This is a multidisciplinary service led by Miss Lynne Robinson with recognised national expertise in the field.
The clinic provides a holistic approach to the management of the menopause and associated health conditions, with a focus on counselling on the personalised benefits and risks associated with using, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), alternative and complimentary therapies.
Treatment and advice incorporate the best evidence and uses the framework of the NICE guideline (2015) Menopause: Diagnosis and Management and British Menopause Society guidance. It is individualised according to personal health risks and benefits. The advice is aimed at relieving symptoms and promoting long-term health.
It is important to note that risks associated with HRT use in postmenopausal women over the age of 51 are not always applicable to women under the age of 51. HRT should be taken up to the average age of the menopause to avoid premature cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis.
The clinic also has expertise in the management of women with premature ovarian insufficiency under the age of forty. These younger women have specific needs. This includes consideration of possible long-term health implications and fertility advice. Find out more at The Daisy Network (support network). There is a direct link to the fertility service for women also seeking fertility treatment.
Women started on hormone implants are followed up in the specialist Wednesday clinic.
Birmingham Women's Hospital is fortunate to have direct access to the wider multidisciplinary team of specialist services within the building: weight management, counselling, psychosexual counselling, physiotherapy, urogynaecology, and fertility services.
Implant appointments are every 4 to 8 months. There is a use of blood levels to guide therapy. You will be given individualised guidance about the need for an oestrogen blood test before the appointment. Blood tests can be done at your GP, but results must be brought personally.
Led by our Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Should you require help advice or support between your clinic appointments there is answerphone helpline service run by the specialist Nurses. It is possible that you may be offered the opportunity to have follow up appointments or receive some test results via telephone consultation. The aim is to provide a convenient and efficient service that avoids unnecessary trips to hospital. Once discharged from the outpatient clinic, clear advice is sent to the GP regarding future management. Advice can still be sourced from the telephone support service, but it may be necessary for us to request a re-referral to the menopause clinic if it has been more than 12 months since the last appointment.