Dr Gabriella qualified as a GP in 2015 and works in the NHS as women’s health lead in her GP practice alongside specialist menopause clinics. This experience enables her to fully appreciate other medical conditions and how these may be impacting on your menopausal transition. 

 

Dr Gabriella’s training and membership with the British Menopause Society ensures that her practice is fully evidence based and up to date with the latest recommendations. In this way she looks forward to supporting her patients with this knowledge always taking time to explain different options carefully. During your consultation you will be fully listened to in a relaxed welcoming environment. She will take time to understand your concerns and will work with you to make treatment choices that are right for your own individual journey. 

 

As a busy working mum herself as well as her 10 years of clinical experience she is fully aware of the challenges women face during menopause and always approaches her patients with kindness and empathy. Following our consultation you will receive an individualised menopause care plan for you to refer back to and guide you on your journey forward through your transition. 

 

I want to find out whether I am perimenopausal or menopausal?

 

The diagnosis of perimenopause and menopause is mostly based on clinical symptoms whilst also finding out about your last menstrual period or menstrual cycle. Dr Gabriella will take a careful history and put this together with any existing medical conditions to help you understand where you likely are in your menopause transition. 

 

What else could be causing my symptoms?

 

Other health conditions such as thyroid disease, anaemia or iron deficiency can mimic menopausal symptoms such as fatigue or palpitations. Mental health conditions or neurodiversity such as ADHD can all be exacerbated in menopause. Dr Gabriella can work with you to find a treatment plan with all this in mind.

 

Do I need my hormones checking with a blood test?

 

Mostly menopause is a clinical diagnosis made after taking a careful history of the symptoms you are experiencing. If you are using contraception that stops your periods a blood test can be helpful.  When needing to prescribe the hormone testosterone this will require a blood test before starting and during treatment for monitoring to ensure safety.   

 

Is HRT the right treatment for me?

 

Every woman’s journey is individual. Dr Gabriella will take a full medical and family history to ensure any factors affecting your risk has been discussed so that you are fully informed. For the majority of women HRT is a highly effective and safe option where the benefits will outweigh risks. Others may require consideration of non hormonal options or to focus on lifestyle changes.

 

How might the menopause affect my sex life?

 

Women can experience changes to their libido as well as vaginal dryness or painful sex during their menopause. Dr Gabriella can help to make an assessment and give advice on treatment with vaginal oestrogen, recommend moisturisers or prescribing testosterone treatment as needed. 

 

I have been experiencing side effects or bleeding problems with my HRT?

 

There is not one HRT product that suits all women. Dr Gabriella will carefully talk through the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Some women may experience irregular bleeding on their HRT needing a change to a different preparation or insertion of a Mirena coil to help with bleeding. Sometimes further assessment is needed with a pelvic scan or a referral to a gynaecologist for endometrial sampling.

 

Patient feedback

 

For the first time in many years I feel truly listened to. I feel incredibly hopeful and excited about my future and getting 'me' back. I also have a clear understanding of what are, and what are not peri menopause symptoms and therefore the things I will need to follow up on if there is no improvement. First class professional service, empathetic and personal, well worth the money.