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Location: Hillyfields Way, Winscombe. BS25 1AF

HRT and Menopause

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HRT and Menopause

HRT and Menopause

Winscombe and Banwell Family Practice are committed to providing the best possible treatment to our patients who may be experiencing symptoms of menopause.

We have supported our nurse to develop a special interest in menopause care, she is certificated by the British Menopause Society UK and deliver evidence based practice for our patients.

We have been providing support to patients through the development of a pathway for those seeking help with their peri/menopause symptoms.  Most women of 45 years of age and over do not typically need blood tests to diagnose menopause.  We know that your natural Oestrogen levels are depleting and that symptoms will emerge.  Symptoms are varied and we assess women on an individual basis based on their clinical presentation.  

Ongoing discussions with patients are crucial to consider the best care moving forward, which balance the patient’s needs with safe, evidence-based practice.  We pride ourselves in delivering an holistic approach within the framework of an NHS Service.  

We monitor our patients’ progress using the Menopause Symptom Checker tool which you can download and return to us.  We review patients at regular intervals once they have commenced hormone replacement therapy.  Lifestyle discussions around support to stop smoking, reducing and moderating alcohol use and diet and exercise are at the heart of the patient experience.  During the patient consultations we also review the uptake of NHS routine cervical screening and mammography screening.

Patients who contact us for help with any peri/menopause symptoms should be aware that this is quite an in-depth process to get the right treatment in place and it can sometimes take time for symptoms to settle.  There is a considerable amount of information for you to read about how we can help you.  It is really worth looking at the links below before you request an appointment so you understand the process.  This process is rarely a simple case of sending a prescription to the pharmacy, the treatment you receive will be a joint decision between you and the clinician.  

 

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Improved Access

We are working together with other local practices to offer patients access to more appointments in the early mornings, evenings and at weekends. To find out more about these services, please contact the practice.

Links, Forms and Resources

Menopause symptom Questionnaire
Please fill in this questionnaire and return it to the surgery when completed. Please note this is a document to completed not an on-line form. You can attach the completed form to an Ask My GP request

HRT risks and benefits (Women’s Health Concern is the public facing website of the British Menopause Society): https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-know-benefits-risks/

What is menopause: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/

Helpful links including POCASTs of HRT and menopause: https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/

Menopause tracking APP (‘The Balance App’): https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/resources/the-balance-app

Group A Streptococcus - Information for families and carers of children

You may have seen reports about a higher-than-usual level of Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections in children this year, and we understand if you are concerned.

GAS is a common bacteria – lots of people carry it without being unwell.

It can cause many common mild infections, including sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

The information below explains how it is spread, and what to look for when your child is unwell.

How is it spread?

GAS spreads by close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Which infections does GAS cause?

The bacteria usually causes a mild infection, producing sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.

What is invasive group A strep?

This is when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). These cases are very rare.

Symptoms of mild GAS infections

Symptoms of mild infections include: sore throat; fever; chills; muscle aches; and in cases of scarlet fever, a rash and a white coating on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps

When to contact us:

– If your child is not recovering after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection, and you are concerned they are becoming more unwell

– If your child is drinking much less (50% less) than normal

– If your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

– If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher

– If your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

– Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

– There are pauses when your child breathes

– Your child’s tongue or lips are blue, or their skin is mottled/pale

– Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

– Your child has a weak, continuous, or high-pitched cry

 

Click here to find out more about what symptoms to look out for and how to keep well