan is a GP and Menopause Specialist accredited by the British Menopause Society. She graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2006, then pursued specialised training in Obstetrics and gynaecology in London before becoming a GP and then a partner of a practice in Derby.
She stays updated with the latest developments in menopause research through the British Menopause Society’s learning program. Passionate about women’s health, she is a regional Women’s Health education developer committed to educating clinicians, local businesses, and women in Derbyshire.
Dr Iram Asfan’s diverse background gives her a unique perspective on managing Women’s Health, allowing her to deliver high-quality care tailored to those working through the stages of menopause. She has extensive experience running Menopause Clinics in both NHS and private settings. Her personal warmth and approachable style mean she is ideally placed to work closely with patients to identify their specific symptoms before creating a personalised treatment plan to suit their needs.
Dr. Afshan’s primary goal is to offer a personalised and high-quality approach to address individual peri- and menopausal needs, ensuring that each patient receives the necessary support during this important stage of life.
The key questions answered
Menopause FAQs
The menopause is defined as when a woman has had no periods for one year or more. Periods end because the ovaries stop the production and release of eggs.
The menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. The average age in the UK is 50. It is estimated that more than 80% of women will be menopausal by the age of 54.
When a woman approaches menopause, her ovaries produce less oestrogen, causing her body to behave differently. This process is usually a gradual one that progresses over several years and is known as the peri-menopause
During peri-menopause, Women will experience a change in menstrual cycle pattern when periods become infrequent, and 80-90% of women have some sort of symptoms, with about a quarter describing their symptoms as severe and debilitating.
Not all women will experience adverse symptoms when they go through menopause, but for those who do, the most common are hot flushes and night sweats.
Other common symptoms include disturbed sleep and insomnia, low energy levels, low mood, anxiety, low libido and low sexual drive, impaired memory and concentration, a sensation of ‘brain fog’, joint aches, headaches, dry mouth, palpitations and vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.
According to an Ipsos Mori survey on behalf of the Menopause Society (2016), on average, women experience 7 different Menopausal symptoms, and 42% said their symptoms were worse or much worse than they expected. Symptoms last more than 7 years, and it is estimated that more than a third of women experience long-term menopausal symptoms, which may continue for many years beyond that.
One solution does not suit all when it comes to treatment for the menopause. Many treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes can have a positive effect, including:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is the most commonly used treatment for managing menopausal symptoms, and it has been shown to be the most effective intervention. The main component of HRT is the hormone oestrogen, which is effective in controlling menopausal symptoms.
In addition, HRT has been shown to result in significant improvement in bone density and protecting against osteoporosis and osteoporosis related fractures.
Lifestyle factors
A healthy lifestyle, including exercise, diet modification and reducing alcohol intake, can improve menopausal symptoms in addition to improving heart and bone health.
Complementary & alternative therapies
Several complementary & alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal treatments, homoeopathy, yoga and reflexology, may sometimes help with troublesome menopausal symptoms. These would be an option for women who do not wish to take HRT, although most alternative therapies are less effective than HRT in controlling menopausal symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is also an effective option in improving hot flushes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms and can be considered in women who do not wish to take HRT or are unable to take HRT.
The British Menopause Society found in research that one in two women aged 45-65 had struggled through menopause within the past ten years without consulting a healthcare professional. Don't be part of these statistics.
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Dental Health During Menopause
The connection between menopause and dental health is complex. Teeth, gums and bones are very susceptible to the hormonal changes taking place during this time and as some of the changes can be subtle. We go through the key things to watch out for.
