Private menopause clinic in Preston
Expert perimenopause and menopause care without long NHS waiting times. Private consultations, HRT reviews and perimenopause assessments with Dr Faizal Secretary — face-to-face, by telephone or by secure video. No NHS GP referral required.
From £49 · GP-Led · No Referral Needed
Expert perimenopause & menopause care, without the wait
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but the symptoms can significantly affect your health, work, relationships and quality of life. Many women experience symptoms for months before seeking help — hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety and poor sleep are often mistaken for stress or ageing. You don't have to keep guessing.
A private consultation gives you dedicated time to discuss your symptoms and medical history, personalised evidence-based treatment options, and continuity of care with the same experienced GP throughout.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Perimenopause & menopause explained
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause, when hormone levels begin to change and symptoms gradually develop. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Every woman's experience is different, so an individual assessment is important to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
You can also read the NHS guide to menopause symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for background information.
Common symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Brain fog and memory problems
- Anxiety, irritability and low mood
- Poor sleep and fatigue
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced libido
- Joint aches and muscle pain
How we diagnose perimenopause & menopause
Diagnosis starts with understanding how your symptoms are affecting your daily life — not just your age. During your consultation, Dr Faizal Secretary discusses your symptoms and menstrual history, your medical history and current medications, and your lifestyle and any concerns.
For most women aged 45 and over, a diagnosis can usually be made based on symptoms and menstrual history, in line with current NICE guidance. Routine blood tests are not usually required, as hormone levels naturally fluctuate. Blood tests may be recommended if you're under 45 with menopausal symptoms, premature menopause is suspected, or another condition needs to be ruled out.
How we can help
Private Menopause Consultations
Comprehensive assessments to understand your symptoms, discuss your concerns and create a personalised treatment plan.
Perimenopause Assessments
For women experiencing early menopausal symptoms who need diagnosis and treatment advice.
Private HRT Consultations
Expert advice on Hormone Replacement Therapy — whether it is suitable for you and the different treatment options available.
Body-Identical HRT
Where clinically appropriate, we can prescribe body-identical HRT and provide ongoing monitoring to keep your treatment safe and effective.
Follow-Up Reviews
Regular reviews to monitor your progress, manage any side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Treatment may include lifestyle advice, HRT, body-identical HRT, non-hormonal options, vaginal oestrogen therapy where appropriate, and ongoing medication reviews.
What happens during a menopause consultation?
Discussion
We explore your symptoms, menstrual history, medical history, lifestyle and concerns.
Assessment
We recommend any appropriate investigations and discuss whether HRT or other treatments are suitable for you.
Personalised Care Plan
You leave with a clear, tailored treatment plan. Prescriptions, follow-up reviews or further investigations can all be arranged as part of your ongoing care.
Pricing for private menopause consultations
There is no registration or joining fee, and you'll receive personalised care from the same experienced GP throughout your treatment.
The cost of any prescribed medication is payable separately to your chosen pharmacy. View the full pricing page →
Why patients choose My Private Clinic for menopause care
- The same doctor every time — continuity from first consultation through ongoing treatment
- Longer, unhurried appointments to discuss your symptoms and options
- Personalised, evidence-based treatment plans, including HRT where clinically appropriate
- Convenient access to blood tests where clinically indicated
- Face-to-face, telephone and secure video consultations
- No NHS GP referral required
Expert menopause care from Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered private GP with extensive experience in NHS general practice and acute medicine. He provides evidence-based menopause care centred on listening, thorough assessment and personalised treatment plans. Whether you're seeking advice about HRT, a perimenopause assessment or ongoing management, you'll receive continuity of care from the same experienced GP throughout.
"Good healthcare begins by listening. Understanding how menopause affects each individual allows us to create treatment plans that are both effective and tailored to the person sitting in front of us."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full profile →
Private menopause clinic — FAQs
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and symptoms start to develop. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
What are the first signs of perimenopause?
Common early symptoms include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, brain fog, mood changes, fatigue and reduced libido. Every woman's experience is different, and symptoms can vary in type and severity.
How is menopause diagnosed?
For most women aged 45 and over, menopause or perimenopause can usually be diagnosed based on your symptoms and menstrual history, in line with current NICE guidance. Blood tests are only recommended in certain circumstances.
Do I need a blood test to diagnose perimenopause?
Not usually. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate during perimenopause, so routine blood tests are not required for most women over 45. However, blood tests may be recommended if you're under 45, premature menopause is suspected, or another medical condition needs to be ruled out.
Can a private GP prescribe HRT?
Yes. Following a comprehensive assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary can prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) where clinically appropriate and provide ongoing reviews to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
Can menopause cause anxiety and brain fog?
Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to anxiety, low mood, poor concentration, memory problems and brain fog. These symptoms are common and often improve with appropriate treatment and support.
Can I have a menopause consultation online?
Yes. We offer telephone and secure video consultations for many patients. If a face-to-face assessment is required, we'll explain why and arrange a suitable appointment.
How much does a private menopause consultation cost?
An initial 30-minute consultation costs £119. Follow-up appointments are £69, while telephone and video consultations are available from £49.
Can I get a private sick note for menopause symptoms?
If menopause symptoms are affecting your ability to work, Dr Faizal Secretary can assess your condition and, where clinically appropriate, provide a private fit note, medical certificate, workplace adjustment letter or other supporting documentation.
Book a private menopause consultation in Preston
Whether you're experiencing the early signs of perimenopause, considering HRT, or looking for ongoing menopause care, Dr Faizal Secretary provides personalised, evidence-based care in a supportive setting. Evening and Saturday appointments are available at our Fulwood clinic.