Menopause Clinic

Menopausal Specialist with British Menopause Society: Our Menopause Clinic PMC, Castletroy, Limerick

Please be advised that we take 2-3 hours for your initial appointment. During this time you will get a detailed unhurried consultation with the focus on you. On the first day we perform specific blood tests, swab tests, STD and cancer screening, establish your nutritional and lifestyle profile and give you time to talk about your health matters. As part of your menopausal assessment we also test hormone profiles and perform an internal ultrasound in order to investigate anatomy and remaining function of the reproductive organs and possible pathological findings.

Menopausal Check up includes:

Thorough consultation

Hormone Blood Tests:

FSH, LH, Estrogen, Androgens, Prolactin.

Androgen profile: Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG).

Male hormones play an important role during and after the hormonal changes.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS), which evaluates adrenal gland function.

In women assessment of DHEAS , along with other hormones such as FSH, LH, Prolactine, Estrogens and Testosterone, can help to diagnose or rule out polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), factors regarding the presence of excess facial and body hair (hirsurtism), other causes of premature ovarian insufficiency (early menopause), lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhoea) in younger women.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Thyroid-Antibodies

Thyroid hormones are key regulatory hormones of the body’s metabolism, sexual and reproductive function. Imbalances can have a profound affect virtually on every metabolic process in the body, such as digestive function, hormonal and vitamin regulation, muscle and nerve activity and can result in significant effects on mood and energy levels.

These imbalances may cause coldness, constipation, poor skin, headaches, dysmenorrhea, cycle irregularities, fluid retention, weight gain, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression, PMS, anxiety and panic attacks, decreased memory and concentration and low sex drive.  The TSH test is the test of choice for evaluating thyroid function and symptoms of an over- or under-active thyroid.

In addition and specific to the Personal Medical Clinic we perform a test of Thyroid-Antibodies to evaluate underlying autoimmun deseases of the thyroid, i.e. Hashimoto thyreoditis, which otherwise often goes undiagnosed. A timely diagnosis and treatment can often avoid years of unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or depression.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), this test assesses your sugar tolerance and can help diagnosing metabolic syndrome as well as borderline or clinical diabetes.

Hormones produced by glands, including the hypothalamus, the pituitary and thyroid gland, the pancreas; female ovaries play an important role in controlling the onset of menopause.

Dietary Assessment and Nutritional Advice

As part of every consultation we thoroughly assess your diet and nutritional profile. Nutritional advice and the use of a personalized menopausal supplement can lead to better health and ease the times of changes.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STD-Screening: performed as swab tests, blood tests and physical exam for Genital Warts, Herpes Virus, HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and others. STD’s often go undetected for years.

Blood Tests to ascertain: Liver-, Renal-function, Lipid Profile, Sugar Profile, Electrolytes, Vitamin D and B12, Iron Storage, Full Blood Count, Coeliac Disease, Baseline Allergies.

Cervical Smear Tests, Screening for normal and abnormal cells of the neck of the womb.

Breast check, a physical exam to assess breast tissue for lumps or abnormal findings.

Stool Tests for occult blood, a test to ascertain possible traces of blood in the stool.

Referrals to other clinics:

Bone Density Test: DEXA Scan, (performed externally) to investigate bone density problems.

Other referrals include: gastroscopy, colonoscopy, cardiovascular check up, mammograms etc.

Specific cancer screening prior to any menopause treatment is policy at the Personal Medical Clinic.

Thorough review, with an analysis and explanation of the performed tests and examination results. Discussion of treatment options, such as bio-identical hormone therapy or herbal remedies and information on contraception in peri-menopause.

Psychosexual Counselling, menopause is often a challenging time for relationships. Advise and professional help is offered.