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MENOPAUSE

 INFORMATION

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Venn Menopause Clinics

To arrange an appointment please contact your own GP Practice requesting a referral to the Menopause Clinic. An appointment will be arranged for a blood test. Once your results are available the GP will review these. You will then receive a text message/phone call to arrange your initial appointment.

DAYTIMELOCATIONclinician
Mon09:00 - 15:00Sutton ManorMel Farrar
Tue09:00 - 12:15Bransholme Health CentreEmma Hewitt
Not set days or timesContact  your GP SurgeryThe QuaysKathryn McHugh

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is characterised by the cessation of menstrual periods. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the exact timing varies for each individual. Hormonal changes, specifically a decline in estrogen and progesterone production, lead to various physical and psychological symptoms. Understanding these changes and their implications is essential for women approaching or experiencing menopause.

Diagnosis and Management

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Post-menopause refers to the years following menopause when menopausal symptoms may persist or diminish. Diagnosing menopause is primarily based on a woman's symptoms and medical history. Blood tests may be used to measure hormone levels, although these are not always necessary. Management of menopause symptoms focuses on alleviating discomfort and improving quality of life. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal medications, lifestyle medications, and complimentary therapies.  It is essential to tailor the treatment approach to each woman's specific symptoms and medical history,

Living with Menopause

Living with menopause involves adapting to the physical and emotional changes that accompany this life stage. Women may experience a wide range of symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats , fatigue and vaginal dryness. Coping strategies such a maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing stress management techniques, getting regular exercise, and seeking support from friends, family , or support groups can help women navigate the challenges of menopause.

Support & Resources

Numerous resources are available to support women going through the menopause. These include informational websites, podcasts, and educational materials that provide guidance to understanding menopause, managing symptoms, and improving well-being. Support groups, both online and in-person, offer opportunities for women to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and share tips , advice, and emotional support.  Healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, gynecologists and menopause specialists can offer personalised guidance, treatment options, and ongoing support throughout the menopausal transition

Working Together

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Bransholme Surgery

Bransholme Health Centre
Goodhart Road
Hull
HU7 4DW

Tel: 01482 336100

Southcoates Surgery

225 Newbridge Road
HULL
HU9 2LR

Tel: 01482 335560

Field View Surgery

840 Beverley Road
Hull
HU6 7HP

Tel: 01482 853270city health practice website

The Orchard Centre

210 Orchard Road
HULL
HU6 9BX

Tel: 01482 303850

Elliott Chappell Health Centre

215 Hessle Road
HULL
HU3 4BB

Tel: 01482 303840

St Ives Close
Wawne Road
Sutton upon Hull
HU7 4PT

Tel: 01482 826457

The Quays

2nd Floor
Wilberforce Health Centre
6-10 Story Street
HULL
HU1 3SA

Tel:01482 335335

Riverside Medical Centre

The Octagon
Walker Street
HULL
HU3 2RA

Tel: 01482 335335

East Park Practice

2nd Floor
Wilberforce Health Centre
6-10 Story Street
HULL
HU1 3SA

01482 335335

Menopause

Menopause is a physiological process primarily led by a decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones in women between ages 45 and 55. This results in the end of fertility.

Factors affecting its timing and severity can include genetics, lifestyle, and certain medical treatments. Symptoms may include hot flashes, mood changes, sleep issues, and weight gain.   .

Symptoms 

Menopause is characterised by a variety of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido.

Menopause typically occurs in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause refers to the period leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms.



Diagnosis & Evaluation 

Diagnosis of menopause is primarily based on a woman's symptoms and medical history.

Laboratory tests, such as hormone level measurements, may be used to confirm menopause in certain cases, although they are not always necessary.

Evaluation may also include assessing bone density and cardiovascular risk factors to identify potential health concerns associated with menopause.

Management

Management of menopausal symptoms focuses on alleviating discomfort and improving quality of life.

Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace declining estrogen levels, non-hormonal medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for mood swings and hot flashes, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture or herbal supplements.

 It is essential to tailor the treatment approach to each woman's specific symptoms and medical history.

Support 

Support for menopause patients involves providing information, guidance, and emotional support to help women navigate the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause.

This may include education about menopause, lifestyle recommendations, coping strategies for managing symptoms, and access to support groups or counseling services.

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in offering personalized support and treatment options to meet the individual needs of menopause patients.

Research 

On-going research into menopause aims to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment options for this life stage.

Studies explore various aspects of menopause, including the underlying biological mechanisms, the effectiveness and safety of different treatment modalities, strategies for symptom management, and the impact of menopause on long-term health outcomes.

By advancing knowledge and innovation in menopause research, healthcare providers can offer better support and care for menopause patients.

 MENOPAUSE

Menopause represents a significant transitional phase in a woman's life, marked by hormonal changes and a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care, our Primary Care Network (PCN) offers a range of services and support tailored to meet the unique needs of women experiencing menopause. At Venn PCN we are working to deliver the following:

Education and Awareness

Our PCN prioritises education and awareness about menopause, providing resources and information to help women understand the physical and emotional changes associated with this natural life stage .We offer educational materials, workshops, and seminars to empower women with knowledge about menopause symptoms, treatment options, and self-care strategies.

Individualised Care & Support

Our practices offer individualised care and support to women experiencing menopause, addressing their unique symptoms, concerns, and preferences. We take a holistic approach to menopause management, considering not only physical symptoms but also emotional well-being, lifestyle factors, and personal goals. Where appropriate, practices can refer patients to the PCN menopause clinic.

Symptom Management and Treatment Options

Our PCN provides evidence-based guidance and treatment options for managing menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. We offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal medications, and complementary therapies tailored to each woman's needs and preferences.

Lifestyle Modification
 and Self-Care

We emphasise the importance of lifestyle modifications and self-care practices in managing menopause symptoms and promoting overall well-being. Our practices offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene to help women navigate the challenges of menopause and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our website provides a wide range of resources to support practice services.

Psychological Support
 and Counseling

We recognise the emotional impact of menopause and offers psychological support and counselling services to women experiencing mood changes, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. Our practices offer access to trained counsellors, psychologists, or mental health professionals who can offer support, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions as needed.

Community Resources
and Referrals:

Our PCN collaborates with community resources, support groups, and specialist services to ensure women have access to additional support and resources beyond primary care. Our practices can facilitate referrals to our menopause clinics, gynecologists, sexual health services, and other specialist providers for women who require further evaluation or management of menopause-related issues.

By offering comprehensive care, education, and support tailored to the needs of women experiencing menopause, our PCN aims to empower women to navigate this life transition with confidence, resilience, and optimal health and well-being. We are committed to supporting women at every stage of their menopausal journey and ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.