Charlotte, welcome to Huddle and thank you so much for welcoming us into your stunning and mind blowing business!
I met Charlotte a few months ago now and she literally has the power to change people’s lives. She has such a huge range of knowledge and is SO approachable and relatable you can’t help but feel instantly at ease in her company. The Yoda of menopause, but also just someone really great to hang out and chat with!
Charlotte has set up her business within the stunning Eastthorpe Hall in Mirfield which in itself is a joy to visit. So that’s where we are today to find out a bit more about the crazy menopause journey and why she can help you through it. The secrets she’s learnt along the way and how you can benefit from her expertise….
Charlotte, welcome to Huddle! I honestly believe that you hold the key bits of information to making women feel great again once they are in the depths of menopause. Tell us a bit about your business and why you have set it up?
The Specialist Menopause Clinic was set up out of a genuine passion for women’s health. After watching so many women suffering with debilitating menopausal symptoms due to having their HRT stopped or because of a lack of knowledge and understanding. I was determined to specialise in menopause to help as many women as possible.
The Clinic provides specialist care for the simplest of cases, this can be education, simple HRT initiation or alternative solutions complex cases such as POI, cancers and treatment failures.
(Basically if you are a woman in need of help – Charlotte is the answer)
I think the first thing I would want to know is – what are you going to tell me that my Dr isn’t…. ?
Having worked in 8 GP’s surgeries over the last 10 years I haven’t experienced many clinicians who have an interest in, or who have specialised in menopause.
I definitely have the luxury of time, GP’s don’t. Because of the long appointment time, I can provide education, lifestyle advice and information about perimenopause, menopause and what is happening during these stages. I can discuss alternative therapies and medications and take you through all the options available providing a personalised plan of care.
What is a menopause symptom that you think really shouldn’t be laughed off?
Brain fog, we all laugh at how we need notepads and forget words or train of thought half way through sentences but this can lead to a lack of self confidence and doubt.
Is there one easy win that all women could be doing right now that would make a difference? Collagen/Magnesium/ stop scrolling/ booking an appointment with you?!
Yes, find an exercise you like. Pilates/yoga/walking, it doesn’t have to be strenuous. This will help with bone density, any weight gain, balance and flexibility. Eat a balanced diet and reduce alcohol as this can exacerbate menopause symptoms.
Is there something that you wish all your patients already know before walking through the door?
Don’t think that your periods have to stop before seeking help.
At what point should women be asking for help?
Whenever they feel like they need it. Some ladies come and see me to discuss what to expect in the future so they can prepare, some because they haven’t had a great experience at their surgeries, some to have longer appointment times and a more relaxed environment and some to discuss alternative treatment options or for complex management such as breast cancers, brain tumours, cardiovascular issues and of course menopause.
Getting your partner to really understand what you’re going through – can you think of an easy way to do this?
Convert the garage so you don’t have to listen to him breathing, chewing, shuffling!
But really – explain what the menopause is, the symptoms you are experiencing, how you are feeling and what they can do to help.
For someone who is going through the menopause and it’s getting worse not better – would you recommend a consultation for them? And what happens in a consultation?
100% I give women as much time as they need, we talk about everything, starting at the age they started their period and everything up to the present day. This enables me to paint a picture of what will help their situation best, providing them with a plan of care. Some people want and can have HRT, some really don’t want it or can’t have it.
Do you have an example of a client who’s life you have really helped turn around?
Yes!
A lady came to see me really thinking she was going mad. She couldn’t stop crying, felt like she couldn’t function and nearly got divorced as she couldn’t stand her husband’s breathing. She was in agony with joint pain and did not know where to turn. She had been given lots of pain relief and declined HRT as she was 57. She had been told she was through the menopause.
We started her on an oestrogen patch, progesterone and vaginal oestrogen – and she cried! I saw her weeks later and I didn’t recognise her. She feels SO much better.
There is a LOT of advice online, celebrity endorsements of hundreds of supplements – who should I believe!?
Trust healthcare professionals who have specialised in menopause or female health or, recognised charities, such as BMS or Menopause Matters and the Daisy Network.
The Specialist Menopause Clinic
You can and you should book in with Charlotte by CLICKING HERE
Or give her a call 07564 836394
Invest in yourself and start to feel better today!
