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[Hopeful]

Has anyone seen this service for menopause triage
https://thefemalehealthclinic.co.uk/menopause-triage/

It’s the female health clinic and appears to be a service to prescribe HRT  more quickly with I presume less in depth advice.
However it seems you can get appointments quickly which is a great plus.
I am keen to look into testosterone but waiting lists seem so long!

I have an appointment with my GP in 2 weeks but pretty sure I won’t get testosterone from them.

Am on femsevern conti,  (7 years post meno) which has improved but not stopped symptoms but still suffering poor sleep, low mood, anxiety, lack of sex drive, palpitations and some night sweats. They are all less than when I was off HRT but not as good as when I was on Evoril Conti
Maybe a change back to evoril conti, which worked quite well ( I came off for no real reason and when symptoms returned I thought I would try fem Severn, which I had at the start of my HRT journey for 3 months until the we no longer available) I was off HRT for a year as had to wait for cardio tests due to the palpitations.

Any thoughts ladies

Sorry for this rambling post

[CrispyChick]

That looks interesting.

Sorry, I can't help as I'm only 45 and at peri stage. However, I am currently in the first steps of seeking private help as the NHS can't sort out my symptoms with conventional hormonal treatments (hrt or the combined pill).

If you think testosterone will help, but you can't get it on NHS and this clinic can deliver it safely, I say go for it!!! Just have your eyes open to cost. I see it says £199 but then there are the costs of the private prescription and will they ask you to do any testing? If you can afford it - money well spent if you feel better. It's taken me 5 years to bite the bullet and pay out for private help... But I have no quality of life just now.

Maybe wait until after your gp appointment?

[sheila99]

I haven't used it but a couple of things to think about. It's unlikely your gp will prescribe T but you can ask for a referral to an NHS menopause clinic who can. After that your gp should (not guaranteed) follow their advice to prescribe going forward. Might be worth following this route even if use the other one while you're waiting. Maybe ask what T this clinic prescribes. It may be androfemne which I believe costs a fortune. They say they give you a prescription for 3 months supply so do you have another fee in 3 months time? I have Tostran prescribed by an NHS meno clinic, it lasts 9 months so is very cost effective. But it's only licensed for men which is why you have to jump through so many hoops to get it.

[Hopeful]

Thank you ladies for taking the time to read through the website and provide really useful information.
I will ask to be referred to a NHS menopause clinic, but fear the wait will be very long and this seems the case for most private doctors as well. I will also ask GP if they will do blood tests, have never had any.

I think I may make some further enquires to the female health clinic about the HRT triage before seeing my GP.
Another point is that I will be 60 in April and it says it is only suitable up to age 60!

[CLKD]

Hormonal blood tests are reliably un-reliable.   My Gynae works on symptoms for all women's problems ;-)

Let us know how you get on.  All experiences shared are useful.

[Postmeno3]

I'm not convinced hormonal blood tests are unreliable postmenopausally as Hbhigg is. I'm really curious about them potentially offering some kind of baseline info, given the hormones have virtually flatlined, to inform the requirements of individuals? I don't know enough about them, as keep getting refused them even at specialist clinic, but I just feel there could/must be a place for them particularly in unresponsive cases and in relation to absorption issues.

[sheila99]

If private blood tests are an option you could try medichecks. Haven't used them for meno related hormones but did for thyroid and was happy with their service (other companies available).

[Hopeful]

Hi all
I was thinking of the blood tests as I understand you need to have a decent level of oestrogen before starting testosterone as otherwise it can convert into oestrogen or something like that  :-\The clinic offers a blood test service and I can afford to pay. The problem is knowing what road to go down, it seems so confusing.
Thanks again for you input, most appreciated. Just had a lovely relaxing yoga session which has helped.
Helen

[sheila99]

You're right, it does get converted. Given you still have symptoms you may find no one will prescribe T until your oestrogen levels are optimal. Perhaps increase your oestrogen dose first? Not sure how much is in femseven but you may find you need a higher dose oestrogen only patch alongside a separate progestogen. Many women find conti patches have insufficient oestrogen. If you go the nhs route they will go on symptoms.

[Alison sheppard]

I have been under the female health clinic for the last few months. Really can't praise them highly enough. Super quick in responding, all very efficient and really caring. Online, telephone, email and face to face options. Highly recommended and although private and you have to pay they are certainly not the most expensive. Really nice people.

[Hopeful]

Thank you Alison, that’s really good to know.

[Terri]

I agree with Alisons comments. I’m with this clinic too. For the first 3 months after your first consultation you also get an unlimited email service. I found this really helpful especially being new to HRT and the side effects. Sent an email on a Sunday and GP replied the same day. Really friendly team.

Also agree, not as expensive as some. The triage includes your first script too. Although you have to pay for the meds through the online med services. Delivery was next day.

[CrispyChick]

Is this a conventional hrt clinic or do they also deal in compounded??? Thanks

[Terri]

It’s conventional I believe. Not BIO HRT