Here at the Greystones Medical Centre, we provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the management of Perimenopause and Menopause.

Menopause Checkup Clinics include a 30 minute consultation with one of our Midwifes followed a week later by a 30 minute consultation with one of our female Doctors. The cost of the clinic covering both consultations is €190 payable at time of booking. The clinics are also open to doctor visit card and medical card holders with only a blood test fee payable.

Additional tests for private and medical card holders outside of the below exams may incur an additional fee e.g. 24 hour blood pressure monitor.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to a woman’s final period. It covers the transition from reproductive age through to menopause. It begins with the start of menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularities and ends 12 months after the last menstrual period. The typical age of onset is from 45 years onwards but some women experience symptoms earlier.

Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation. This is known in retrospect 1 year after the event. The average age of menopause is 51 years old. Early menopause is defined as menopause between the ages of 40 – 45 yeas old and occurs in 5% of women.

Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause

  • Hot flushes, night sweats
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Joint pain, muscle pain, stiffness
  • Mood changes, anxiety, low mood
  • Fatigue
  • Palpitations
  • Headaches
  • Dry skin, dry eyes

What to expect at the Midwife consultation

Your first visit will involve taking your history including:

  • Menstrual and gynaecological history
  • Symptom and contraceptive history
  • A menopause symptom score sheet will be given to you to complete (if not already completed prior to your consultation)
  • Predisposition to cardiac disease, cancer or osteoporosis

Blood test taken for a routine general check up including:

  • Full blood count
  • Thyroid function
  • Blood sugars
  • Kidney, liver & bone profile

Physical examination:

  • Blood pressure
  • Height
  • Weight

Our Midwives will give preliminary advice on managing your symptoms as well as appropriate resources where you can access evidence based information.

What to expect at the Doctor consultation

At your follow up visit we will discuss your symptoms and look at your medical history, gynaecological history and family history so that we can make an appropriate plan of management for each individual woman.
Some women may require further investigation if they are experiencing irregular bleeding, and a gynaecological follow up may be needed.
Identification of women at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis will be covered. The Doctor will give you advice on helpful lifestyle interventions.
Physical examination:

  • A breast and pelvic exam maybe carried out

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) will be discussed including the different types available and consideration given if HRT is the best option in each individual case. Not everyone requires HRT and some women may decide to defer the decision having gone through this process. A joint, informed decision can be made between each woman and their Doctor having gone through the thorough medical history and physical examination.

Useful Links & Resources

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Women's Health Concern

Help and Advice section has helpful menopause Factsheets
Visit website >

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Menopause Matters

Magazine-style, good quality information on many aspects of the menopause
Visit Website >

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Breast Cancer

Helping you to understand your risk of breast cancer
Visit website >

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis information
Visit website >

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Calcium Calculator

How to calculate your daily Calcium intake
Visit website >

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Irish Heart Foundation

Visit website >

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Irish Cancer Society

How to check your breasts
Visit website >

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Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute

Visit website >

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Safe Ireland (Domestic Abuse)

Everyone has the right to live free from violence and abuse
Visit website >

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Sexualwellbeing.ie

Contraceptive choices, sexually transmitted infections, free home STI kits, unplanned pregnancy information
Visit website >

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HSE Your Sexual Health

Resources and information
Visit website >

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ICGP - Menopause

Visit website >

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Patient Information

Visit website >

Online Prescription

You can now order your repeat prescription online and collect from your local pharmacy

Mill Road

Greystones, Co. Wicklow