Our Perimenopause and Menopause Clinic

Can you help with menopause symptoms after cancer or with complex health conditions?

Yes. Menopause after cancer treatment or alongside complex health conditions can feel overwhelming, and side effects from treatments often bring women into early or sudden menopause.

Dr. Shilpa has specialist expertise in supporting women in these situations. Together, we explore safe, effective options tailored to your medical history and long-term wellbeing. We involve you fully in every decision, helping you feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout your menopause journey.

Do you only use HRT to treat menopause?

Every woman deserves clear, evidence-based information to explore her menopause options. HRT isn’t right for everyone, so decisions should be personalised, informed, and pressure-free.

Whether or not you choose HRT, our approach to menopause care looks at the whole picture: lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Evidence-based non-hormonal treatments, mindfulness, CBT, and supportive therapies like acupuncture can also help manage symptoms.

We work with you to create a menopause care plan that is safe, manageable, and tailored to your needs—so you feel supported and confident in your choices.

How do I know if HRT is right for me?

Every woman’s menopause journey is unique, and HRT isn’t one-size-fits-all. We consider your medical history, previous surgeries, medications, and whether you’re in perimenopause or post-menopause. Your lifestyle, preferences, and the symptoms affecting your quality of life also guide the choice—patch, gel, tablet, or vaginal treatment.

We involve you in every step, explaining benefits and risks based on the latest evidence, so you can make an informed, confident decision that’s right for you.

Do I need a blood test before starting treatment?

For most women, menopause and perimenopause can be diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. Blood tests are only arranged when they are likely to add value — for example, in younger women, complex cases, or when monitoring specific treatments. At our clinic, we’ll only suggest investigations if they are medically needed, so your care is both safe and ethical.

What if I’ve tried HRT before and it didn’t help?

Many women come to us after struggling with side effects, poor symptom control, or treatment resistance. With Dr. Shilpa’s expertise as a British Menopause Society menopause specialist— including advanced training in complex menopause cases — we can reassess and create a plan tailored to you.

Do you prescribe testosterone for women?

Testosterone can play an important role in menopause care, particularly for women who continue to experience low libido despite being on an appropriate HRT regimen. Evidence also suggests it may support energy, muscle mass, and cognition.

However, testosterone isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s important to understand the underlying cause of symptoms first—for example, relationship factors, side effects of other medications, health conditions like diabetes, or vaginal dryness and pain. Testosterone should never be prescribed as a blanket treatment; it works best when used thoughtfully, for the right reasons, and with ongoing monitoring and support.

What’s the difference between body-identical and bioidentical HRT?

There’s a lot of confusion around HRT terminology, so here’s a simple explanation:

Body-identical HRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by your body, such as 17β-estradiol. These are licensed, regulated medications with extensive research supporting their safety and effectiveness.

Bioidentical HRT sometimes refers to compounded or customised hormone preparations made outside standard regulatory frameworks. These are less well-studied, can have inconsistent dosing, and don’t carry the same safety assurances.

For most women, regulated body-identical HRT offers the best balance of safety and benefit. The key is choosing a reliable, well-monitored treatment tailored to your individual needs.

With so much conflicting information and marketing around menopause care, it’s important to prioritise safety and evidence-based treatment. Whatever path you choose, our focus is on supporting you safely through this stage of life.