Female Health
If you would like to have a Menopause consultation, please book your initial appointment with one of our Nurses who will take bloods and other checks.
Please book a DOUBLE appointment for a Menopause consultation with Dr Caoilinn Monks or Dr Maria Madigan for 2 weeks after the Nurse appointment.
Menopause
The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. The menopause is a natural part of ageing. It usually happens between 45 and 55 years of age as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. The average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature or early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
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If you feel that you are peri-menopause or in menopause, please make an appointment first with our Nurse who will do the blood tests that are required before starting HRT. She will organise a double appointment with one of the Doctors specialising in Menopause to follow these blood tests.
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Symptoms of the menopause
Most women will experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities.
Common symptoms include:
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hot flushes
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night sweats
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vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
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difficulty sleeping
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reduced sex drive (libido)
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problems with memory and concentration
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop. They can last around 4 years after your last period. Some women have them for much longer. A significant number of women can develop urinary incontinence after the menopause, for which treatment is also possible.
When to contact your GP
Talk to your GP if:
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you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you
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you're experiencing symptom before 45 years of age
Your GP can usually confirm if you're menopausal based on your symptoms. If you are under 45, they may take a blood test to check your hormone levels.
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Treatments for menopausal symptoms
Your GP can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms.
These include:
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hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen
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vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness
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cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety
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eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can improve some menopausal symptoms
Your GP may refer you to a menopause specialist if your symptoms do not improve after treatment or if you cannot take HRT.
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Menopause Resources
Check out the ICGP video series on menopause here.
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These resources have been assembled by the ICGP’s Director of Women’s Health, Dr Nóirín O’Herlihy and the ICGP’s GP Clinical Lead in Women’s Health, Dr Ciara McCarthy. The 5 short videos will give you some general information about menopause, what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what to expect from its treatment.
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Menopause Links
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Useful Links & Resources
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.