Private Menopause Clinics in the UK: What to Expect and Your Treatment Options

In short: A private menopause clinic offers a longer appointment to review your symptoms, health history and treatment options, usually with faster access than waiting for a specialist referral. Most women over 45 can be diagnosed from their symptoms alone, without blood tests. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vaginal oestrogen, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), non-hormonal medicines and lifestyle support. A prescriber decides with you whether any medicine is suitable, following NICE guideline NG23.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains what menopause and perimenopause are, what happens at a menopause assessment and how the main treatment options compare.

What are perimenopause and menopause?

Menopause is when periods stop because the ovaries are producing less oestrogen. It is confirmed when you have not had a period for 12 months. In the UK, the average age is 51. Perimenopause is the time leading up to this, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms often begin, sometimes years before periods stop.

Menopause before 45 is called early menopause, and before 40 it is called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Both should be assessed by a clinician, as treatment is usually recommended to protect long-term health.

What are the common symptoms of menopause?

• hot flushes and night sweats
• changes to periods
• difficulty sleeping
• low mood, anxiety, irritability or mood swings
• problems with memory or concentration
• vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex and urinary symptoms
• reduced sex drive
• joint and muscle aches, headaches and palpitations

What happens at a menopause consultation?

A thorough assessment usually covers:

• Your symptoms: what you are experiencing, how often and how much it affects your life.
• Your periods and contraception needs: contraception is still needed until menopause is confirmed.
• Medical and family history: including any history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, migraine or liver disease.
• Checks: blood pressure and weight, and confirming you are up to date with cervical and breast screening.
• Your preferences: including whether you would like to consider HRT, non-hormonal options or both.

Do I need a blood test to diagnose menopause?

Usually not. NICE advises that women over 45 with typical symptoms can be diagnosed without hormone blood tests, because hormone levels fluctuate a lot during perimenopause. A blood test (FSH) may be considered for women aged 40 to 45 with symptoms, and is recommended when POI is suspected in women under 40. Other blood tests may be useful to rule out conditions such as thyroid problems.

What are the treatment options for menopause symptoms?

What types of HRT are there?

• Oestrogen can be taken as tablets, skin patches, gels or sprays. Patches, gels and sprays (transdermal oestrogen) do not increase the risk of blood clots above your background risk at standard doses, whereas tablets carry a small increased risk.
• Progestogen is needed if you still have a womb, to protect the womb lining. It can be taken as tablets, as part of a combined patch, or via a hormonal intrauterine system (coil).
• Body-identical hormones are licensed products with the same structure as the hormones your body makes, such as estradiol and micronised progesterone. These are different from unregulated "bioidentical" compounded hormones, which are not recommended because their safety and effectiveness are not tested in the same way.
• Testosterone may be considered by a specialist for low sexual desire if HRT alone has not helped. It is not licensed for women in the UK, so it is prescribed off-label after careful assessment.

What are the risks of HRT?

For most women under 60, the benefits of HRT for symptom relief are likely to outweigh the risks. NICE sets out the main points to discuss:

• Breast cancer: combined HRT is linked to a small increase in risk, which depends on how long it is taken and reduces after stopping. Oestrogen-only HRT is associated with little or no change in risk.
• Blood clots and stroke: HRT tablets carry a small increased risk; transdermal oestrogen does not increase blood clot risk above background at standard doses.
• Womb cancer: taking oestrogen without a progestogen increases the risk if you have a womb, which is why combined HRT is used.
• Bones: HRT reduces the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures while it is being taken.

Common side effects in the first few months include breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and irregular bleeding. Unexpected or persistent bleeding while on HRT should always be reported to a clinician, as it may need further investigation.

Why do some women choose a private menopause clinic?

Many women are well supported by their GP. Some choose private care for practical reasons, such as longer appointment times, flexible booking, or wanting a detailed discussion of their options without waiting for a specialist referral. Private and NHS clinicians follow the same national guidance, so the treatment you are offered should be based on your needs rather than where you are seen. In England, an HRT prescription prepayment certificate can reduce the cost of some NHS HRT prescriptions.

Frequently asked questions

At what age does menopause usually start?

The average age in the UK is 51, with perimenopause symptoms often starting in your 40s.

Is HRT safe?

For most women under 60 the benefits outweigh the risks, but HRT is not suitable for everyone. A prescriber will review your personal and family history before recommending any treatment.

Can I have HRT if I still have periods?

Yes. HRT can be started during perimenopause, using a regimen that suits your bleeding pattern. HRT is not a contraceptive, so you may still need contraception.

What can I do if I cannot take HRT?

Options include CBT, non-hormonal prescription medicines, vaginal moisturisers or low-dose vaginal oestrogen (which many women can use even when systemic HRT is not suitable) and lifestyle changes.

How long can I take HRT?

There is no fixed time limit. Your treatment should be reviewed at least once a year to check it is still right for you.

Key takeaways

• Most women over 45 can be diagnosed with perimenopause or menopause from their symptoms alone.
• HRT is the most effective treatment for many symptoms, and transdermal oestrogen avoids the increased clot risk of tablets.
• CBT, vaginal oestrogen, non-hormonal medicines and lifestyle changes are also effective options.
• Any treatment should follow an individual assessment and regular review.

Sources and further reading

• NICE NG23: Menopause: identification and management
• NHS: Menopause
• NHS: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• NHS: Early menopause

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you are in Standish, Wigan or the surrounding area and would like to talk through your symptoms and options, book a menopause consultation at Ready Health. A clinician will assess your needs and agree a plan with you.