At AberGP, we believe that menopause care should be as unique as the woman experiencing it. For many women in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, the transition through perimenopause and menopause can feel like a loss of control - affecting your career, your relationships, and your sense of self.
Our goal is to move beyond simply "managing symptoms." We focus on the whole person, providing evidence-based, compassionate care designed to help you feel like yourself again.
More Than Just "Hot Flushes"
While everyone expects certain symptoms, hormonal changes often present in ways that feel disconnected from menopause. At our Aberdeen clinic, we find that identifying these "hidden" signs is often the first step toward relief.
The "Big Five" (Most Common)
- Period Changes: Cycles becoming shorter, heavier, or wildly unpredictable.
- Vasomotor Symptoms: The classic hot flushes and disruptive night sweats.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often leading to chronic fatigue.
- Psychological Shifts: Sudden anxiety, irritability, or a "low mood" that feels out of character.
- Brain Fog: Struggling to find words, memory lapses, or a loss of mental clarity at work.
The "Hidden Five" (Less Commonly Quoted)
- Joint and Muscle Aches: Oestrogen loss affects collagen; this stiffness is often mistaken for "just getting older."
- Genitourinary Symptoms: Vaginal dryness, discomfort, or an increase in urinary urgency or urinary tract infections.
- Heart Palpitations: A sudden, unsettling awareness of your heart racing or skipping a beat.
- Skin & Hair Changes: Itchy skin (crawling sensations), thinning hair, or brittle nails.
- Altered Senses: A metallic taste in the mouth or changes in body odour.
A Diagnosis Focused on You
We hear from many women in Aberdeen who are frustrated because their "blood tests came back normal", yet they feel anything but.
Because perimenopause and menopause are clinical diagnoses, your story is the most important diagnostic tool we have. Unless there are specific medical reasons - such as symptoms starting before age 40 (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency) or a history of certain medical treatments - we generally do not require blood tests to confirm menopause.
Why? Because a snapshot of your hormones on one Tuesday morning doesn't reflect the reality of what you're feeling every day. Hormone levels fluctuate wildly during this time, and a "normal" result can be incredibly misleading. We listen to your symptoms, not just your lab results.
Your Consultation: Putting You Back in the Centre
We know that a standard 10-minute appointment isn't enough to discuss the complexities of your health. That’s why we offer dedicated, longer consultations to ensure we have time to look at the "big picture."
Initial Consultation (30 Minutes): £100
This is a comprehensive assessment designed to build a safe and effective roadmap for your health:
Comprehensive Assessment
We perform a detailed medical review of your symptoms and how they impact your quality of life. This includes your menstrual history, medical background, and family history (specifically regarding cancers or blood clots). We also look at lifestyle factors and, where appropriate, may arrange blood tests or other investigations—not to "prove" menopause, but to exclude alternative causes for your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies.
Individualised Treatment Planning
We will discuss the full range of management options available to you, including:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tailored to your risk profile.
- Non-hormonal treatments for those who cannot or choose not to take HRT.
- Vaginal oestrogen for targeted relief of local symptoms.
- Lifestyle and nutritional guidance to support long-term bone and heart health.
- Mental health support and Contraceptive advice.
Ongoing Support and Follow-Up
We offer 15 to 30-minute review appointments to monitor your progress. Whether we are fine-tuning a dose or discussing new lifestyle goals, we are here for as many years as you need support.
Checklist: What to Bring to Your First Appointment
To help us make the most of your 30-minute consultation, it can be helpful to come prepared with the following:
- A Symptom Diary: A simple list of what you’ve been feeling and how often.
- Period History: The date of your last period and any changes in your cycle over the last year.
- Family History: Details regarding any family history of cancers or blood clots.
- Current Medications: A list of any supplements or medications you are currently taking.
- Your "Top Three": If we could fix only three things today to improve your life, what would they be?
Expert Care in Aberdeen
Dr Jennie Sandison
General Practitioner
Dr Laura Thomson
General Practitioner
Dr Julie Gray
General Practitioner
Our clinicians have completed, or are working towards, the British Menopause Certificate awarded by the British Menopause Society. This qualification reflects additional specialist training, ensuring a high standard of menopause knowledge right here in the heart of Aberdeen.
Ready to book?
You don't have to navigate this transition alone. Contact our reception team or use our online booking system to schedule your consultation at AberGP.
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