What is menopause and perimenopause?

Menopause is the point at which periods permanently stop, confirmed after 12 months without a menstrual period. Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms often begin. At SAHA, we support women through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, using NICE-aligned clinical assessments delivered in person or remotely.

What symptoms can menopause cause?

Symptoms vary from person to person and may include: Hot flushes and night sweats Sleep disturbance and fatigue Brain fog and difficulty concentrating Mood changes, anxiety or low mood Weight gain and metabolic changes Vaginal dryness or bladder symptoms You don’t need to have all symptoms for menopause or perimenopause to be affecting you.

Do I need blood tests to diagnose menopause?

For most women over 45, blood tests are not routinely required, and diagnosis is based on symptoms and menstrual history. Where blood tests are clinically helpful (for example in younger women or where the diagnosis is unclear), SAHA can arrange: At-home blood test kits sent to you Or in-clinic blood testing Results reviewed by a clinician, followed by a video or in-person consultation

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

HRT replaces hormones that decline during menopause, usually oestrogen, and progesterone if you still have a uterus. It is the most effective treatment for hot flushes, night sweats, and urogenital symptoms, and may also support bone and long-term health when used appropriately.. At SAHA, HRT is prescribed only where clinically appropriate and reviewed regularly.

For many women under 60, or within 10 years of menopause, evidence shows that the benefits of HRT often outweigh the risks. Safety depends on: Your health history Type and dose of HRT Route of administration (patch, gel, spray, tablet) This is assessed during your consultation.

What types of HRT are available?

Depending on your needs, options may include: Transdermal HRT (patches, gels, sprays) Oral tablets Local vaginal oestrogen for vaginal or bladder symptoms If you have a uterus, progesterone is included for womb protection. The most suitable option depends on your symptoms, medical history, and personal risk factors.

What if I can’t take HRT?

If HRT isn’t suitable or you prefer not to use it, we may discuss: Lifestyle measures Psychological support (such as CBT) NICE-recommended non-hormonal medicines Local treatments for vaginal or urinary symptoms We’ll guide you through appropriate options.

Can my treatment be adjusted if I’m already on HRT?

Yes. Many women come to us already on HRT but still symptomatic or experiencing side effects. We regularly review and adjust: Dose Formulation Route of administration This can be done remotely or in person

What happens if I have abnormal or unexpected bleeding?

Any unexpected bleeding, particularly after menopause, requires assessment. We provide clear guidance on: When this can be monitored When treatment should be adjusted When referral back to your GP or urgent care is needed Patient safety is always prioritised.

Can menopause affect mental health?

Yes. Hormonal changes can affect mood, anxiety, sleep, and concentration. Some women are treated for anxiety or low mood when hormonal changes are contributing. A menopause-aware assessment can help clarify this.

Who provides care at SAHA?

Care is provided by UK-registered pharmacist prescribers, working within: GPhC professional standards NICE guidance NHS-aligned clinical governance Your care is clinician-led, not automated. pharmacist prescribers with additional training in women’s health and menopause care.

Can I be seen remotely, or do I need to attend in person?

Both options are available. You can choose: Video consultation from home In-person consultation at: NHL Pharmacy, Preston (PR1 4ST) Buckshaw Pharmacy, Chorley (PR7 7AR) The same clinical standards apply whichever option you choose

How do I receive my medication?

If treatment is prescribed, you can choose: Discreet home delivery In-pharmacy collection with a private handover at: NHL Pharmacy, Preston Buckshaw Pharmacy, Chorley All dispensing is handled safely and confidentially.

Can SAHA share information with my GP?

With your consent, we can share: Consultation summaries Treatment updates Escalation information where required This supports continuity of care alongside your GP.

How do I get started?

You can begin with a free online symptom assessment. If appropriate, this is followed by a clinical consultation — either online or in person — to explore suitable support options with our clinical team.

Women's Health Service

Support Through Menopause and HRT

Personalised, pharmacist-led menopause care aligned with NICE and NHS guidance. We support women through perimenopause and menopause with clear explanations, thoughtful assessment, and ongoing clinical review so you’re never left guessing or managing symptoms alone.

NICE-aligned menopause assessment and guidance
Ongoing monitoring, safety-netting, and clinical oversight
Hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options explained clearly

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Menopause & HRT

These tools help you reflect on symptoms, understand changes over time, and prepare for a meaningful clinical conversation. They support shared decision-making alongside pharmacist-led assessment and ongoing review.

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Healthy Weight Support During Menopause

Weight changes are common during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal shifts, age-related changes in body composition, and lifestyle factors. These tools support healthy, sustainable weight management as part of menopause care, alongside lifestyle guidance and HRT where clinically appropriate. They are not a substitute for personalised clinical assessment.

BMI and Waist Awareness

BMI can be a helpful starting point when looking at weight, but it does not account for muscle mass, fat distribution, or hormonal changes. Waist measurement may provide additional insight into central weight gain during menopause. Results are always interpreted by your clinician alongside symptoms, medical history, and individual risk factors.

Height

Enter height in feet (e.g., 5'7" = 5.6 feet, 6'0" = 6.0 feet)

Weight

What to Expect Over Time

Menopause-related weight management is usually gradual. Early improvements are often seen in daily habits, energy, and symptom control, with body composition changes developing over time. If you are starting or adjusting HRT, symptom response varies between individuals, and weight loss is not guaranteed.

See if treatment is right for me

Your BMI

Underweight:< 18.5

Healthy Weight:18.5 - 24.9

Overweight:25 - 29.9

Obesity:> 30

Weeks 1 to 2•Baseline and awareness

Record baseline measures such as weight trend, waist measurement, sleep pattern, activity level, and typical meals. Begin one or two supportive changes, such as regular meals with adequate protein, gentle daily movement, or a consistent sleep routine.

Weeks 3 to 4•Building consistency

Focus on regular meals with sufficient protein and fibre to support energy and reduce cravings. Introduce light strength or resistance-based movement twice weekly to support muscle and bone health. Monitor changes in symptoms such as hot flushes, mood, and sleep quality.

Weeks 5 to 8•Supporting body composition

With consistent routines, you may notice changes in strength, energy, and how clothes fit, even if weight changes are modest. If menopause symptoms remain disruptive, discuss treatment options, including HRT suitability, with your clinician.

Weeks 9 to 12•Review and adapt

Refine routines based on what feels sustainable. Maintain strength-based movement, daily activity, and sleep habits. Progress is reviewed with your clinician, considering symptom control, safety, and long-term wellbeing.

If you experience rapid or unexplained weight change, new severe symptoms, or concerns such as heavy bleeding, chest pain, or breathlessness, seek urgent medical advice. For most people, steady lifestyle changes alongside symptom-appropriate menopause care provide the safest and most sustainable approach. Changes in weight and body composition during menopause vary significantly, and some individuals may experience improved symptoms without measurable weight loss.

Supporting menopause care beyond medication

Lifestyle support is not a replacement for clinical care, but an important part of managing menopause symptoms. At SAHA, lifestyle guidance sits alongside careful assessment, prescribing where appropriate, and ongoing review, helping support long-term wellbeing as your needs change.