Information & Resources

What is the Menopause?

Menopause is when you stop having periods, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier.

The Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing a hormone called oestrogen and no longer release eggs. For some time before this – it could be for a few months or for several years – your periods may become less regular as your oestrogen levels fall. This is called perimenopause.

To explore some of the symptoms you may experience around the time of the menopause, click on our symptoms link below.

At Menopause Health Highland we understand everyone is different and offer a bespoke service tailored to a woman’s individual needs.

SYMPTOMS

What is Perimenopause?

For some time before your periods stop – it could be for a few months or for several years – your periods may become less regular as your oestrogen levels fall. This is called perimenopause.

The perimenopause affects every woman differently. You may have no symptoms at all, or they might be brief and shortlived. For some women they are severe and distressing.

Recent figures suggest that more than 75% of those experiencing the menopause report symptoms, and over 25% describe their symptoms as severe. The Average duration of symptoms is seven years, and a third of women have symptoms for longer.

SYMPTOMS

What is HRT?

The hormone Oestrogen is very important in most systems of the body including your bones, brain, urinary system and heart. Hormone replacement therapy is a method of replacing the lost oestrogen to help reduce a woman’s menopausal symptoms. If a woman has a womb we must give her progesterone along with oestrogen to ensure her womb is protected.

HRT comes in different forms which we will discuss with you further in clinic. This can be tablets, hormone patches, gels and vaginal oestrogen therapy.

HRT can have side effects but many of these are upon starting the treatment and are hopefully short-lived. This can include symptoms such as your breasts becoming sore, headaches and bloating.

It is difficult to say how long HRT will take to work. Some symptoms like flushes and sweats may improve more quickly, whereas others such as low mood or loss of libido may take a few months. We encourage women to give any treatment at least 3 months to assess affect and allow things to settle.

There is no time limit to how long someone should remain on HRT and this will be reviewed and discussed with you at regular intervals in the clinic.

FURTHER RESOURCES

womens-health-concern.org This is the patient arm of the British Menopause Society. The website is full of evidence-based information and all their helpful factsheets are listed on this page. They have also produced a chart explaining the lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer.

menopausematters.co.uk This is an independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause.

Rock My Menopause Menopause Information This is the public-facing campaign of the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum

daisynetwork.org This website offers support for women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (menopause under the age of 40)

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Testimonials

Katherine, 50

Was so good to speak to a GP face to face with all the knowledge regarding menopause and the challenges it brings. I found it reassuring to know that my symptoms were not uncommon and the advice I was given was helpful. The doctor was so lovely to chat too and very empathetic. I felt at ease from the moment I arrived and didn’t feel rushed at any point. I found the appointment system easy to navigate and the clinic easy to find. Don’t hesitate in contacting this clinic if you are struggling or need advice. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to seek help.

Michelle, 48

I had been struggling with menopause symptoms for years. I had started HRT but had a recent increase in anxiety. My GP is great but I felt my 45 minute consultation enabled the doctor more time than a usual GP appointment to explore my complex case. I found Emma, the doctor I saw, to be honest and quickly differentiated between menopause induced anxiety and other causes. She also identified the need to increase one of my HRT meds. I liked how she also discussed non pharmacological options to manage menopause symptoms. I was also sent relevant follow up information and free samples after the appointment. Overall the service was friendly and informative and helped me select the next right steps to wellness. Would highly recommend the Menopause Health Highland Clinic.

Sue, 49

I’m so grateful to have discovered Menopause Health Highland, both Dr Beth & Dr Emma are very experienced in this specialist field. They offer fantastic advice, totally putting your mind at ease, I would highly recommend them to anyone needing Menopause guidance.

Louise, 53

I found my whole experience at the Menopause Health Highland Clinic a very positive one. Beth was warm and friendly, thorough and professional. I felt heard, and appreciated the way in which the answers to any questions information were clearly explained. I would not hesitate in recommending them.

Rhona, 53

Prior to attending the clinic I was unsure and unclear about the Menopause if I am being totally honest. However, I was able to share my thoughts and concerns with Dr Emma. The discussion was solely about me and my symptoms and we discussed the various options that were suitable, available and relevant to me. No pressure was applied to take any particular treatment and I left with the comfort that I could contact the clinic or rearrange an appointment at any time going forward. This support was not a one off. That in itself has been so reassuring and I believe has been a major contributor to lifting my previously experienced low mood.

J, 49 from Highland

Since 2022 I suffered menopausal symptoms resulting in me having severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I visited the Menopause Health Highland clinic when I was at my lowest ebb. At our first meeting, Emma and Beth showed my husband and I great kindness, patience and empathy. They listened to us when we felt nobody else was. The treatment plan I received has allowed me to return to my normal life. I no longer have negative thoughts, I am not suffering with depression and am loving life again. I cannot thank Emma and Beth enough – they literally saved my life.

Questions and queries

If you have any simple queries relating to an appointment then you can email us using the contacts below.

Dr Emma Rushworth

Dr Beth Macfarlane