Menopause Clinic

As women increase in age, menopause is a natural part of a woman’s aging process.

However for some women it can present with multiple symptoms of stress and anxiety which can have a significant impact their quality of life.

A list of some of the more common perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms are;

Hot flushs
Night sweats
Insomnia and poor sleep
Palpitations
Cognitive symptoms (“brain fog”, forgetfulness and poor concentration)
Psychological symptoms (anxiety, feeling low, irritability, mood swings)
Lethargy and lack of energy
Loss of interest in activities
Tearfulness
Muscle or joint pains
Vaginal dryness
Painful sex
Reduced libido
Urinary frequency and incontinence
Dry eyes, skin, hair and nails
Hair loss
Acne
Headaches
Irregular periods (shorter or longer cycle)
Lighter or heavier periods

The transient nature of symptoms can be challenging for individuals and will affect women in different ways.

Symptoms can impact on working and personal relationships and general sense of wellbeing. For some women, this is at a busy time in their life’s juggling career/ work expectations with potentially caring for young children and elderly parents.

This is why it needs time to discuss all aspects of the experience, both negative and positive, to really focus on every individual needs and provide tailored care and treatments.

What to expect at the Menopause Clinic

The first appointment with your GP will allow for adequate time to listen to your that you are experience and how they are impacting your daily life.

Your menopause consultation will include;

A discussion of your menopausal symptoms
A detailed medical and family history
Lifestyle review and advice
A physical exam to include Blood pressure check and BMI calculation
Breast check and referral for mammogram where needed
Blood investigations to include a full blood count, thyroid, diabetes screening, vitamin b12, folate and hormone profile if appropriate
An assessment of your Bone health and personalised osteoporosis risk assessment/referral for DEXA scan if appropriate

Occasionally further tests, procedures and supports will be recommended;

Mirena coil insertion
STI screening
Pelvic ultrasound
Incontinence or pessary nurse support
Onward referral to a consultant

Based on your symptoms, physical exam and appropriate investigations, individualised treatments may include the following;

Non-pharmacological and lifestyle advice

This can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) along with advice on your diet, stopping smoking, reducing stress, sleep hygiene, mindfulness and exercise.

Non-hormonal

Medications that do not contain hormones but can be used to improve menopausal symptoms. They may be of particular use in women for who the HRT is contraindicated or for women who do not wish to take HRT.

Hormonal /HRT treatments may involve prescribing:

HRT is the commonly used abbreviation for hormone replacement therapy. HRT replaces the female hormones no longer produced after menopause and involves taking small doses of these hormones; oestrogen and/or progesterone.
HRT can be taken in many forms: tablet; patch; gel; spray; intrauterine coil; cream or vaginally.
Common forms include:
1. Cyclical HRT .
2. Oestrogen-only HRT
3. Continuous Combined HRT
4. Local oestrogen such as vaginal tablets, pessaries or creams
5. Tibolone
It is important to find the correct treatment for your individual situation.

Further Resources and Advice

The Irish College of General Practitioners Menopause Video Resources here.
The 5 short videos will give you some general information about menopause, what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what to expect from its treatment.

Further Resource and Advice

Further Resources and Advice – can on of these video be expanded to play ?
The Irish College of General Practitioners Menopause Video Resourceshere.
The 5 short videos will give you some general information about menopause, what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what to expect from its treatment.
Managing Menopause – The Importance of Exercise for Peri-Menopausal and Menopausal Women – Liz Barry, Deputy Physiotherapy Manager, CUH/CUMH link – https://irelandsouthwid.cumh.hse.ie/women-s-health/menopause/managing-menopause/
Lets Talk about Menopause – A comprehensive guide https://irelandsouthwid.cumh.hse.ie/file-library/patient-information-documents/hse-south-menopause.pdf

Please be aware that the content on this page, along with any links to external sites, is intended for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, errors may occur. We encourage all patients to consult their GP with any health concerns. If you have suggestions for updates or additional information that could benefit others, please feel free to get in touch.

Menopause Clinic

What to expect at the Menopause Clinic

Further Resource and Advice

Contact details

Opening Hours

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