Free Resources
On this page we have collected sources of evidence based up to date information to help increase knowledge, and provide a variety of options so women can make informed decisions when it comes to their menopause care. You may also find the FAQ's page a very useful source of reference.
Your primary care provider is the first place most women go when requiring support during menopause, but GP's are under immense pressure with increasing workloads and reduced staffing levels. Some GP's are not aware of the current evidence on the safety and benefits of HRT. Others are up to date on menopause management but trying to advise women during a short 10 or 15 minute appointment can be challenging!
Please use the information below to assist you in preparing for a GP or health care professional appointment. Treating menopause holistically is recommended and lifestyle adjustments are very important for everyone, whether considering HRT or not.
Understanding Menopause Booklet
A simple and comprehensive guide on perimenopause, menopause and up to date treatment options
(Including symptom questionnaire)
Click on the image to access
Symptom Questionnaire Sheet
Click on the image of Menopause Symptom Checker and/or Genitourinary Symptoms of Menopause Checker to download and print
Complete and take to GP appointment
Free Balance App
ORCHA approved and recognised as safe, accredited, compliant and trustworthy enough to be listed in the digital health resources for the NHS
Available to download from any IOS or Android device
Track your symptoms (and more) and download health report to take to GP appointment
Licensed Hormone Replacement Therapy Preparations
NICE guidance states that Hormone Replacement Therapy should be considered as first line treatment for all menopausal symptoms in women, including those of low mood, anxiety and depression associated with menopause. There is a direct link to NICE guidance further down this page for you to access and share with your GP if necessary.
The following HRT preparations are available for prescription on the NHS as of the 27th of June 2025. These are regulated by the MHRA (The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency UK).
Please click on the link below to access the full list.
*It is now possible to purchase a HRT Pre Payment Certificate for less than £20 which will cover your hormone replacement therapy and any topical vaginal oestrogen products for a whole year.
We advise women to become more knowledgeable if they are considering HRT, so they can discuss this with their health care provider and make informed decisions about their healthcare to manage symptoms and protect their future health and wellbeing.
We understand that choosing to take Hormone Replacement Therapy is an individual choice and the risks and benefits will be unique to each woman. For the majority of women the benefits will outweigh any potential risk, and there are very few contraindications to using body identical, transdermal HRT. It is important to consider any potential risks and discuss these with a health care provider who is both knowledgeable and up to date with menopause care and who will individualise your treatment plan.
The more knowledge you obtain, the easier it is to make informed decisions about your health care, so you can choose the appropriate care for you as an individual.
We feel passionately about supporting women whilst they navigate their own personal menopause journey and are dedicated to offering education so everyone can become more knowledgeable about this time of change.
Part of our role at Dorset Menopause Support is to help you prepare for a GP or health care appointment if necessary.
The Menopause Optimal Pathway Toolkit (OPT)
Comprehensive support to help all non-specialist clinicians, to improve patient outcomes. The OPT is designed to help support women through the menopause, using the best NICE-compliant evidence available. It provides the most relevant, information quickly & efficiently.
Please click on the link for more information and share with your GP and Primary Care Surgery.
The Influence of Reproductive Hormones in the Female Body
Click on images to enlarge
Menopause Specialist Care
There are occasions where Menopause Specialist advice is needed. We have compiled some useful contacts for the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas. If you live in a different part of the UK you can search for a British Menopause Society registered Menopause Specialist in your area. There is a link to the BMS website further down the page.
NHS Menopause Specialist Clinics
If your primary care provider cannot assist you in a particular area of menopause care or treatments you can ask for a referral to a NHS Menopause Specialist Clinic. There will be different waiting times depending on the area you live and these can vary from 3 to 4 months to just under 2 years. Please click on the links below for more details.
Mr Tim Hillard, Consultant Gynaecologist and Menopause Specialist. Mrs Amanda Hillard, Menopause Nurse Specialist. Dr Abbie Laing, GP.
Salisbury NHS Menopause Clinic
Ms Annie Hawkins, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr Charlotte Macpherson, GPwSI in Women's Health.
RUH Bath - Macmillan Combined Specialist Menopause & Oncology Clinic
Dr Kate Kerr, GPwSI Reproductive Medicine & Specialist Menopause Care for women experiencing menopause after breast cancer.
