Tips for Managing the Peri-Menopause and Menopause

By popular demand we are delighted to share this talk about managing peri-menopausal symptoms in general practice! Dr Jacquelyn Gatenby joins us to discuss her approach; starting with common symptoms, alternatives to HRT,  who she feels we should be offering HRT to, and the pros and cons of HRT. We talk about the contraindications, her process for deciding which type of HRT to give, and where testosterone and contraception fit in.

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• Discussion of the history of studies around the safety of hormone replacement therapy: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-the-history/

• The British Menopause Society: https://thebms.org.uk/

• The British Menopause Society Breast Cancer Risks factsheet, Nov 2020 (includes the 2019 Collaborative Group for Hormonal Risk Factors and 2020 long term follow-up of the placebo-controlled, randomised Women’s Health Initiative studies): https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/12-BMS-TfC-Fast-Facts-HRT-and-Breast-Cancer-Risk-01C.pdf

• My Menopause Doctor, resource by Dr Louise Newson (includes link to download the Balance app): https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/

• NICE Guidelines: Menopause Diagnosis and Management:  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

• FSRH Clinical Guidelines: Contraception for Women Aged over 40 Years (Aug 2017, amended Sept 2019): https://www.fsrh.org/documents/fsrh-guidance-contraception-for-women-aged-over-40-years-2017/

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This podcast has been made with the support of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, GP Excellence and Wigan CCG. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

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