Your first appointment at Manchester Menopause Hive
Our specialist clinicians take the time to listen, look at the whole picture, and work out an individualised plan with you. See us in person in Manchester and Birmingham, or by video from anywhere in the UK.
- CQC-registered specialist women's health clinic
- British Menopause Society trained clinicians
- No GP referral needed
- Up to 60 minutes for your first appointment
Why women book a first appointment
There's no wrong reason to come and see us. These are some of the most common.
Not sure what's going on
Changes to your mood, sleep, periods, energy or memory, and you want to know whether perimenopause is behind it.
On HRT, but it's not working
Your symptoms haven't settled, or you're not sure your dose or type of HRT is right for you.
Thinking about starting HRT
You'd like clear, balanced information about the benefits and risks, and the options that suit you.
Wondering about testosterone
Low libido, energy or motivation, and you'd like to discuss whether testosterone could help alongside your HRT.
Struggling with progesterone
Side effects such as low mood, bloating or PMS-like symptoms from progesterone.
Bleeding or side effects on HRT
Unscheduled or heavy bleeding, or side effects from your HRT that are getting in the way.
Histamine symptoms
New or worsening flushing, itching, hives, headaches or food sensitivities, which can be linked to changing hormones.
A complex medical history
For example after breast cancer, with migraine or a history of blood clots, or you've been told HRT isn't an option.
Early or surgical menopause
Symptoms before 45, or menopause after surgery or cancer treatment.
PMS, PMDD or difficult periods
Mood changes before your period, PMS or PMDD, or heavy, painful or irregular periods, whether or not menopause is involved.
ADHD, autism and hormones
Navigating perimenopause, menopause or hormonal changes alongside ADHD or autism, with care that understands both.
Symptoms after menopause
Vaginal dryness, bladder symptoms or questions about bone and heart health, even years after your last period. Read about post-menopause
Or you'd like more specialist support
Time with a specialist
You'd like unhurried time to talk things through with someone who specialises in menopause and women's hormonal health.
Not getting the help you need
You've been told it's just your age, or you haven't been able to get the support you need from your GP.
A second opinion
You'd like a specialist to review your symptoms, diagnosis or treatment plan.
Who we see
We see women from their first hormonal changes right through to life after menopause. You don't need a diagnosis, a blood test or a GP referral to book.
We can help with:
- Perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause
- Menopause after cancer
- PMS and PMDD
- Heavy, painful or irregular periods
- Progesterone intolerance
- Early and surgical menopause
- Testosterone assessment and prescribing
- Menopause and neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism
- Complex menopause care, including medical histories other clinics may not take on
You'll need to be 18 or over and in the UK at the time of your first appointment.
In person or video: you choose
Some women love sitting down with us face to face in clinic. Others would rather talk from their own sofa, or fit their appointment into a lunch break. Either way, you'll get the same expert care.
What's included in your first appointment
Charged separately: blood tests and the cost of the medication itself. See full pricing
Can't see a time that works? Call us on 0161 515 2341 and we'll add you to our cancellation list.
Your journey with us
From clicking "book" to having a plan you understand, and support after that.
- Step 1
Book your appointment
Choose in person or video and pick a time online. You'll pay when you book and we'll securely save a card on file. Prefer to talk to someone first? Just call us.
- Step 2
Check your inbox
You'll get a confirmation email with everything you need, including a short health questionnaire. There's no app or login. It all comes by email. For video appointments, your link is in there too.
- Step 3
Your first appointment
Up to 60 minutes with your specialist. We'll listen to your story, go through your symptoms and history, and talk through your options together.
- Step 4
After your appointment
You'll receive a written summary of what we discussed and your plan. If you're starting treatment, your prescription is sent to our partner pharmacy and posted to your home. With your consent, we'll also share a copy of your clinic letter with your GP. For quick queries in the weeks that follow, you can email your menopause specialist at info@manchestermenopausehive.co.uk.
- Step 5
Your follow-up
NICE and British Menopause Society guidance recommend a review within 3 months of starting or changing HRT. Most women have a follow-up at this point to check how things are going and adjust anything that isn't quite right.
What happens in your first appointment
This is your time. We want to understand you, not just your symptoms.
We'll usually talk about:
- What's been happening for you and how it's affecting daily life, work and relationships
- Your periods, contraception and any past or current health conditions
- Medications and supplements you take
- Family history, including breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots
- Sleep, mood, energy, movement and what you're hoping to change
Then we'll talk through your options. That might be HRT, non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle support, or a mix. We follow British Menopause Society guidance and will recommend a plan based on your individual needs. Every patient is different.
Helpful to have ready
- Your completed health questionnaire
- A list of your current medications and doses
- Any recent blood test results, scans or clinic letters
- Your most recent blood pressure reading, if you have one
- The questions you really want answered (it's easy to forget in the moment)
For video appointments, find a quiet, private spot with good signal. Please join on time: if you're more than 10 minutes late, we may need to rebook. If you're having any issues on the day, give us a call on 0161 515 2341 and we'll help get you sorted.
Your questions, answered
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us.
Do I need blood tests before I come?
Usually not. For most women over 45, perimenopause and menopause are diagnosed from symptoms, not hormone levels. If tests would genuinely help, we'll explain why and arrange them. Results usually come back within 7 working days.
Will I get HRT at my first appointment?
If HRT is right and safe for you, yes, we can usually prescribe at your first appointment. If it isn't, we'll explain why and talk through other options.
Can I talk about testosterone at my first appointment?
Yes. If low libido, energy or other symptoms suggest testosterone might help, we'll talk it through with you. We check your testosterone level with a blood test before starting, so we'll arrange this if it's needed. Read more about testosterone
How much will it cost overall?
Your first appointment is £270 by video, or from £280 in person (depending on location). Follow-up appointments are from £175. Blood tests and prescriptions are charged separately, and only if you need them. We'll always tell you the cost before anything is arranged. See full pricing
Why do you need my card details?
We keep a card securely on file so we can cover agreed extras, such as blood tests or prescription charges, without delaying your care.
How do I get my prescription?
We send it to our partner pharmacy, which posts your medication to your home. For any delivery questions, the pharmacy will be your contact.
Can my GP take over my prescription?
Often, yes. With your consent, we'll share a copy of your clinic letter containing our treatment recommendations with your GP. You can then ask your GP surgery if they will prescribe for you. Whether they can depends on the medication and local NHS policy.
I've had breast cancer, or have a complex medical history. Can you still help?
Yes. Menopause after cancer and complex care are a big part of what we do. Your clinician will review your history carefully and talk through options based on the latest evidence and your own priorities.
What happens after my first appointment?
Most patients have a follow-up (up to 30 minutes) once treatment has had time to settle. After that, we'll review your HRT at least once a year, and more frequently if required until you are stable on your treatment. If it's been more than 12 months since your last appointment, you'll need to book a new patient appointment so we have enough time to catch up properly.
For quick queries in the weeks following your appointment, you can email your menopause specialist at info@manchestermenopausehive.co.uk and they will respond by email within 7 days if appropriate. If they feel your question can't be answered safely by email or needs a discussion, they will recommend bringing your follow-up appointment forward.
What if I need to cancel or rebook?
Please give us at least 48 working hours' notice. Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged in full. Read our cancellation policy
I'm not sure I'm in perimenopause. Should I still book?
Yes. If something has changed and you don't feel like yourself, that's reason enough. We'll help you make sense of it, whatever the answer turns out to be.
Ready when you are
You don't have to have it all figured out before you book. That's what we're here for.
Choose a time online, or give us a call for a chat first.
