Private menopause clinic that won’t flog me things?

[PermanentTemporary]

I’m having so far a fairly trouble free menopause - not actually quite there yet as I’m still having a token period every 3 months or so. But I am terrified of the idea of vaginal atrophy. I would like someone to take a look at my chuff and say ‘it’s fine’ or ‘deteriorating, consider vaginal oestrogen’ or whatever. But I don’t want a hard sell or biologically active bonbons or whatever bollocks is fashionable. Basically I want a GP, but without any symptoms I don’t feel justified in going to see them. Is there such a thing?

Louise Newsom clinic is pretty much a GP model- and recently scored CQC outstanding.
You pay for initial blood tests. They prescribe and your own GP then adopts their prescription. Apart from testogel for which I have to pay (think is about £120 a year) and also the testosterone blood test is an ongoing expense- can’t remember maybe £100 a year.
I think they do sell all the wafty stuff but she is a fairly pragmatic doctor so all the basics are medically straightforward.
I live fairly nearby, my friends travel from quite far away but I think you can just use remote appointments if easier and use a local blood test facility- they will advise on whom to use.

Be warned by my user name, however, testogel did have some side effects- even at a very low dose!

Also actually maybe see your GP first as mine were surprisingly open to stuff when I was almost symptom free.

Honestly the best person to judge is you. If sex is painful and you are getting lots of utis then ask your gp for oestrogen pessaries. You don't need examining it can all be done via econsult or phone consult.

There is no need to do this privately, VA is so common amd very easily managed.

@PermanentTemporary You can buy vaginal estrogen now at a pharmacy for £20.

There is some guidance and a tick box list (not sure how fussy they are ) which states over 50 and post menopause although your GP won't put up those barriers (because women not post meno use it too.) Or you can buy it online.

It's actually quite subjective to spot vaginal atrophy. If it's mild there will be nothing to see. If it's severe there are signs in the vagina and that's more a specialist area (literally.)

Id genuinely not rely on one 'look' from anyone who's not an experienced gynaecologist (or a GP with a lot of experience.)

If you have VA you would normally have some symptoms like weeing a lot, itching, soreness, perhaps pain during sex etc. There is no harm in using the treatments (cream etc) if you don't have it as it's so weak.

It doesn't need an appointment at a specialist clinic for £250 or close to that.

You can absolutely ring your GP and ask for vaginal estrogen - pessaries or cream. They will prescribe over the phone it’s such a small dose and localised it’s not classed as HRT. I got them over the phone aged 42 just told them I’d like to try them as things felt drier. Then my mum wanted to try she’s 68 and also just rang up and requested them. I think every woman 45 plis should be offered them. Ring them today OP prevention is better than cure x

This is really helpful thank you.

I don’t really have any symptoms. No pain during sex, one uti several months ago, I am generous with lube but have been for some time. It’s a bit more difficult to orgasm and I’m wondering if that’s an early indicator.