Somerset NHS Menopause Service
Dr Juliet Balfour, GP and Menopause Specialist.
Kristyn Manley, Consultant Gynaecologist and Menopause Specialist.
UH Bristol - Above and Beyond Combined Menopause & Oncology Clinic
Kristyn Manley, Consultant Gynaecologist and Menopause Specialist.
Private Menopause Specialist Care
Ideally all menopause care would be available on the NHS but sadly this is not the case at present. There are times when private menopause specialist care and advice may be considered, for example when a NHS waiting list may be too long or perhaps a particular treatment is not available on an NHS prescription at this current time.
Although we cannot endorse any particular private specialist care, our belief is that women should have a choice available to them if they wish to explore this option.
Listed below are some Private Menopause Specialist Clinics that women we have supported have attended in the local area and with online consultations. This is a personal choice and we recommend that when seeking private care, a Menopause Specialist Clinician should hold accreditation with the BMS.
Alex Taylor, Consultant Gynaecologist and Menopause Specialist.
Dorset Private GP in Bournemouth
Dr Catherine Hukins, GP and Menopause Specialist
New Hall Hospital in Salisbury
Miss Abigail Kingston, Consultant Gynaecologist
Dr Kate Kerr, GP with interest in Specialist Menopause Care (including Menopause Care after Breast Cancer)
Somerset Menopause Clinic in Taunton
Mrs Teresa Elizabeth Davidson, BMS Specialist Menopause Nurse Practitioner
Wells Menopause Clinic, Somerset
Dr Juliet Balfour, BMS Advanced Menopause Specialist
Dr Naomi Potter and Associates, GP and Menopause Specialists
Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre
Founded by Dr Louise Newson and Dr Rebecca Lewis, GP and Menopause Specialists
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Treating menopause holistically is recommended, and nutrition and lifestyle adjustments are very important for everyone to consider, whether taking HRT or not. It should not be underestimated how improving your nutrition and lifestyle factors can reduce your menopausal symptoms and benefit your long term health and wellbeing. Some women who are struggling to improve their nutrition and lifestyle, find it is much easier to achieve this once HRT has improved their debilitating symptoms.
Click on the links below for more information
Alternative Therapies and Non Hormonal Medication
Some women may not be able to take Hormone Replacement Therapy due to a health contraindication or they may choose not to take it from personal preference. There are now lots of alternative therapies, lifestyle modifications and non hormonal medications to using HRT, some available on the NHS and some only available by private prescription at the present time (August 2025).
The links below will provide some useful information.
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Channel 4 Documentaries on Menopause
You may find it useful to watch these documentaries, presented by Davina McCall and produced by Kate Muir. These are both award winning documentaries and have changed the way we talk and think about menopause today. They are suitable for everyone to watch and highly recommended. Click on the links below images.
Websites and Social Media
Dorset Menopause Support Facebook Page
A private FB support page open for all women to join. Posts show regular update on the latest menopause news and research, helpful tips and information on symptoms. Connect with others as well as being able to ask questions at any time.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/443090323948947
NICE guidelines
The UK guidelines for menopause diagnosis, care and management for health care professionals.
The Menopause Optimal Pathway Toolkit (OPT)
Comprehensive support to help all non-specialist clinicians, to improve patient outcomes. The OPT is designed to help support women through the menopause, using the best NICE-compliant evidence available. It provides the most relevant, information quickly & efficiently.
Please click on the link for more information and share with your GP
themenopauseoptimalpathwaytoolkit
The Menopause Charity
A PIF tick organisation, delivering trusted, up to date information and education to everyone on menopause care.
The British Menopause Society
The specialist authority for menopause and post reproductive health in the UK.
Women's Health Concern
The patient arm of the British Menopause Society which aims to advise, reassure and educate women of all ages about their health, wellbeing and lifestyle concerns.
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/
The Daisy Network
A charity offering information, advice and support for all women experiencing early (under the age of 40) or premature menopause (POI).
Menopause and Cancer
Offering support and up to date information for those affected by menopause and cancer. With cancer treatment often triggering menopause most women are left without receiving adequate help in managing their menopausal symptoms. Bringing together a community of experts for a more supported, better informed and empowered menopause experience to help the women affected.
https://www.menopauseandcancer.org
Balance Menopause
A world renowned library of up to date, evidence based information on all aspects of menopause compiled by menopause specialists. Available in several languages including sign language.
https://www.balance-menopause.com/
International Menopause Society
The IMS brings together the world's leading experts to study and share knowledge about all aspects of aging in women. The IMS advocates evidence based treatment options that optimise mid-life women's health and promotes best practice in women's health care.
