Menopause care. What you need, when you need it.
Menopause. ‘The Change’. It’s just hot flushes… right?
There’s been a lot more talk about menopause in recent years. Which is great. But we’ve still got a long way to go before it’s widely understood.
Because menopause isn’t just a couple of hot flushes and then you’re done. Perimenopause, the precursor to menopause, can go on for years – if not decades. And the symptoms can be surprising – ranging from the obvious (irregular periods) to the less obvious (mood swings, digestive issues and even tinnitus). It really can impact on your quality of life.
But even more importantly, the menopause can influence your long-term health. Dropping hormone levels have implications for bone health, cardiovascular health, mental health, and more.
The menopause really is a full body physiological change – not just the brain fog or hot flushes we might joke about.
But at The Lomond Clinic, we naturally take a holistic, full body approach to our clients’ treatments. Our different services and therapies are designed to work together. And our menopause care is a perfect example of how those integrated and complementary services combine to give us exactly what our bodies need.
Our menopause services are available individually, or as an integrated package of menopause care – and all appointments are here in Helensburgh, and provided by an all-female team.
Read on to see if you recognise any symptoms, or make an appointment to see how we can help.
Typical menopause and perimenopause symptoms, and what you can do about them.
Medical
Typical menopause symptoms can include changes to your cycle, mood swings flushes and brain fog. But the menopause can also cause things you might not initially recognise as being due to changing hormones – like anxiety, palpitations and headaches.
Whether you think you are in perimenopause or aren’t sure, we’d alway recommend you start with an appointment with our medical team. That way you know exactly what you’re dealing with, and the best way to approach it!
Dr Joyce Braaksma specialises in women’s health, menopause care and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Both Joyce and nurse Anna Blackshaw are available for private medical appointments, at a time that suits you. They’ll talk to you about what you’re going through, take blood tests to check, and can prescribe medication if needed. They’ll help you make a plan of action to get you feeling more like yourself again.
Typical symptoms
- Anxiety
- Low Mood
- Mood Swings
- Brain Fog
- Poor Memory
- Palpitations
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Changes to Periods
- Vaginal Symptoms
- Loss of Libido
Emotional
Remember the emotional rollercoaster of your teenage years? Welcome back. And that hormonal turmoil is even more fun if you’ve got teenagers in the house…
Fluctuating hormone levels can have a marked impact on your emotional health. Coupled with disturbed sleep, it’s a potent cocktail which can leave you struggling at work and doubting your own sanity. The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone, and there are things you can do to help.
Our mental health team is all-female, and they know what you’re going through. After you’ve spoken to Dr Joyce about what you’re experiencing, you might find counselling with Liz Grant or hypnotherapy sessions with Christine Roy useful.
Typical symptoms
- Anxiety
- Low Mood
- Crying Spells
- Loss of Confidence
- Loss of Joy
- Loss of Concentration
- Reduced Self Esteem
- Sleeping Difficulties
Physio
If you’re feeling aches and pains, it could be a sign that you’ve overdone it… or it could be menopause-related.
From aching joints and fatigue to headaches and restless legs, menopause can wreak havoc on your body. As Oestrogen levels fall, your joints and ligaments lose flexibility, muscles weaken, and inflammation increases.
Our specialised physiotherapy team at Lomond Clinic can help manage these symptoms. Zena Lindsay and Sakshi Duseja regularly get rave 5 star reviews, and are just the physios you need to give you back your strength and zest for life!
Typical symptoms
- Loss of Confidence
- Painful Aching Joints
- Tired
- Lacking Energy
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Restless Legs
- Tinnitus
- Postural Changes
- Strength Loss
Exercise
We all know there’s a direct correlation between physical activity and mood. But if you’re feeling tired, low and just not yourself it can be a challenge to put yourself out there.
As hormone levels shift during menopause, your body faces new challenges – from muscle loss (which starts from your 30s) and aching joints to changing body shape and posture. Many women also experience fatigue, reduced confidence, and lower self-esteem.
