MENOPAUSE & HRT
Menopause and HRT
Private GP assessment and menopause care with time to review symptoms properly, consider whether investigation is needed, and discuss appropriate treatment options, including HRT.
ASSESSMENT
30 min
Standard GP consultation length
TREATMENT
HRT
Where clinically appropriate
AT A GLANCE
At a glance
Duration
30 minutes
30 minutes, every appointment
Fee
£150
£150 per consultation
Suitable for
Adults, children and families
Family-friendly care from birth
Registration
Not required
No forms, no catchment area, no waiting list
Menopause and perimenopause can affect women in different ways, and the presentation is not always straightforward.
Some patients attend because the pattern appears relatively clear. Their menstrual cycle has changed, sleep has deteriorated, and symptoms such as flushing, night sweats or vaginal dryness have developed over time. Others are less certain. They may report anxiety, reduced concentration, fatigue, joint discomfort, low mood, or a general decline in wellbeing, but are unsure whether hormonal change is the cause.
This is one reason a proper medical assessment is important. At Basuto Medical Centre, menopause appointments are structured to allow time for a full discussion of symptoms, menstrual history, relevant medical background, current medication, and whether further investigation or treatment is appropriate. Our standard GP appointments are 30 minutes, which allows for a more careful review than is often possible in a shorter consultation.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause and perimenopause are not always straightforward
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when ovarian hormone production begins to fluctuate. Menopause itself is defined retrospectively, once 12 months have passed without a menstrual period. In practice, many women seek advice during perimenopause, when symptoms are often more variable and more difficult to interpret.
Not all women experience the same symptom pattern. Some mainly notice menstrual change. Others are more affected by sleep disturbance, mood symptoms or cognitive symptoms such as poor concentration. Symptoms may also overlap with thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, stress, depression and other common medical issues, which is why it is important not to assume that every change is hormonal without assessment.
PRICING
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Pay as you go at £150 per consultation, or save with a membership plan. Prescriptions, referral letters and sick notes are always included — no hidden fees.
For patients who expect to use the practice regularly, membership includes priority booking, included prescriptions and referrals, and continuity with a named GP.
Pay As You Go
£150
per consultation
✓ 30-minute GP consultation
✓ Prescription included
✓ Referral letter included
✓ No commitment
Adult Membership
£85/month
per month
✓ 10 GP appointments/year
✓ Priority same-day booking
✓ All prescriptions included
✓ Named doctor continuity
Common Symptoms
Symptoms Discussed in Menopause Assessment
- Irregular periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, skipped periods
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbance
- Anxiety, irritability and low mood
- Reduced concentration and fatigue
- Vaginal dryness and reduced libido
- Headaches, joint aches, skin or hair changes
For a broader overview, see our page on perimenopause symptoms.
“Basuto is just fantastic. Amazing doctors, friendly receptionists and they really take on board what the issue is.”
— Verified Patient — Verified Patient — Doctify
Your Appointment
What to Expect at a Menopause Appointment
The starting point is the history. Assessment generally includes a review of your age, menstrual pattern, current symptoms, how long symptoms have been present, whether bleeding has changed, relevant past medical history, medication use, contraception, and any personal or family history that may affect treatment decisions.
- Cycle regularity and bleeding pattern
- Vasomotor symptoms such as flushing or night sweats
- Sleep quality
- Mood and anxiety symptoms
- Cognitive symptoms such as poor concentration
- Vaginal or urinary symptoms
- Current medication and previous hormone treatment
- Relevant cardiovascular or cancer risk factors
The purpose of the consultation is to establish whether the clinical picture is consistent with perimenopause or menopause, whether there are signs that another cause should also be considered, and whether treatment or investigation is indicated.
Same-day appointments available. Book online or call 020 7736 7557.
Blood Tests
Are blood tests always required?
For many women over 45, menopause and perimenopause can often be assessed clinically on the basis of symptoms and menstrual history. Blood tests are not always necessary and should not be treated as a substitute for a full consultation.
However, testing may be useful when the presentation is unclear, when symptoms occur earlier than expected, when another condition needs to be excluded, or when fatigue, weight change, palpitations or mood symptoms may have more than one cause.
Where blood tests are arranged, they should be interpreted in the context of symptoms and cycle history. See our pages on general blood tests, hormone blood tests and thyroid blood tests.
Treatment
When HRT May Be Considered
Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms in appropriate patients, but it should follow proper clinical review rather than being approached as a standard or automatic prescription.
The main consideration is whether HRT is likely to offer meaningful benefit in your case, and whether the expected benefit outweighs any relevant risks. That assessment depends on symptoms, stage of menopause, medical history, current health profile, and treatment goals.
