Author Archives: fiona clark

What does Vitamin D help with?

| September 28, 2023

Vitamin D- what does it do and could it help your menopause symptoms?   One thing many people don’t know about Vitamin D, otherwise known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is that it’s actually a hormone. And it’s an important one when it comes bone health and preventing common menopause symptoms like joint and muscle pain. Its real name is calcitriol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. This is the active form of vitamin D, normally made in the kidney but we need sunshine to make it.  It binds to and activates the vitamin D receptor in our cells and helps us control the concentration…

Over 55’s survey snapshot 1

| September 26, 2023

If you think menopause symptoms stop after 55, think again! Here’s a snapshot of the first results of the reproductive health and menopause survey for those age 55 or over.   Once you’ve ‘gone through” menopause there seems to be a persistent perception that menopause symptoms fade away in the first few years after your periods stop and life goes blissfully on. That may be the case for some people but it’s not always everyone’s reality. Some symptoms seem to persist and they can cause a significant amount of physical and mental pain. Studies have shown that some people continue…

Magnesium stress and sleep

| September 19, 2023

Could Magnesium supplements help with stress and anxiety? Poor sleep and anxiety and extremely common in perimenopause and post menopause. Often magnesium is recommended for both conditions, but does it work? When it comes to sleep here are some of the claims made and some of the evidence regarding it’s ability to improve sleep quality or duration: Improvements to sleep quality, duration and ability to fall asleep: Research suggests that magnesium supplementation could lead to better sleep quality. A study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences in 2012 found that magnesium supplementation improved subjective assessments on ability…

ashwagandha menopause supplement

| September 18, 2023

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is fast becoming one of the most popular ingredients in wellness supplements, especially when it comes to perimenopause/menopause. It’s said to help in reducing stress and anxiety as well as improving brain function, among other things – but do the claims stack up? Ashwagandha, or Indian Gensing, is an herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is what’s said to be an adaptogen – a natural substance that is believed to help the body adapt to stress and maintain a state of balance, or homeostasis. While it is generally considered safe for most people…

over 55’s menopause survey

| September 9, 2023

If you would like to share your experience of peri/menopause after the age of 55, please fill in the following survey. You do not have to provide any identifying data, but if you do provide your email it will not be shared and the data you provide will not be linked in any way to you.        

which non-hormonal treatments work for hot flushes

| July 31, 2023

What works for treating hot flushes and night sweats apart from HRT? The North American Menopause Society’s 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement has the answers. When it comes to treating vasomotor symptoms, we need to know what works. We know hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does work, but if you can’t or don’t want to take that for your hot flushes or night sweats, what are your options? The North American Menopause Society recently updated its 2015 advice on what works and what doesn’t and the 2023 version has some changes from it’s 2015 predecessor. You can access it here. To…

Menopause symptom check list

| May 1, 2023

Your downloadable Menopause Symptoms Check List! If you’re planning on speaking to your GP about starting HRT or other treatment options to help manage your perimenopause or post menopause symptoms, print and fill in this symptom checker. It will help you workout how your symptoms are affecting you and it will save time in your consultation – and you can always track how your symptoms are responding by filling it in again in a few month’s time! Menopause symptoms check list – click here to download your copy. And take a look at this article featuring Dr Carys Sonnenberg who…

How to reduce your risk of breast cancer

| March 15, 2023

One third of breast cancers could be prevented through changes in lifestyle. So, what do you need to do to reduce your risk?   Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK according to Breast Cancer Now.  The greatest risk factors are being a woman and aging – and there’s not much you can do about those, but there are a number of things you do have control over that could significantly reduce your risk. In fact, according to Dawn Mussallem, a lifestyle medicine specialist, breast specialist and  Mayo Clinic consultant in…

What to look for in a vaginal moisturiser or lube.

| March 8, 2023

Do you know what to look for in a vaginal moisturiser or lube? Could some products do more harm than good? Find out what the science says.   Women’s intimate health is a big market – in fact by 2030 it’s expected to be worth a massive US$38bn. So it’s no wonder there are more and more products coming onto the market that claim to moisturise vaginal tissue or be great in bed.  But, when you’re cruising your supermarket or social media feed looking to buy, how do you know which products are good and which could do you harm?…

Menopause – the messy bits

| December 12, 2022

From flash flood bleeding to fibroids and polyps – menopause can be messy. Dr Carys Sonnenberg explains what’s going on.   We women go through a lot around menopause and our hormones play a big role in quite a few of them. Our periods can change. They can become lighter, heavier, closer together or further apart – of a combination of all of these. Beyond the irregular bleeding there can be flash floods of heavy bleeding or even unexplained bleeding. Then there are conditions like Endometriosis, or adenomyosis that can cause heavy bleeding and pain. and that’s not all, there…

The Gender Pain Gap – Can We Close It?

