Could It Be Perimenopause or Menopause?
Perimenopause and menopause affect every woman differently, and the symptoms are not always what you might expect. While hot flushes and night sweats are well-known symptoms, many women experience changes in mood, sleep, energy levels, concentration and overall wellbeing long before they realise hormones may be playing a role.
If you're not feeling like yourself and wondering whether hormonal changes could be contributing, a menopause consultation can help you understand your symptoms and explore personalised treatment options.
What to Expect from Your Menopause Consultation
Before your consultation, you will be asked to complete a comprehensive health and menopause questionnaire, including the Greene Climacteric Scale. This information helps us gain a clear understanding of your symptoms, medical history, and treatment priorities, allowing us to make the most of your appointment and provide personalised recommendations.
Your first appointment will last approximately 45 minutes and can take place either in person or via a secure video consultation. During this time, we will explore your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have, as well as discuss how these issues are affecting your day-to-day wellbeing.
Following a thorough assessment, we will outline the treatment options available and work with you to develop a personalised menopause treatment plan that reflects your individual needs and preferences. This may include lifestyle interventions, non-hormonal treatments or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), depending on your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals.
Where appropriate, treatment can be provided through a private prescription, or we can send recommendations to your NHS GP for consideration. For more detailed information about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), please visit our HRT information page.
Consultations are available in person in Sussex or via secure video consultation throughout the UK.
Blood Tests & Women's Health Screening
In most cases, blood tests are not routinely required to diagnose menopause-related symptoms. However, your consultation can provide an excellent opportunity to review your overall health. We are pleased to offer comprehensive blood screening, through our experienced on-site phlebotomist at Versorium Healthcare. We can also provide bowel cancer screening, cervical smears and bone density or body composition scans if required. This can be discussed in more detail at your appointment.
Where clinically appropriate, additional blood testing can also be arranged through your NHS GP.
After Your Menopause Appointment
Within a few days of your consultation, you will receive a written summary outlining the key points discussed, including your symptoms, recommended treatment plan, and any agreed next steps. With your consent, a copy can also be shared with your GP to support continuity of care.
Three-Month Review Appointment
A follow-up consultation is usually recommended approximately three months after treatment begins. This appointment allows us to assess your progress, review symptom improvement, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment programme.
Patients returning after an extended period away from the clinic may require a full consultation rather than a standard review appointment, as this provides sufficient time to reassess their health and treatment requirements.
Ongoing Menopause Support
Hormonal and health needs can change over time, and regular reviews help ensure your treatment remains appropriate and effective. Many patients choose to attend annual review appointments to monitor their progress and discuss any changes in symptoms or health circumstances.
For patients receiving testosterone therapy, regular blood monitoring will be recommended as part of ongoing care. Additional appointments can be arranged at any stage should concerns arise or treatment adjustments be needed.
Blood Tests and Additional Services
Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy can be arranged on-site at Versorium Clinic with our experienced Phlebotomist, your blood sample will then be sent to the lab for testing of your chosen panel. The Phlebotomy fee is included in the cost of your blood test.
Blood panel costs:
Hormone Screen £130
Includes assessment of:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Oestradiol
Testosterone
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Well Women check £190
Includes assessment of:
Anaemia and iron stores
Kidney function
Liver function
Thyroid function
Calcium levels
Vitamin B12 and folate
Cholesterol
Diabetes markers
Inflammatory markers
Vitamin D
Well Women check + hormone screen £300
Includes all markers in the Well Women check, plus:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Oestradiol
Testosterone
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Individual tests
Other tests are also available:
Oestradiol only £57
Testosterone only £57
If you require a specific blood test, we are happy to discuss individual testing options.
Additional services:
Additional investigations can be arranged at Versorium Healthcare, these include:
ECG £150
Bone density scan (DEXA) £250
Body composition scan £250