- Whether HRT is clinically appropriate
- Whether symptoms are likely to respond
- Which type of preparation may be suitable
- Whether combined treatment is needed
- What side effects or bleeding changes should be monitored
- When review should take place
If you are specifically interested in transdermal treatment, see HRT patches. If you are already taking treatment and need structured medication review, see prescriptions. For a broader look at treatment considerations, see HRT side effects and review.
Differential Diagnosis
Other Causes of Similar Symptoms
Symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, weight change, reduced exercise tolerance, headaches and brain fog are commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause, but they are not specific to it. In some cases, the hormonal picture is clear. In others, symptoms may relate partly or entirely to another issue.
This is why menopause care should sit within general medical care, rather than being treated as a single-issue conversation. If appropriate, we can arrange blood tests, prescribe treatment, review medication, and organise onward referral.
Continuity
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Menopause care often requires review rather than a single appointment. Some women need only one consultation and a clear explanation. Others need further appointments to review symptoms, check blood results, assess response to treatment, or reconsider the plan if symptoms remain problematic.
- Reviewing blood test results
- Assessing whether symptoms are improving
- Reviewing response to HRT
- Considering side effects
- Reassessing bleeding changes
- Deciding whether wider investigation is needed
This continuity is often one of the practical advantages of being reviewed within an established GP practice. If you expect to need ongoing access to appointments, membership may also be relevant.
Wider Health
Wider Health Considerations
Menopause often raises broader health questions as well. Women may seek advice not only about symptoms, but also about sleep, weight, emotional wellbeing, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, screening, vaginal symptoms, sexual health, and general wellbeing during midlife.
CONSULTATION FEATURES
How Care Is Structured at Basuto
| Standard Access | At Basuto | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | 2–3 weeks | Same day |
| Consultation length | 10 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Continuity | Different doctor each visit | Same GP every time |
| Tests and referrals | Separate trips required | Arranged same visit |
| How to book | 8am phone queue | Online, anytime |
Patient Reviews
Patient Feedback
★★★★★
“It’s a great friendly practice and the GP has an extremely friendly approach and gives you plenty of her time and is excellent with diagnosis. It has a warm friendly atmosphere.”
Verified Patient
GP Consultation · Doctify Verified
★★★★★
“Thorough and considered consultation with the doctor who gave me plenty of time and attention and treated a number of different ailments. I was phoned back later the same day by the doctor as a follow-up. I have been using Basuto Medical Centre for years, they are an excellent medical practice.”
Verified Patient
Women’s Health · Doctify Verified
★★★★★
“I called at 5.15pm, in pain and knowing that I needed antibiotics. In five minutes the receptionist had spoken to the doctor and she called me back for a telephone consultation. By 6pm I had picked up my filled prescription. I simply could not have asked for better service.”
Verified Patient
Same-Day Care · Doctify Verified
YOUR DOCTORS
Clinical Team
Care led by experienced GMC-registered GPs. Committed to provide thorough care and clear clinical decision-making.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Menopause Appointments
Do I need a blood test to diagnose menopause?
Not necessarily. In many women over 45, symptoms and menstrual history are more useful than blood testing alone. Blood tests may still be appropriate where the picture is unclear or another condition needs to be excluded.
Can a private GP prescribe HRT?
Yes, where it is clinically appropriate. Treatment should still follow proper assessment and review. See prescriptions for more on how we handle medication.
Can menopause be discussed in an online appointment?
Yes, in many cases. If you would prefer to start remotely, see online appointments. If examination or testing is needed, a face-to-face appointment may be advised.
What if I am not sure whether it is menopause?
That is a common reason for booking. A consultation can help determine whether the symptom pattern is consistent with menopause or whether another explanation should be considered.
What if I need specialist assessment?
If a more complex review or specialist input is needed, we can arrange onward care through a specialist referral.
Related Pages
Menopause topic pages
CONDITIONS & CONCERNS
What we can help with
Private GP appointments cover the full range of general practice. You do not need to know what is wrong — if something is worrying you, that is reason enough to book.
Women’s Health
Menopause and HRT, contraception, cervical screening, fertility, pregnancy.
Men’s Health
Testosterone, erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular risk, prostate symptoms.
Children & Families
Paediatric consultations, vaccines, childhood infections, newborn checks.
Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, stress, burnout — GP assessment with integrated counselling.
Travel & Vaccines
Travel health, vaccinations, antimalarial prescriptions, fit-to-fly letters.
FIND US
Basuto Medical Centre
29 Basuto Road, London, SW6 4BJ
3-minute walk from Parsons Green station (District line)
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm
Ready to book a menopause appointment?
If you would like to discuss your symptoms properly, consider whether investigation is needed, and get clear medical advice on treatment options including HRT, we are here to help.