| November 17, 2022

The gender (and racial) pain gap – it’s not new, but can we close it?  (Warning – skip the first few paragraphs if you have a weak stomach!)   In 1808 a physician called John Rutter gave a talk to colleagues in Liverpool about a case of Hysteralgia – or hysterical pain. The woman he was describing was known as J.S. She died in pain at the age of 78 and, at her request, an autopsy was performed. Rutter outlined her medical history as best he could. He described letters she’d written to her previous doctors since her mid 20’s…

Can Profhilo help menopausal skin?

| October 18, 2022

Can skin booster treatments like Profhilo help dry, thin menopausal skin? As we age – especially as we approach menopause our skin changes. It can become thinner – almost crepe-like, dry and even itchy. So what can help? According to the doctors at skin clinic Thérapie, skin boosters – like Profhilo can make a significant difference. Its main ingredient is Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a known skin hydrant. When we think of hyaluronic acid we usually think of fillers, but Profhilo is different – it is injected under the skin where it ‘flows’ to provide moisture to dry and…

Hitchhikers guide to skincare in your 40’s and beyond

| September 28, 2022

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Skincare in Your 40s: Discover how your skin changes & what can help.   We’re often made to feel that the older we get, the less content with our physical appearance we should be. But in reality, there are so many simple ways to feel beautiful, no matter what your age—and great skincare is one of them. But navigating the complicated world of skincare as you age can be challenging, especially if it’s not your area of expertise. If you need a little guidance on how to look great at 40 and beyond, we can help.…

Sex during menopause – are you talking about it?

| September 23, 2022

Sex during menopause- Are you talking about sex to your doctor? If not, you should because they can really help – but you may have to make the first move. You might have a great relationship with your doctor but you might be too embarrassed to talk about problems you’re having when it comes to sex – and, your doctor might be too. As we know, sex can become an issue around the time of menopause. Vaginal dryness can make it painful or your libido may have taken a nose dive. Sheryl Kingsburg, a clinical psychologist in the Obstetrics &…

Can diet affect your thrush

| August 13, 2022

Thrush: Can your diet make a difference? It may not be a pleasant thought but your body, inside and out, is literally teeming with billions of microorganisms – some good, some not so good. Some are bacteria and some are fungi. While they are in balance, there’s no issue, but when they get out of balance they can cause irritating conditions like thrush. Thrush can occur in a number of places including your mouth and vagina – and when it’s down there it can be very irritating indeed. Candida albicans is the fungus behind thrush. According to the Centers for…

make the most of your menopause appointment

| August 13, 2022

How to make the most of your GP appointment if you want to discuss menopause?   You’ve only got ten minutes, so how do you make the most of it if you want to talk to your doctor about menopause? This is a question that’s kept Dr Carys Sonnenberg awake for many nights  – tossing and turning over how she can help her patients make the most of a short consultation so they can get the right treatment plan for them as fast as possible – and she’s come up with a plan. Dr Sonnenberg says if you think your…

The overactive bladder explained

| March 11, 2022

Running to the toilet more than 7 times a day? Feel the need that you have to go right now? Find out why and what you can do about it.   Most of the time we don’t pay much attention to our bladder – it just does what it does – emptying a few times a day to rid the body of waste products it doesn’t need – but – when it goes wrong, we notice! One common problem many women face, especially as oestrogen levels drop, is a feeling that they have to keep racing to the loo far…

What your skin really needs with Dr Johanna Ward

| June 18, 2021

Confused about what you need in you skincare regime? Dr Johanna Ward has the answers.   With so many brands and so much conflicting advice on what you ‘must have’ in a skin care regime it’s not surprising people are confused about what they should be doing to keep their skin in good health. Fortunately Dr Johanna Ward, a self-confessed skin care ‘geek’, GP, cosmetic doctor and founder of the skin care brand ZENii, is here to help. She has two main messages when it comes to skin care: keep it simple nourish your skin from the inside as well…

The brain, menopause and HRT- what do we know?

| June 16, 2021

Menopause and the mind: experts explain what’s going on, if HRT relieves symptoms & if it could prevent dementia. How many times have you walked into the kitchen and found yourself wondering what you came in for, or struggled to find words only to end up saying: “you know, the thing-a-me-jig that what’s-his-name uses’? If you’re approaching menopause or are already on the other side (post menopausal), these may be frequent and distressing occurrences. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the menopausal brain. We often find concentrating is difficult and may feel we can…

template MP letter

| June 4, 2021

Below is a template draft that you are welcome to adapt to include your own experiences and send to your local MP. Don’t forget to put your full name and address with post code on it so your MP knows you are one of their constituents. You can find contact details for your MP by searching here: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons Feel free to use the template below, cut and paste  or take inspiration from – as you see fit in your letter to your MP. Dear XXXX I’m contacting you about the upcoming Westminster Hall Private Members Bill initiated by Carolyn Harris …

