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Recommendations for private London menopause specialists and whether to see GP again

6 replies

70percent · 01/10/2026 07:37

Has anyone seen any of these specialists in London for menopause and HRT and can give me feedback on
them? Would you recommend them? I can see them through private insurance.

  • Joanne Hockey at HCA Wellington, NW8 9LE -
  • Elaine Palmer or Claudine Domoney at Welbeck, W1G 0AR
  • Michael Savvas at King Edward VIII (Sister Agnes), W1G 6AA -

Claudine Dominey comes with a personal recommendation but I can’t get an appointment till first week November. Is it worth trying Michael Savvas or Joanne Hockey instead if I can see them sooner? Elaine palmer is booked up till Jan.

im struggling so much with night waking, anxiety and low mood should I also try my GP again? I have an nhs referral that’s gone through but no idea when I’ll be seen. I’ve been on HRT since March.

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PersephoneParlormaid · 01/10/2026 08:25

For night waking are you taking magnesium glycinate and having a good, clean night time routine?
What HRT are you on, and have you had a review since March?
Have you suffered with low mood and anxiety prior to peri?

JinglingSpringbells · 01/10/2026 08:36

Can I suggest you check if your insurance covers menopause? Not all do. (mine doesn't.)

I've paid for private gynae and menopause appts for many years. My insurance will cover things like gynae investigations but not routine HRT appts. I did see my consultant about something else (that was covered by insurance) but once it moved into menopause /HRT insurance doesn't fund that as it's ongoing.

You shouldn't need an NHS referral for something that may be as simple as an increase in estrogen or a different type of progesterone.

All the drs on your list are highly regarded ( I have never heard of Elaine P) and experts. But if you are not covered by insurance it's £350-ish for the first appt.

Joanne Hockey is also available in Harley St and Michael Savvas also works from a menopause practice in Wimpole Street as well as the King Edward V11.

70percent · 01/10/2026 11:32

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells

this is through private healthcare and I have both an nhs and private referral. Obviously no idea when the NHS one will get me an appointment so I’m pursuing the private one.

Axa have given me these 4 names and the clinic names so that’s where axa will cover them.

id really love personal experiences of Joanne Hockey and Michael Savvas

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70percent · 01/10/2026 11:34

PersephoneParlormaid · 01/10/2026 08:25

For night waking are you taking magnesium glycinate and having a good, clean night time routine?
What HRT are you on, and have you had a review since March?
Have you suffered with low mood and anxiety prior to peri?

Yes I’ve been taking magnesium glycinate for over two years.

I had my HRT reviewed in July and moved then from 2 pumps to 3. Looking online there seems to be a distinction between low mood / anxiety from progesterone and from oestrogen so I’m wondering which it is…

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JinglingSpringbells · 01/10/2026 12:13

Low mood is either too little estrogen or the wrong sort of progesterone.
You need to give 3 pumps a few weeks and then consider changing from micronised progesterone to something else- eg Nalvee, Mirena coil, or even the mini pill in a larger dose.

You don't need any referral form your GP for those consultants for self-pay. They take direct bookings, although your insurers will need a referral. Please also check they accept insurance payments as some don't.

It's incredibly tricky giving feedback on consultants, as it's such a personal relationship between two people.

I've seen posts online (not about those doctors) where some have loved a consultant and other women have been disappointed. I think you just have to read their bios and take a chance. I'd not be happy making recommendations online as it can stray into criticisms which isn't fair, and I do know something of two of the drs you mention.

Most consultants have a waiting list of around a month.

Having said this, if all you need is perhaps an increase in estrogen, or a change in progesterone, which seems likely, any GP should be able to do that- it doesn't necessitate an NHS referral - they are usually for very complex cases after cancer or for women with high risk factors. This isn't a criticism of you but your GP!

On the other hand if you want to pay for time (30 mins or more) it's worth going privately. Do check though that your insurance will continue to fund HRT consultations if you need those - that is quite unusual. My insurers are great but won't cover ongoing consultations for something that can last for years.

70percent · 01/10/2026 16:43

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells for your help. I’ve been on 3 pumps since mid July so think that’s a good amount of time. I’ve booked in to see my nhs GP in the meantime next week and I’m going to mention progesterone sensitivity and / or intolerance vs how much oestrogen is too much.

I’ve still got and need the nhs and private referrals and it’s helpful to hear a month is standard for wait for private.

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