Menopause is a natural part of aging, typically occurring between 45 and 55, as oestrogen levels decrease. In the UK, the average age for reaching menopause is 51. The stage leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, often lasts several years. 

You are thought to be “post-menopausal” when you have had a year since your last period.  (But you are only able to know this if you are not on any hormones or contraception that may affect your periods).  Determining your exact stage may be challenging; however, we prioritise your symptoms and how they’re affecting your life over the specific stage. 

Symptoms may include some or all of the below and can be intermittent initially

• Hot flushes / Night sweats
• Skin dryness/ crawling sensation
• Anxiety
• Joint aches
• Mood changes / Irritability / Tearfulness
• Poor or no libido / Vaginal dryness
• Forgetfulness / Poor sleep
• Urine infections / Urinary incontinence
• Brain fog
• Hair loss 

If menopausal symptoms are impacting your daily life, remember that you’re not alone, and there are many supportive resources available to help you feel your best. From educational materials and community groups to personalized medical treatments, there are ways to manage and even alleviate many symptoms of menopause.

Exploring these options can offer relief, help you feel more in control, and empower you to navigate this stage with confidence.

Scroll down to learn more.

The main medicine treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels. 

Please download and view our information leaflet on starting HRT, its potential benefits and risks and your options>>

If menopausal symptoms are impacting your life and you believe HRT could help after reading this leaflet, please take the following steps: 

1.  Contact us to make an appointment to discuss HRT.

2.  Prepare Health Information to bring with you:

• Recent blood pressure reading from a home device, pharmacy, or GP surgery.
• Your current weight.

 Menopause is generally diagnosed based on symptoms alone, and blood tests are rarely necessary.

You can also find information about HRT for menopause symptoms, including the types of HRT, benefits and risks and how to take it on the NHS website by following this link>>

All women who have reached the age of 50 are offered a breast screening service every three years until the age of 65.  You will have a simple screening x-ray called a mammogram. 

Breast screening is a national programme and is not led by the Practice.  NHS England will routinely send an invite letter to eligible patients, with a telephone number for patients to ring and book an appointment. However please make an immediate appointment to see your GP if you discover any breast lump.

For more information on the NHS breast screening programme including when you'll be invited and who should go, please visit the NHS website by following this link>>

Cervical screening, or the “smear test”, is a routine health check that identifies potentially harmful cells and changes on the cervix. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer but catching any changes early can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer kills two women every day. Regular screenings can help reduce that number, which is why it’s so important you attend your screening when invited.

All women and people aged 25 to 64 with a cervix should receive a routine screening invite letter every three to five years.  

For more information about cervical screening and why it's important, please visit the NHS website here>> 

If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment. Please contact us to make an appointment with a member of our Nursing or Health Care team. 

Contraception services are free and confidential, including to people under 16 as long as they are mature enought to understand the information and decisions involved.  For advice on contraception, including emergency contraception, please contact us and ask to speak to nurse or doctor. 

You can arrange to have a contraceptive coil (Mirena) fitted by us and also the contraceptive implant. Please call our reception team if you are interested. Your can find out more information here about the Mirena coil.

The NHS UK website has a useful contraception guide too.

If you have an urgent issue and this is outside clinic opening hours, please follow this link for details of the Emergency service offered by Sexual Health Dorset>>

You can get impartial help and advice from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. If you have decided to terminate your pregnancy, you can refer yourself by calling 0300 456 2217 to book an appointment.

Sexual Health Dorset is a free contraception and sexual health service for all ages, provided by Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

They offer a wide range of confidential services, including STI testing, treatment, contraception (including long-acting and emergency), pregnancy testing, PEP, and specialist young people’s services.  For further information visit their website here or call 0300 303 1948

They also offer postal STI testing, treatment and contraception through their digital partner, SH:24.