Exercise can help – your mood, your appearance, and also in strengthening your body for the long-term. But it might be that you need to adapt your current exercise programme – or maybe start one from scratch! Come in for a chat with Rachael Peddie Temple, our exercise specialist who is a qualified personal trainer and exercise referral trainer.
Typical symptoms
- Loss of Confidence
- Reduced Self Esteem
- Tired
- Lacking Energy
- Aching Joints
- Weight and Body Shape Changes
- Postural Changes
Nutritional
Menopause changes how your body processes nutrients and stores fat, which means your pre-menopause diet may no longer serve you well. Weight redistribution, mood swings, energy crashes, and new food sensitivities can all emerge.
Changes in your body like this can naturally influence the way you feel about yourself and impact on your confidence and self-esteem. But you might find those diets you used to use don’t work anymore – and depriving yourself is not what you should be doing at a time when you need to focus on retaining muscle and giving your body the nutrients it needs.
Rachael Peddie Temple is our nutrition specialist, and can help advise you on vitamins and minerals, weight management and symptom relief. so that you can get your energy and confidence back.
Typical symptoms
- Weight and Body Shape Changes
- Low Mood
- Loss of Confidence
- Reduced Self Esteem
- Tiredness
- Lacking Energy
- Headaches
- Digestive Issues
- Sensitivities
Skincare
Menopause dramatically transforms your skin as oestrogen levels decline, often leaving it drier, itchier, and – yes – more prone to lines and wrinkles. You might notice changes in skin tone and colour, sun damage, thinning hair, or unwelcome facial hair growth.
Frustratingly, as you and your body change, products that once worked wonders now fall flat. The face you see in the mirror every morning might not quite feel like you any more.
But at The Lomond Clinic, we have your secret weapon – Jill du Toit. Jill’s a skin care wonder, and her comprehensive skin analysis, specialist facials, effective anti-aging treatments, and tailored product recommendations will help restore your skin’s vitality, and your confidence.
Typical symptoms
- Loss of Confidence
- Reduced Self Esteem
- Dry Skin
- Itchy Skin
- Changes of Skin Tone
- Lines and Wrinkles
- Thinning Hair
- Excessive Facial Hair
Wellbeing
The emotional and mental toll of menopause – from anxiety and mood swings to brain fog and loss of joy – is just as challenging as the physical symptoms. And add to that the care-giving burden a lot of women might also be carrying at this age, caring for kids and parents, and juggling that with work and everything else. No wonder we’re exhausted.
Our holistic wellbeing therapies at Lomond Clinic address both mind and body. These alternative approaches, including massage, reflexology, reiki and iridology, can offer relief and comfort, restoring your energy and inner balance either on their own or in conjunction with conventional treatments. Our therapies are provided by Diane Wilkie, Jill du Toit and iridologist Carolyn Aitken.
Typical symptoms
- Anxiety
- Low Mood
- Mood Swings
- Brain Fog
- Loss of Joy
- Lacking Energy
- Aching Joints
- Flushing
- Increased Allergies
- Digestive Issues
- Tinnitus
TLC Menopause Clinic. We’ve got you.
If you’re experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, or think you might be, help is here. Our menopause care services are available as stand-alone treatments, or as a joined-up package of care, including private GP and nurse appointments, physiotherapy, counselling, personal training, nutritional advice, skincare treatments, hypnotherapy, massage and holistic and alternative therapies.
The Lomond Clinic menopause team is all women, so you can feel completely at ease. And we’re an empathetic ear, because we know what you’re going through.
We know you’re probably juggling work and life commitments, so appointments are available at a time that suits you – here in Helensburgh, so you don’t have to travel.
The Lomond Clinic is a private health and wellness clinic in Helensburgh, and we have a specialisation in women’s health menopause and menopause care. Treat your menopause your way, with our specialist medical, physio and holistic care team, and appointment times to suit you.
Join our mailing list
We are a well-established multi-disciplinary health clinic on the seafront of Helensburgh. Join our mailing list to get all the latest news and updates directly to your inbox!