Menopause, HRT and Breast Cancer

| May 27, 2021

Consultant Gynaecologist Professor Isaac Manyonda answers some frequently asked questions on menopause, HRT and breast cancer. Q: Is HRT safe? A: “There’s no doubt that the one thing what worries women when it comes to HRT is the Big C, breast cancer. When it comes to the WHI studies which were published in 2002-3, the main focus was on breast cancer and sadly there was a lot of confusion about it. “If you take 1000 women and follow them up for 5 years, 23 who are not taking HRT will get breast cancer, so it’s quite common. But if you…

HRT and Breast Cancer: what you need to know

| May 13, 2021

The mere mention of HRT can spark fears of breast cancer, but should it? Breast surgeon Professor Zoe Winters and Consultant Gynacologist Jeannie Yoon set the record straight.   Navigating the Menopause can be a huge challenge for many women. It can be a strange and isolating time for some as despite being well informed, there remains a taboo about acknowledging it and discussing it openly.  Approximately 95% of women will go through the Menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years with an average age of 51 years. The symptoms can range from minor to debilitating and include…

Progesterone -what you need to know about this hormone and menopause

| April 30, 2021

Confused about how to use progesterone or you don’t tolerate it well? Dr Juliet Balfour explains your options. If you have a uterus you need progesterone as part of your HRT. It is vital for controlling the thickness of the endometrium or lining of the womb. By stopping it from becoming too thick it reduces our risk of endometrial or womb cancer. Dr Juliet Balfour, a menopause GP from Somerset says progesterone is produced by our ovaries and in our fertile years its job is to prepare the womb for pregnancy. If we don’t get pregnant the levels drop and…

The age of invisibility

| April 13, 2021

It’s said we disappear as we age. Writer Jane Chelliah examines some of the reasons why and what we can do about it. The invisibility of being an older woman is something I am fighting against. I have reached that stage in life to my horror. My voice has become louder, and I keep thinking ‘mutton’ when I choose new outfits. I am reluctant to say ‘I have reached that ‘age’ because the cloak of invisibility is not always age oriented. I would opine that it is more a subjective experience which can strike women in ‘midlife’, defined as women…

Prolapses and the pelvic floor

| March 2, 2021

What is a prolapse and why do they happen. A prolapse occurs when one or more of the organs in the pelvis shift from from their normal position and push on the walls of the vagina, or in the case of the uterus, bulge into into. There are four main types which involve the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina. A prolapse can cause pain and discomfort but it is not life threatening. In many cases symptoms can be improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes, but in some cases medical treatment may be required. What are…

How physio can help your pelvic floor

| March 1, 2021

From prolapses to peeing when we sneeze – find out how the right advice from a physiotherapist could change your life. ‘Are you doing your Kegel exercises?’ It’s a question we often hear when it comes to problems with the waterworks, but is it the right question? Women’s health physiotherapist Fiona Mitchell has been working with women (and men) with pelvic floor concerns for many years and she says there is no ‘one size fits all’ to improving its function. And, we shouldn’t be looking at it in isolation – it is affected by stress, trauma, muscle imbalances and tension…

How menopause affects your skin, hair and nails

| September 28, 2020

How does menopause affect your skin, hair and nails? Dr Naomi Potter explains what it does and what can help. Menopause is so much more than hot flushes and night sweats. There are more than 40 symptoms that signal declining oestrogen levels, and many affect our skin, hair and nails. As skin is the body’s largest organ it plays an important role in keeping us healthy, so it’s vital that we keep it in good condition. Here Harley Street Emporium’s Dr Naomi Potter, a London-based GP with a special interest in menopause, runs through some of the common skin symptoms she…

Hair loss and what can be done to stop it

| September 4, 2020

Greg Williams, plastic surgeon and hair transplant surgeon talks about the impact of hair loss and what you can do about it. Hair loss occurs for a variety of reason and for both men and women it can have a huge psychological impact, and for many people their distress levels have risen with lockdown and the rise in zoom-style meetings where you are looking at yourself for extended periods. Dr Greg Williams says it isn’t always easy to get the right advice on what to do about hair loss. It’s a complicated are and there are  multiple types of hair…

Maskne – how to prevent acne from wearing a mask

| August 21, 2020

‘Maskne’ – acne from wearing a mask. How to prevent it and what to do if it flares up. Mandatory mask wearing in shops and public transport is taking its toll on many people’s skin. A quick poll by Harley Street Emporium found 48% of people said they were experiencing outbreaks and flare ups of their acne as  a result of wearing a mask. the humidity and sweat can build up and block the pores, leading to outbreaks or what’s now commonly called ‘maskne’. So, how can you prevent it? According to Dr Unnati Desai, a GP with a diploma…

