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What is the Menopause Service?

The Menopause Service at Centric Health Practices is provided by doctors with a special interest and experience in women’s health. Our shared objective is to improve the long-term health and quality of life of women and persons assigned female at birth (AFAB) at the beginning, middle and emerging from menopause. We empower women with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to thrive during the menopausal transition and beyond, enabling them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

What is included in the Menopause Service?

The Menopause Service requires 2 visits:

• The Menopause Nurse will document your current health, menopause-related symptoms, and family history of diseases and illnesses, and ensure that you are up to date on your cervical smears and other health-related tests. The nurse will also take your blood samples, a urine sample and various measurements and weight.
• Once we have your blood test results, usually 2 weeks after your first visit, you will be asked to attend the practice for a 30-minute consultation with the doctor, who will have reviewed your information. Based on your health, blood results, symptoms, family medical history and preferences, your treatment plan will be agreed upon, which can include both HRT and non-HRT options. Guidance on exercise, nutrition, stress management, supplements and sleep hygiene will also be provided.

Menopausal Symptom Management

While the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms is HRT, this is not suitable for everyone, nor is it something everyone wants to commence. We determine your current health, family history and personal preferences before agreeing your treatment plan with you.

Preventive Health Approach

Menopause is associated with changes in hormone levels that can impact various aspects of health, including bone health, heart health, intimate health, insulin resistance and cognitive function. Blood and urine tests taken at your first consultation focus on identifying key health markers and potential nutritional deficits critical to good health.

Long-Term Well-Being

Menopause marks the beginning of a new phase of life for women. We provide key lifestyle information in your treatment plan around pillars of improved health - nutrition, movement, supplementation, stress management, sleep optimisation and HRT/prescription alternatives to HRT.

Health Education

Many women have questions and concerns about menopause, including its impact on their health and how to navigate this life stage. We have anticipated what we believe are the biggest questions and provide access to information that addresses important questions both on video and in written format. We also provide an extended consultation time with the doctor to address questions and concerns.

Individualised Care

Each woman's experience of menopause is unique, so we tailor treatment plans to each woman's health status, specific needs, preferences, and health goals and offer ongoing support as needed.

Blood Tests at the Menopause Service

It is essential that we determine your baseline health as this will guide us in our advice on what treatment will be most appropriate for you. Your symptoms may all be related to changes in hormones, but they could also be due, at least in some part, to other medical problems or deficiencies. We will screen for various illnesses and deficiencies to allow us to best advise and tailor treatment for you:

• Full Blood Count (FBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Lipid profile
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Nutritional Deficiencies Testing
• Anaemia Screen
• Hormone level testing (FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone).

Other Tests:

• In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or certain reproductive health issues.
• Imaging tests such as pelvic ultrasound may be used to evaluate the ovaries and uterus if there are concerns about other gynaecological conditions.

It is essential for women considering hormone therapy to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their doctor. Treatment decisions are specific to each individual based on many factors such as age, menopausal symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. Regular monitoring and re-evaluation of treatment is necessary, firstly after 3 months of use and then annually unless indicated by the doctor.

Regardless of whether or not HRT treatment is commenced, all women are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption and refrain from smoking.

How much is the Centric Health Menopause Service?

The Menopause Service at Centric Health Practices is priced at €225.

This covers:

• Blood Tests including Full blood tests, nutritional deficiency tests, thyroid tests and urine test
• Nurse Consultation
• Extended doctor consultation
• Prescriptions as agreed with your doctor
• Lifestyle Advice including nutrition, exercise, supplementation, pharmacology, sleep optimisation, stress management.
• Educational information and videos on key elements of perimenopause and menopause.