Women’s Health, Family Planning & Menopause

Understanding the Menopause

The average age of menopause (defined as 12 consecutive months without a period) is 51, though perimenopausal symptoms often begin up to five years earlier. Whilst one in four women experience minimal symptoms, the majority—around 77%—report finding them difficult or very difficult to manage.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

• Brain fog and forgetfulness (75%)
• Sleep disturbances (84%)
• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression (70%)
• Weight and body shape changes
• Low libido
• Hot flushes and night sweats (80%)
• Headaches or migraines
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Joint pain
• Hair thinning or increased facial hair

The impact of menopause can extend to all areas of life, including work, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Research shows that around half of women have taken time off work due to symptoms, and 6% have left employment altogether. Worryingly, rates of anxiety and depression increase during this time, and women may be at greater risk of suicidal thoughts.

How Haven Medical Can Help

Our experienced team, including specialists in menopause care, is here to help. By combining hormone testing with a careful understanding of your symptoms, we can guide you through the most appropriate, best-practice treatment options – which may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Finding the right type, dose, and timing of treatment isn’t always straightforward; in fact, around one in three women will need some adjustments along the way. That’s why we offer ongoing support, ensuring your treatment is tailored to you and reviewed regularly as your needs change.

Cervical smear testing is a way of detecting early abnormal cell changes within the cervix that can occasionally indicate cancer or pre-cancerous changes. Early detection through smear testing is therefore vital in trying to prevent cancer.

The test will check for the HPV (human papilloma) virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. Certain sub-types of HPV are linked to the development of abnormal cells and can cause cervical cancer.

Women between 25-49 should have smear tests every 3 years and those between the ages of 50-64 should be every 5 years. Your appointment will take place in one of our state-of-the-art clinical rooms and you are able to request a female physician if preferred.

A Haven Medical Advanced Health Check covers a broad range of health concerns, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that any health issues are picked up early and successfully dealt with.

Our wellness checks are carefully coordinated with your doctor to comprehensively assess your overall well-being. These advanced evaluations empower you to understand your health intricacies, providing insights for early indicators and personalised plans tailored to your unique needs.

– A 30-minute pre-assessment appointment, where any health concerns can be discussed, followed by a fully comprehensive range of tests.

– A 60-minute appointment to discuss your results, and to determine if any changes need to be made or follow-up tests carried out.

– A comprehensive report will be issued, detailing your results and any treatment plans or lifestyle changes that need to take place.

For women over 40, we will offer extra biomarkers to include:
– Female hormone testing: A comprehensive female hormone test Including indicators to help with the clinical diagnosis of peri-menopause and menopause.