The best doctor for menopause is one who has specific experience and training in managing perimenopause and menopause, rather than someone offering only general advice. In the UK, this is often a GP with a specialist interest in menopause, or a doctor who regularly assesses and treats hormonal symptoms and follows current NICE guidance. Menopause can affect mood, sleep, concentration, cardiovascular health, bone health, and overall quality of life, so it’s important to see a clinician who understands how these symptoms fit together and who is confident discussing options such as HRT, non-hormonal treatments, and longer-term health risks. Many women find that a menopause specialist doctor provides more time, clearer explanations, and a personalised treatment plan, rather than a brief reassurance that symptoms are something to “put up with.”

A menopause specialist can help by properly assessing symptoms, confirming whether they are related to perimenopause or menopause, and creating a clear treatment plan rather than offering reassurance alone. This usually involves a detailed consultation to understand how symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep problems, brain fog, low mood, anxiety, or joint pains are affecting day-to-day life, alongside a review of medical history and relevant blood tests where appropriate. A menopause specialist can explain treatment options clearly, including HRT when suitable, non-hormonal alternatives, and practical lifestyle changes, and can start treatment when indicated. Ongoing reviews allow treatment to be adjusted over time, helping women feel supported rather than left to manage symptoms on their own.

You should consider seeing a menopause specialist when symptoms start to affect your quality of life or feel out of proportion to what you were expecting. Many women seek specialist advice during perimenopause, when periods may still be happening but symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, brain fog, anxiety, low mood, fatigue, or changes in concentration begin to appear. It is also sensible to see a menopause specialist if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or not improving with initial advice, or if there is uncertainty about whether symptoms are hormonal or related to another health issue. Early specialist input can help provide clarity, rule out other causes, and put an effective treatment plan in place rather than waiting until symptoms become overwhelming.

Yes, it is possible to see a menopause specialist on the NHS, but access can be limited and often depends on local services. Many women are initially managed by their GP, and some GP practices have doctors with a special interest in menopause who can provide good ongoing care. Referral to an NHS menopause clinic or specialist is usually reserved for more complex cases, such as severe symptoms, difficulty tolerating treatment, or complicated medical histories, and waiting times can be long in some areas. Because of these delays, some women choose to see a menopause specialist privately for quicker access, longer appointments, and more personalised follow-up, while continuing to involve their NHS GP for shared care where appropriate.

There isn’t a single set of vitamins that suits everyone during menopause, but three nutrients are commonly important because of how hormone changes affect the body. Vitamin D is often a priority, as levels commonly fall in midlife and it plays a key role in bone health, muscle strength, and immune function at a time when osteoporosis risk begins to rise. Vitamin B12 is also important, particularly for energy levels, brain function, and concentration, as deficiency can contribute to fatigue and brain fog, which are frequently reported during perimenopause and menopause. Calcium is another key nutrient, as declining oestrogen can accelerate bone loss, making adequate calcium intake important for long-term bone health. That said, supplementation should ideally be guided by symptoms, diet, and blood results rather than taken blindly, as individual needs can vary significantly.

There isn’t a single “better” way to go through menopause, and whether or not to use HRT is a very individual decision. Some women have mild symptoms that are manageable without hormone treatment and feel comfortable using lifestyle changes or non-hormonal options alone. Others experience symptoms that significantly affect sleep, mood, concentration, work, or overall quality of life, and for them HRT can be a very effective and safe option when appropriately prescribed. Current evidence shows that for many women, particularly those under 60 or within ten years of menopause, the benefits of HRT often outweigh the risks. The key is not whether menopause is managed with or without HRT, but whether symptoms are properly assessed and the approach chosen is right for the individual, based on health history, preferences, and informed discussion with an experienced clinician.

The cost of seeing a private menopause specialist can vary depending on what is included, with many clinics charging separately for the consultation, blood tests, treatment planning, and follow-up appointments. At The Doctor Clinics, the Well Woman Menopause Specialist Health Check is priced at £499 and is designed as an all-in, comprehensive package rather than a pay-as-you-go service. This includes a full menopause-focused doctor assessment, appropriate blood tests, clear diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan, and follow-up support where needed. The aim is to provide clarity and treatment from the outset, without unexpected add-on costs, making it a straightforward option for women who want thorough assessment, prompt treatment, and ongoing specialist input in one complete package.