Women’s Health Clinic – Sunningdale

Dr. Emma Smith
MB BCh 2005 University of the Witwatersrand MRCPCH, MRCGP

Sunningdale Private GP Clinic is proud to offer a comprehensive women’s health clinic run by GPs and nurses. Our team of highly qualified professionals are here to provide accessible, quality healthcare for all women in our community.

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At Sunningdale Private GP Clinic, we understand that your health needs differ from those of men, which is why we offer a variety of services tailored to meet your needs. Our women’s health clinic provides family planning, gynaecology services, health checks, a menopause clinic, and more.

Our gynaecology services include annual pelvic examinations, breast examinations and Pap smears. We also provide contraceptive advice and counselling for all methods of contraception including the coil and oral contraceptive pills.

Our menopause clinic offers services specifically designed to help women manage their symptoms during this time of transition. We provide individualised treatment plans that focus on your health goals and can include bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle advice and counselling.

We also provide a range of health checks including vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol testing. All women should have a health check at least once every two years; this helps to ensure you’re in good health and can reduce your risk for developing certain illnesses or diseases.

We offer ultrasound services for baby scans as well as a sexual health clinic. At the sexual health clinic, we provide advice and information on contraception, STI testing and treatment options.

Finally, our medicated weight management services are designed to help you safely achieve your weight loss goals with guidance from our team of medical professionals. We understand that it can be difficult to manage weight on your own, and we’re here to provide you with the support you need.

At Sunningdale Private GP Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive women’s health services in a safe and supportive environment. Our team of GPs and nurses are dedicated to helping you live your healthiest life possible. If you would like more information on our women’s health services, please contact us.
on 01344 624020

What are the common symptoms of the menopause?

Common symptoms of menopause can include:

  • lack of focus,
  • hot flushes,
  • night sweats,
  • vaginal dryness,
  • sleep disturbances,
  • mood swings and depression,
  • changes to your skin such as more wrinkles,
  • reduced libido,
  • weight gain,
  • thyroid issues,
  • cholesterol disorders,
  • migraines,
  • fatigue,
  • joint and muscle pain,
  • urinary problems such as urgency or incontinence,
  • heart disease,
  • osteoporosis,
  • memory issues,
  • changes in metabolism,
  • thinning hair.

Appointment – £275 (plus associated menopause blood tests)

Skin Problems – effects during Menopause and Perimenopause

Oestrogen is very important for the development of collagen, which is a supporting protein in the skin and provides strength and structure to the skin.

As oestrogen levels reduce during the menopause and perimenopause, your skin can become less mobile and thinner. The low oestrogen levels can result in there being less blood flowing to the epidermis (upper layer of your skin) and also more water loss from your skin leading to your skin becoming less hydrated. You may notice that your skin becomes more tired looking and develops more fine lines and wrinkles. The skin often becomes less elastic and looks less glowing as hormone levels decline.

Your skin can become drier and become itchy. This itchiness can occur during the day and night and be really troublesome. Some women notice abnormal sensations to their skin, such as numbness, tingling, prickling or a crawling sensation (called formication).

During the perimenopause and menopause, many women also experience acne and skin pigment changes.

Menopausal skin is more susceptible to UV damage causing deeper wrinkling and sun damage like age spots and lentigo, which are small brown spots on the skin.

The maintenance of melanocytes (cells that manufacture the pigment melanin) is under the control of oestrogen. The number of melanocytes in your skin reduces during the perimenopause and menopause. This results in there being less of the protective melanin and your skin can appear lighter. Menopausal skin is therefore more prone to sun damage.

In areas of the skin that have been exposed to UV rays over the years, melanin synthesis increases during the menopause. This can result in brown “age spots” appearing on your face, hands, neck, arms and chest.

It is really important to use a good moisturiser regularly to improve your skin’s hydration. Moisturisers smooth and protect the upper layers of your skin and can work to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.

It is essential that you use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to protect against UVB rays and avoid sun damage. Sunscreen should be reapplied every few hours. You should also consider wearing a wide brimmed hat.

Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve skin hydration by replacing oestrogen levels in your body. Many women who take HRT often notice that their skin becomes brighter with an improved texture and tone. HRT can also reduce ageing of your skin. Your skin often looks firmer and plumper as the oestrogen works to strengthen the collagen and elastin fibres.

For the majority of women under 60 years of age, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.

For specialist skin consultants who can provide expert treatments, visit www.surreyskincare.co.uk

Book an appointment online

Clinic Location

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Providing private medical services for you and your family

CEDA Healthcare, Sunningdale, (Opposite Fego’s)
3 Broomfield Hall Buildings
London Road
Sunningdale
Ascot SL5 0DP
01344 624020