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[Emzib0b]

Hello,

I've been using HRT since April (I'm 40, been in peri since 38). So far I'm not feeling completely confident in the two GPs I have seen. I have a HRT review next week with a different GP who I used to see regarding contraception and reproductive health issues a number of years ago. I'm hoping she may be a bit more helpful. If not, I'm going to ask if she will refer me to a Menopause Clinic. I've had a look on the BMS website and have found a few female-led NHS clinics in the North West:

Liverpool Women's Hospital (Dr Paula Briggs and Dr Cara Williams)
Stepping Hill Hospital (Dr Sujata Gupta)
Deeside Comminity Hospital (Mrs Kalpana Upadhyay and Mrs Geeta Kumar)
There used to be a clinic in Stockport led by Dr Manju Navani, but from my googling it looks like she now runs a private clinic only.

Has anyone attended any of these clinics and would recommend them?

I am a little concerend that I could be on a waiting list for up to a year, and was wondering whether to dip into my savings and go to a private clinic to speed up the process? If anyone has any recommendations for a consultant/clinic in the area (NHS or private) it would be greatly appreciated! I would prefer to see a female Doctor if possible (I struggle to talk to male doctors about my reproductive and mental health).

Thank you!

[Dotty]

I think Dr Zoe Hodson is in Manchester. Not sure how much she charges .

[Nik2502]

Hi

Most private clinics do zoom consultations now. Newson health have a clinic in Manchester.

Nik xx

[Emzib0b]

I think Dr Zoe Hodson is in Manchester. Not sure how much she charges .

Thank you Dotty! I wasn’t familiar with Dr Zoe Hodson. I put her name into the search box on here - lots of good comments!

Hi

Most private clinics do zoom consultations now. Newson health have a clinic in Manchester.

Nik xx

Thank you Nik! This really does open up my options - it’s going to be hard deciding who to see! Do you feel there are any disadvantages to zoom consults vs face to face?

[Dotty]

I believe Dr Zoe Hodson worked for Newson health, but has left them and now works for herself. x

[sheila99]

I would avoid Stepping Hill unless things have changed recently. There used to be  one person who knew what she was doing, the other doctors/tea boys had to ask for her opinion but the outcome was OK (level of their knowledge was that I could have oral or a patch but they didn't know about gel). She has moved on I think to St Mary's. Last time I went there was no one who could prescribe testosterone. I've been on the waiting list at St Mary's for well over a year and not had an appointment though perhaps they've ditched me as I'm out of their catchment area.

[Nas]

Dr Paula Briggs.
I’ve seen her privately and on the NHS. She’s knowledgeable and will prescribe testosterone if necessary.

I think i paid £280 for a private appointment.

[Emzib0b]

I would avoid Stepping Hill unless things have changed recently. There used to be  one person who knew what she was doing, the other doctors/tea boys had to ask for her opinion but the outcome was OK (level of their knowledge was that I could have oral or a patch but they didn't know about gel). She has moved on I think to St Mary's. Last time I went there was no one who could prescribe testosterone. I've been on the waiting list at St Mary's for well over a year and not had an appointment though perhaps they've ditched me as I'm out of their catchment area.

Thank you for the head ups about Stepping Hill, Sheila! I’m sorry you’ve been waiting for so long to be seen at St Mary’s. It seems to be quite hit and miss with referrals to Manchester if you’re out of area. I asked to be referred to an ENT at Manchester Royal Infirmary two years ago. Nothing came of it and I assumed it was because I was out of area. When I asked my GP to look into it she discovered they had accepted the referral, but because of some admin error it was redirected back to my local area and no-one was informed!

[Emzib0b]

Dr Paula Briggs.
I’ve seen her privately and on the NHS. She’s knowledgeable and will prescribe testosterone if necessary.

I think i paid £280 for a private appointment.

Thanks for the recommendation, Nas! I see she’s also on the list of specialists who deal with PMS/PMDD on the NAPS website - something I never got any help for on the NHS! I’m going to give her private clinic a call this week and enquire about waiting times.

[Nas]

Yes, Dr Paula is also the chair of the BMS. She’s fantastic in my view. She reviews all cases individually and prescribes accordingly.

[Emo10]

Hi,

I've been on Paula Briggs' waiting list since August. The secretary I spoke to said at least 3 months.

Emma

[Emzib0b]

Hi,

I've been on Paula Briggs' waiting list since August. The secretary I spoke to said at least 3 months.

Emma

Hi Emma, thanks for letting me know - are you waiting to see her privately?

[Emo10]

Yes, privately.

My GP said they'd refer me to our menopause clinic but it will be quicker if I go direct myself.