Menopause Clinic
Symptoms of menopause
Most women experience some menopausal symptoms. For some women, symptoms can be significant and have an impact on everyday life, work, sleep and relationships.
Common symptoms include:
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Hot flushes
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Night sweats
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Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
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Difficulty sleeping
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Low mood or anxiety
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Reduced sex drive (libido)
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Problems with memory and concentration
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Urinary symptoms, including urinary incontinence
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop (perimenopause). They can continue for several years after your last period, and some women experience symptoms for longer.
The good news is that there are effective treatments available to help manage menopausal symptoms and improve your quality of life.
When should you speak to your GP?
You should speak to your GP if:
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You are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are affecting your everyday life.
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You are experiencing menopausal symptoms or changes to your periods before the age of 45.
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You would like advice about managing your symptoms or treatment options.
For women over 45, menopause and perimenopause can usually be diagnosed based on your symptoms and menstrual history, without the need for blood tests.
If you are under 45, your GP may recommend blood tests to help assess your hormone levels and investigate other possible causes of your symptoms.
Treatment for menopausal symptoms
There are a number of treatments and lifestyle measures that can help manage menopausal symptoms. Your GP can discuss the options with you and advise on the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances.
Treatment options may include:
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – available in different forms, including tablets, patches and gels, to replace hormones that the body is no longer producing.
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Vaginal oestrogen – creams, tablets or pessaries can help with vaginal dryness, discomfort and some urinary symptoms.
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Lubricants and vaginal moisturisers – can help relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – may help with symptoms such as low mood, anxiety and sleep difficulties.
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Lifestyle changes – regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking and maintaining good sleep habits can all contribute to overall health during menopause.
If HRT is not suitable for you, or if your symptoms do not improve with treatment, your GP can discuss alternative options and whether referral to a menopause specialist may be appropriate.
Booking a Menopause Consultation at the Practice
We offer menopause consultations to discuss your symptoms, concerns and treatment options in a supportive and confidential setting.
Initial menopause consultation: €130
Your initial consultation will include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, menstrual history and medical history, with advice on appropriate treatment options.
Blood tests: €40 if required
Follow-up consultation: €70
Appointments can be booked online through Pippo or by calling the practice on 018373611 during our opening hours.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms and would like to discuss your options, please get in touch with the practice to arrange an appointment.
The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to become pregnant naturally. Periods usually become less frequent over a few months or years before stopping, although they can sometimes stop suddenly.
The menopause is a natural part of ageing and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 as oestrogen levels decline. The average age of menopause is around 51.
Around 1 in 100 women experience menopause before the age of 40. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.