Your Complete Guide – Jaydev Varsani – Clinical Prescribing Pharmacist

Menopause is a natural life stage for every woman, but it can bring with it a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. At Murrays Chemist in Harrow, we offer private menopause consultations, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring — providing safe, effective, and tailored support.

Our clinical lead has been trained by the renowned Marion Gluck HRT Clinic, allowing us to prescribe and manage a range of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) options, including testosterone for women when appropriate. From your first consultation to repeat prescriptions, we are here to guide you through your journey.

Understanding the Menopause Stages

Menopause is not a single event — it happens in stages:

• Perimenopause – The years leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, and mood changes may begin.

• Menopause – Officially diagnosed when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The average age in the UK is around 51.

• Post-menopause – The stage after menopause, when oestrogen levels remain low, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and other long-term health issues.

Recognising which stage you are in helps us select the most suitable treatment approach.

How Hormones Change During Menopause — and What That Means for You

Menopause is driven by changes in four key reproductive hormones: Oestrogen, Progesterone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinising Hormone (LH).

Oestrogen – The multi-tasker

• Normal years: Rises in the first half of your cycle, supporting egg maturation, bone strength, skin health, and mood.

• Perimenopause: Levels swing between high and low, causing irregular cycles, breast tenderness, and mood shifts.

• Menopause: Drops sharply and stays low, leading to hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, skin changes, and bone loss.

• Post-menopause: Remains low long-term, raising the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urogenital symptoms.

Progesterone – The balancer

• Normal years: Rises after ovulation to stabilise the womb lining and aid sleep and mood.

• Perimenopause: Declines as ovulation becomes irregular, leading to heavier bleeding, bloating, anxiety, and poor sleep.

• Menopause & beyond: Remains low; women with a womb need progesterone in HRT to prevent endometrial thickening.

FSH – The signal

• Normal years: Stimulates egg maturation early in the cycle, then falls once oestrogen rises.

• Perimenopause: Rises higher as ovaries respond less, contributing to irregular cycles.

• Menopause: Stays high permanently due to ovarian inactivity.
  Linked symptoms: Hot flushes, irregular or absent periods, reduced fertility.

LH – The trigger

• Normal years: Peaks mid-cycle to release an egg.

• Perimenopause: Surges become irregular, causing missed ovulation and sometimes hormonal migraines.

• Menopause: Remains high without triggering ovulation; linked to persistent hot flushes.

Hormone Changes and Symptoms by Stage

Common Menopause Symptoms

Menopause can affect women differently, and symptoms may vary in intensity. Common issues include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

• Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood

• Reduced sexual desire and vaginal dryness

• Weight gain or bloating

• Memory problems and “brain fog”

• Joint stiffness and muscle aches

• Changes in skin and hair health

These changes can impact confidence, relationships, and work life — but you do not have to simply put up with them.

How HRT Can Help

HRT replaces the hormones that naturally decline during menopause. It can be prescribed as tablets, patches, gels, or creams, depending on your preferences and health needs.

Benefits of HRT include:

• Reduced hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings

• Better sleep and increased energy

• Stronger bones, reduced osteoporosis risk

• Improved heart health when started within 10 years of menopause

• Healthier skin and vaginal tissue

• Support for sexual desire and intimacy

In certain cases, testosterone can be prescribed for women to help with low libido, energy, and motivation.

Risks of HRT

While HRT is safe for most women, potential risks will be discussed in detail during your consultation. These can include:

• Slightly increased breast cancer risk with combined oestrogen and progesterone

• Endometrial thickening if oestrogen is given without progesterone in women with a womb

• Small changes in blood clotting risk depending on the type and route of HRT

At Murrays Chemist, we tailor treatment based on your personal health history to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Why Choose Murrays Chemist Harrow for Menopause Support?

• Specialist training from the Marion Gluck HRT Clinic

• Discreet, local, and personalised care

• From initial diagnosis to ongoing monitoring

• Wide choice of HRT options, including testosterone for women

• Flexible appointment times

Frequently Asked Questions About HRT and Menopause

Do I need a blood test before starting HRT?
Not always, but blood tests can help, especially in early menopause or if considering testosterone.

How long does it take for HRT to work?
Most women notice changes within weeks, but full benefit can take 3–6 months.

Can I take HRT if I’m still having periods?
Yes — HRT can be prescribed during perimenopause to ease symptoms.

Is testosterone only for men?
No — in low doses, it can safely help women with certain menopausal symptoms.

Take Control of Your Menopause Journey
If you live in Harrow or the surrounding areas and want private, expert menopause care, contact Murrays Chemist today.

Call 0208 907 0413 or book your consultation online.