Teresa Neville* | Menopause Management
Teresa Neville’s* periods stopped at the age of 48, but it was only when her husband noticed a change in her mood, which is a common early symptom of menopause, that she began to seek support.
She initially saw her local GP but was disappointed with the lack of individualised care when the GPs only advice was related to vaginal dryness, a menopause symptom that Teresa didn’t even have.
Any thought about menopause was sidelined due to Teresa requiring a hysterectomy. Two years later she sought treatment for a vaginal prolapse.
Teresa, 64, explained: “I felt like a shell of a woman. I started to have hot sweats that I put down to working in a demanding job.
“It gets to the point where you feel so low you have to do something.”
Teresa had heard about The McIndoe Centre through her work, so decided to research if the hospital could treat her menopause. It was here she discovered Dr Emma Sloan, GP and Women’s Health Specialist, and booked a consultation online for the Menopause Management service.
She said: “Dr Sloan sounded like just the person I needed to talk to. She was delightful and listened to everything I told her. When I read her patient letter which was sent to me and my GP, she hadn’t missed a single thing. That’s quite something.
“You are looked at as an individual case. She made me feel like my life wasn’t over and that I was someone worth bothering about.
“Dr Sloan was the only medical professional who asked me about lack of libido and again made me feel it was not something dreadful.”
Following her consultation a month ago, Teresa was prescribed oestrogen HRT in spray form, which she applies once a day on her arm.
“I have noticed a difference,” said Teresa. “The hot sweats and quality of sleep have improved, and my mood is getting there. I haven’t noticed any change as yet regarding libido; I have to remember it’s medicine, not a miracle.
“My husband is the most understanding man in the world, so I’ve been very lucky to have that level of support. He would just rather I am feeling better regarding the other issues and enjoy everything else our life has to offer for the time being. "
“I’m so grateful that menopause is now a topic that is openly discussed. The Menopause Management service has been excellent. I would recommend Dr Sloan to anyone who has menopause problems. I wish I’d had the power of thought and gone to see her when I was 50.”
Teresa Neville
Dr Sloan said: “Women can feel quite lost, confused and vulnerable when seeking help for menopause care. Often they are at crisis point by the time they see me.
“I always keep this in mind when I consult with patients so that when they leave my clinic they feel heard, empowered with knowledge and with a robust management plan in place.”
*Patient name has been changed for confidentiality purposes
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