Book a consultation with our gynaecologists
Menopause is an important physiological stage in a woman’s life that deserves proper medical care. At Kensington International Clinic, a private medical clinic located in the heart of London, our gynaecologists support their patients through perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause with an individualised approach, centred on listening, precision and continuity of care.
Our team designs each care pathway around every patient: symptoms, medical history, potential contraindications and life priorities.
Understanding menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause
Menopause marks the permanent end of menstrual periods, confirmed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. It occurs on average around the age of 51 in the United Kingdom, with a normal range between 45 and 55. But the hormonal transition often begins much earlier, sometimes as early as a woman’s forties.
is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It can last several years and is characterised by significant hormonal fluctuations: irregular cycles, heavier or lighter periods, and a gradual onset of symptoms. Many women are surprised by how early this phase can start and consult late, sometimes after months of unexplained discomfort.
itself is diagnosed retrospectively, after a full year without periods. Oestrogen levels reach their stable but low baseline at this point.
refers to all the years that follow. Health risks evolve: bone density decreases, the cardiovascular profile shifts, and uro-genital health can become more fragile. These dimensions justify appropriate medical follow-up, even when the most visible symptoms have eased.
Around 1 in 100 women experience early menopause before the age of 40, known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Causes can be genetic, autoimmune, surgical (oophorectomy), iatrogenic (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) or idiopathic. In these cases, a specialist assessment is strongly recommended.
The personalised approach of our gynaecologists at Kensington International Clinic
At Kensington International Clinic, menopause is managed by a team of experienced gynaecologists. Every woman benefits from an in-depth consultation with a doctor who takes the time to build a bespoke care plan.
International gynaecologists
Our private clinic in London is known for the quality of its consultations, delivered by three specialists with rich international backgrounds:
Dr Rami Wakim: a Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Dr Wakim has more than 25 years of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology.
A Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and the International College of Surgeons (FICS), he trained at Ain Shams University (Cairo) and Rizk Hospital (Beirut), then completed clinical fellowships at University College London Hospital (UCLH) and Imperial College London.
He consults in French, English and Arabic.
Dr Emily Kara: an Oxford-trained doctor (MRCP 2008, MRCGP 2014), Dr Kara has recognised experience supporting women through menopause.
She consults in French and English, and follows a continuity-of-care approach she considers central to hormonal management.
Dr Madhu Ghosh: this specialist completes the team as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist attached to St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Her dual hospital and private practice brings strong NHS credibility.
Consultations in your native language
Kensington International Clinic was founded by French and French-speaking practitioners in London, a strong DNA that it puts at the service of the French-speaking community and international patients.
For topics that touch on sexuality or pivotal life stages in women’s health, such as menopause, consulting in your mother tongue significantly changes the quality of the exchange: emotional nuances, discreet phrasing and cultural references around sexuality, ageing and the female body pass through more easily.
Menopause consultation fees
Here are the details of our menopause consultations:
Service | Duration | Fee |
Initial menopause consultation | 30 min | £170 |
Good to know : some international private health insurance policies (particularly for expatriate patients) may cover all or part of gynaecological consultations and hormonal testing. We recommend checking your cover directly with your insurer before your appointment.
Kensington International Clinic is located at 2 North Terrace, London SW3 2BA, a 6-minute walk from South Kensington station and 8 minutes from Knightsbridge.
Consultations are available in French, English and Arabic depending on the practitioner. Our gynaecologists see an international patient base, either in clinic or by video consultation.
To book an appointment, please get in touch via:
- Phone: 020 7589 9321
- Email: contact@lamaisonmedicale.co.uk
- Online: through our online booking system
FAQ
What are the symptoms of menopause?
- Vasomotor symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, alternating sensations of hot and cold.
- Psychological and cognitive symptoms: sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, low mood, a feeling of “brain fog” (concentration difficulties, short-term memory issues). These signs are often underestimated and mistaken for ordinary stress.
- Uro-genital symptoms: vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, reduced libido, urinary discomfort, recurrent urinary tract infections, stress incontinence.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms: joint pain, morning stiffness, muscle mass loss, abdominal weight gain linked to metabolic changes.
- Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore: bleeding after more than a year of amenorrhoea, persistent heavy bleeding during perimenopause, bleeding after intercourse. These signs warrant a prompt gynaecology consultation to rule out any organic cause.
Symptoms vary widely from one woman to another depending on hormonal profile, lifestyle and predispositions. About a quarter of women go through menopause without marked symptoms; the remaining three-quarters experience variable manifestations, with one in three experiencing severe symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.
Do I need a blood test to diagnose menopause?
Not always.
According to NICE guidance, diagnosing menopause in women over 45 relies primarily on the clinical assessment of symptoms and menstrual history; an isolated hormone test can be unreliable because levels fluctuate. A blood test is recommended for women under 45, when premature ovarian insufficiency is suspected, or when symptoms overlap with other conditions such as a thyroid disorder.
Is HRT safe?
For most women who start it before the age of 60 or within the 10 years following menopause, NICE and British Menopause Society guidance considers that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
These risks depend on the type of HRT, the route of administration, the duration of treatment and your personal and family history, particularly around breast cancer, thrombosis or cardiovascular disease. At Kensington International Clinic, our gynaecologists take the time to explain every available option.
