Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we’re asked most often.
Seeking help with menopause and hormonal health can feel confusing. Our aim is to make things as straightforward as possible.
Please note: Menopause Medical is a private clinic. We are not part of the NHS and all services are chargeable. View our pricing →
Can I talk about testosterone at my first appointment?
Absolutely. Testosterone can be discussed as part of your overall menopause and hormone health consultation.
Your appointment is about understanding you, your symptoms and how they are affecting your everyday life. If testosterone is something you would like to know more about, your clinician can talk you through whether it may be appropriate for you, alongside your other treatment options.
Can I have my consultation by telephone or video?
Yes. We offer telephone and video consultations as well as face-to-face appointments at our Hexham clinic.
We want accessing the right menopause support to be as convenient as possible, so we can discuss which type of appointment will work best for you.
Will private medical insurance cover my consultation?
Menopause and hormone health consultations are not usually covered by private medical insurance, although this can vary between providers and individual policies.
If you have private medical insurance, we recommend contacting your provider directly before booking to check what may be covered.
Can I get a private prescription with Menopause Medical? How much does it cost?
Your first private prescription issued by one of our GPs or Advanced Nurse Practitioners during your initial consultation is included in the cost. Any further prescriptions will be charged at £25 per prescription.
All medications are payable by you at the pharmacy.
Why might I need a blood test?
Not everyone will need a blood test. Perimenopause and menopause can often be assessed by listening carefully to your symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances.
Sometimes, however, blood tests can give your clinician useful additional information. They may be recommended to look at hormone levels or other areas of your health, such as thyroid function, vitamin levels or other markers that could be contributing to the way you are feeling.
If we think blood tests would be helpful, we’ll explain what we recommend and why. Any additional costs will always be discussed with you first.
Where can I have my blood test?
We can arrange for blood tests to be taken here at Menopause Medical in our Hexham clinic, so you don’t necessarily need to arrange these elsewhere.
If blood tests are recommended following your consultation, we’ll explain which tests are needed and arrange a separate appointment for you. Blood tests are charged separately from your consultation, and we’ll make the cost clear before anything is booked.
Why is testosterone important for women?
Testosterone is an important hormone for women as well as men. It plays a role in areas including sexual desire, energy, mood, concentration, bone health and muscle strength.
Testosterone levels naturally change as we get older. For some women, testosterone may form part of a wider conversation about menopause symptoms and treatment.
If it’s something you’re wondering about, please ask. Your clinician can discuss your symptoms and explain whether testosterone treatment may be appropriate for you.
How often will I need an appointment?
Everyone is different, so your ongoing care will be based on what you need rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Following your initial consultation, your first follow-up is usually around three months later. This appointment is included in the cost of your initial consultation and takes place by telephone with one of our Advanced Nurse Practitioners.
After that, your clinician will advise you on any further follow-up appointments. If you continue to receive prescriptions through Menopause Medical, we will need to see you for an annual review so that we can continue to prescribe safely and make sure your treatment remains right for you.
If it has been more than two years since we last saw you, we’ll ask you to book a new initial consultation so we can properly review your current health, symptoms and needs.
How long will my consultation last?
Your initial consultation lasts up to 45 minutes.
We deliberately allow this time because we want you to feel listened to rather than rushed. It gives your clinician time to understand your symptoms, medical history, concerns and what you would like help with before discussing the options available to you.
Follow-up consultations last up to 25 minutes.
Do I need a referral from my GP before I book?
No. You don’t need a referral from your GP or another healthcare professional to make an appointment with Menopause Medical.
You can contact us directly and book an appointment whenever you feel ready.
Your first consultation is an opportunity for us to listen, understand what has been happening and talk through the support and treatment options that may be appropriate for you. If we feel involving your GP would be helpful at any stage, we can discuss this with you.