The M Diet by Dietitian Nigel Denby

| August 18, 2020

Dietitian Nigel Denby unveils his evidence-based diet for menopausal women – the M Diet. Most people relax in the bath on a lazy Sunday afternoon, but recently dietitian Nigel Denby found himself growing ever more angry as he scrolled through the seemingly endless diet advice being given to menopausal women on social media. From his frustration his new menopause diet was born. “Menopausal women have had so much crap information thrown at them and I thought I’m not going to have this anymore. I’m going to take the evidence-based approach I know and have developed over 25 years, and I…

What to do when your GP says ‘No’ to HRT

| August 13, 2020

Women are often given a range of reasons why they can’t have HRT, but are they correct? Dr Naomi Potter sets the record straight.   ‘Too old’, ‘too young’, ‘you have migraines’, ‘you’ve had a clot’ – these are just some of the reason women are given by their doctor as justification for not prescribing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopause symptoms. Many women may sail through menopause with barely a symptom, but for others they can be debilitating. Yet, 44% of respondents to a poll by Harley Street Emporium said they had been turned away when they had…

Menopause and Mental Health – The Forgotten Symptoms

| July 29, 2020

Menopause’s hidden symptoms – anxiety, depression, brain fog and a low sex drive affect more women than hot flushes. When you think of menopause symptoms the first things that usually come to mind are red-faced women, drenched in sweat as they suffer yet another hot flush or night sweat, but a recent survey shows that mood, mental health and brain function symptoms could be affecting more women than these vasomotor symptoms. Some 60% of respondents to a survey of 100 perimenopausal and post menopausal women conducted by Harley Street Emporium said hot flushes and night sweats were an issue for…

18 years after the WHI study whats to celebrate

| July 9, 2020

Happy 18th! The WHI study on HRT has come of age. But should we be celebrating? Some doctors argue the effects of this study have cost a generation of women their long term health.   You may remember waking up 18 years ago to headlines emblazoned across newspapers proclaiming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased the risk of developing breast cancer. If you were about to take your morning dose, you could easily be forgiven for spitting it out and then flushing it and the rest of the packet down the loo. And you wouldn’t have been alone. The story was…

Erectile dysfunction, penis size and the p-shot

| July 3, 2020

From Erectile Dysfunction to increasing penis size, Dr Shirin Lakhani discusses treatment options Most men don’t like talking about problems with their genitalia – but erectile dysfunction is a common concern. It’s estimated that it will affect every second man at some stage in their life and the incidence increases with age. Dr Shirin Lakhani is the first woman in the UK to have been trained in performing the P-Shot  and here she runs through a series of men’s health concerns that it could help with including erectile dysfunction, lichen sclerosus, Peyronie’s Disease and issues with size. You can see…

weight loss, menopause, irritable bowels with Nigel Denby

| June 30, 2020

Menopause, Weight Loss and Irritable Bowels – Dietitian Nigel Denby gives his top tips on what can help Menopause can seem like purgatory. Not only do your moods swing but your waistline thickens and then – just to add insult to injury – your bowels turn on you too. What had once been a well functioning internal system suddenly seems hell bent on bloating and releasing gas at the most inopportune times. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are things that can help. Dietitian and author, Nigel Denby, explains. Let’s start with the weight gain and thickening…

Me and My Menopausal Vagina – Jane Lewis on Vaginal Atrophy

| June 25, 2020

Can’t walk, can’t sit, can’t have sex – welcome to the debilitating world of vaginal atrophy. Author Jane Lewis knows it well and explains what it is and how you can get through it. Our Vaginas go through a lot – childbirth, periods, infections… but with menopause you’d finally start to think they were going to get a break – but hell no! In the lead up to menopause (when our periods finish), and beyond it, our oestrogen levels decline and our vaginas start to ‘atrophy’. What that means is the vagina shortens and the walls become thinner and less…

HRT – from bones to your brain – what can it help

| June 23, 2020

Menopause, bones and sex – how HRT could help. Dr Sarah Ball explains.   Dr Sarah Ball is a GP with a special interest in Menopause who works with Newson Health. Here she explains how HRT could benefit women in a myriad of different ways. You can see the original interview here. Brittle bones Bone density and the risk of scanning? After menopause our bone density decreases. This puts us at an increased risk of fractures which can in turn lead to decreased mobility and independence and a decline in health. A scan, known as a DEXA scan, can determine…

HRT – it’s your choice

| June 23, 2020

Often women are told they can’t have HRT. Dr Sarah Ball, a GP with a special interest in menopause, explains why it should ultimately be a woman’s choice. Woman are often told by their doctor that when they reached 60 they can no longer have HRT, or that they’re too young to start taking it in their 40’s. Women who’ve had breast cancer are told they can’t ever have it – but is this always the best information? Dr Sarah Ball argues that women should be given all the facts so they can make their own decisions about whether they…