Menopause Clinic In West Berkshire
A GP led menopause serviceHow We Can Help Your Menopause
Whilst we know that menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and that it is a normal part of aging.
Many of us who are starting and going through the process of menopause would agree that it often does not feel as simple as that. With the symptoms that women go through and the age that they start their menopause varying so much it can be a confusing time.
A whopping 75% of women will suffer from symptoms. Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can vary, that coupled with busy lives means it can be difficult for us to know whether the symptoms we are having and are going through are due to our hormones or something else in our lives or another medical problem.
At Total Health West Berkshire we offer an option of different menopause appointments to help you get the advice and treatment that you need.
What Age Does Menopause Start?
The average age that menopause starts is 51.
Many women have symptoms from an earlier age, you are considered to have an early menopause if you start menopause before the age of 45 and a premature menopause if you are under the age of 40.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Common symptoms include:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Mood swings
Insomnia
Vaginal dryness
Decreased libido
Irregular periods.
Unsurprisingly, these symptoms can affect your physical and emotional well-being. It is important to remember that everyone’s menopause journey varies from person to person so the severity of your symptoms and the symptoms you experience may be different to what we have listed here.
Who are the menopause appointments for?
These appointments are for women who are menopausal or perimenopausal and would like advice on their symptoms and the best treatment for them.
Menopause Blood Tests
Female Hormones Profile £99
What can I expect from Female Hormones Profile?
This profile is specifically tailored to analyse hormones related to fertility, menopause, and period problems. It can be used to diagnose problems or to monitor hormone replacement medications.
Including oestradiol, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin.
What is tested?
FSH
LH
Oestradiol
Prolactin
Including oestradiol, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin.
Menopause Hormones Profile – £99
What can I expect from Menopause Hormones Profile?
Confirm if you are in menopause with this targeted profile including Oestradiol, Luteinising Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Included is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in case it is thyroid problems mimicking menopause symptoms.
While symptoms at a certain age may very strongly indicate the diagnosis, it is better to know for sure with a blood test.
What is tested?
FSH
LH
Oestradiol
TSH
HRT Profile – £99
What can I expect from HRT Profile?
This test includes FSH, Oestradiol and Progesterone and is a useful test if you are taking HRT and want detailed information about your hormone levels.
What is tested?
FSH
Oestradiol
Progesterone
HRT Profile Plus – £189
What can I expect from HRT Profile Plus?
This test includes Cholesterol Profile, Glucose, FSH, Oestradiol and Thyroid Function: Free T4, TSH and is a useful test if you are taking HRT and want detailed information about your hormone levels along with other health markers.
What is tested?
Cholesterol Profle
Glucose
FSH
Oestradiol
Thyroid Function: Free T4, TSH
Consultations
GP Menopause Consultations (30 Mins) - £130
Looking for someone to discuss your symptoms, blood tests or to get a second opinion? Our GP’s have many years experience of advising women during their menopause. In this 30 minute appointment you will have plenty of time to discuss all of you symptoms, treatment to date and concerns. By the end of the appointment you will feel that someone has listened to you and you will have a plan going forwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Private General Practitioners
Dr James Cave (He/Him)
GP
James is a senior General Practitioner with over 30 years of experience. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of medicine including Cardiovascular disease (particularly the management of cholesterol and blood pressure), Respiratory diseases, Endocrine, ENT, Musculoskeletal, and Rheumatology.
His work as Editor-in-Chief of the medical journal Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin means he has significant expertise in understanding the pros and cons of drugs and enjoys working with patients to understand what might be best for them rather than satisfying a target set elsewhere.
He has a particular interest in the care of older people and does offer a visiting service. He believes passionately in personal care and understands how difficult it has become for people to see their GP. Whether you have a new problem, would like time to really talk through an ongoing issue, or just get a second opinion James will be delighted to help.
In addition to general consultations, he offers soft-tissue and joint injections for such problems as frozen shoulders, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, and trigger finger.
In 2009 James was honoured with an OBE for services to medicine.
Dr Barbara Barrie (She/Hers)
GP
Having qualified from Edinburgh University in 1989, I have worked in the NHS for 34 years, mainly as a GP Partner, but I have also had short spells employed as a Salaried GP and GP Retainer.
In addition, I have been a Macmillan GP, an Out of Hours GP working regular weekend sessions, and a GP in Palliative Medicine.
My clinical interests are Mental Health, Women’s health, and Palliative Medicine but in my day-to-day practice, I cover all aspects of primary care.
I am qualified to fit intrauterine devices (coils) for contraception, HRT, and in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as ring pessaries for the management of gynaecological prolapse.
Aside from work, I enjoy walking my 3 dogs, ski- ing, and singing in a local choir.
Dr Susan Connell (She/Hers)
GP
I qualified from Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School in 1993 & as a General Practitioner in 2001. I have a passion for Medicine & for thorough, holistic care. I look forward to meeting you & helping you to shape your health goals.
Dr Tom Morgan (He/Him)
GP
Dr. Tom Morgan qualified in medicine from The University of Bristol in 2011, following a degree in Physiology at The University of Southampton. His medical training took place across various hospitals and GP practises within Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Currently, he works as a GP Partner at The Boathouse Surgery in Pangbourne and has previously worked in various GP practices across Reading and Oxfordshire.
Primary Care
With a keen interest in all aspects of primary care, Dr. Morgan has a particular passion for mental health, the care of the older people and Men's health. He worked for seven years at the Reading Mental Health Crisis Team, where he managed complex and urgent mental health issues. Additionally, he played a vital role in establishing a new mental health service in Berkshire to enhance collaboration between primary and secondary care.
Believing in the importance of family medicine, He emphasizes that developing a strong relationship with patients is essential for understanding their concerns and providing effective care. He values the time afforded by private general practice to fully grasp each patient's situation and collaborate on a tailored care plan.
He lives in South Oxfordshire with his wife, two energetic boys, and their adored golden retriever. He enjoys family life and the beautiful countryside of the region, as well as watching cricket when time allows.
He looks forward to working with you to support your health and well-being