The Wellbeing of Women
A charity that saves and changes the lives of women, girls and babies. They are the only UK charity funding all reproductive and gynaecological health.
https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/
Health Watch Dorset
Health Watch make sure the NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. They are independent and impartial and any feedback you share is confidential. They can help you find reliable and trustworthy information and advice in your local area.
or telephone 0300 111 0102 to leave a message and receive a call back.
Cycle of Change
A short animated film about understanding menopause
Personal experiences shared
Click on the YouTube icon to view
Menopause and Relationships Booklet
A guide for partners
Click on the image to access
Menopause and Cancer Booklet
This booklet has been created for women who may experience an early menopause as a result of cancer treatment. It covers what menopause is, symptoms you may experience, advice on treatments and lifestyle changes, and where to turn to for further advice and support.
Click on the image to access.
Menopause Policy Template
Guidelines for creating a Menopause Workplace Policy
Click on the image to access
The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
Click on the link below to access the medical paper delivered by Dr Vonda Wright giving details on the MSK Syndrome of Menopause
Local Charities and Organisations
Help and Kindness Dorset
A directory to help you find all kinds of information and support across Dorset.
BooBs Breast Cancer Awareness
A charity based in Shaftesbury that supports women both going through, and after treatment for breast cancer.
Dorset Mind
Provides essential mental health services in local communities, aiming to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable.
The Brave and Determined Company
A charity based in Shaftesbury providing early intervention lifesaving counselling.
Rehab 4 Addiction Dorset
Offering an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction.
SCARS
Offering an informal and kind place, giving support and friendship for everyone affected by cancer.
www.stalbridgecancerandrecoverysupport.co.uk
MSK Dorset
Dorset Musculoskeletal service provides assessment, diagnosis and support with MSK conditions. You can self refer via the website.
Steps to Wellbeing
A free, NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression service for adults.
LiveWell Dorset
A free health and wellbeing service funded by Dorset and BPC Councils. It supports adults who want to lead healthier, happier lives.
Reading Material
Preparing for the Perimenopause & Menopause
By Dr. Louise Newson
The Definitive Guide to Perimenopause & Menopause
By Dr. Louise Newson
Oestrogen Matters
By Dr. Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris, PhD
Menopausing
By Davina McCall with Dr. Naomi Potter
Everything you needed to know about the Menopause
By Kate Muir
Me & My Menopausal Vagina
By Jane Lewis
Cracking the Menopause, While keeping yourself together
By Mariella Frostrup & Alice Smellie
Surgical Menopause, Not your typical Menopause
Edited By Helen Kemp
The Knowledge
By Dr. Nighat Arif
Making Menopause Matter
By Diane Danzebrink
The XX Brain
The Menopause Brain
Both by Dr. Lisa Mosconi
A Better Second Half
By Liz Earle
The New Meno Pause
By Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Natural Menopause
By Anne Henderson MA MRCOG
Black and Menopausal
Edited by Yansie Rolston and Yvonne Christie
The Complete Guide to POI & Early Menopause
By Dr Hannah Short and Dr Mandy Leonhardt
The M Word
By Dr Ginni Manberg
Invisible Women
By Caroline Criado Perez
Unwell Women
By Elinor Cleghorn
Navigating Menopause after Cancer
By Dani Binnington
Unbreakable
By Dr Vonda Wright
You Are Not Broken
Dr Kelly Casperson
Newson Health - Confidence in the Menopause Course
Confidence in the Menopause is a CPD accredited course from Newson Health which is designed to increase your knowledge of, and confidence in, managing all aspects of the perimenopause and menopause.
You will learn about various symptoms, treatment options, lifestyle measures and the latest research. For far too long the menopause has been undervalued and underfunded with a lack of information, research and access to treatment.
It's designed not only for those working in healthcare, it's for everyone! Included is tailored information for non-healthcare professionals, whether you are a woman looking for information to help you make the right decisions and get the most out of their healthcare consultations, or a partner, friend or colleague who simply wants to know more.
Click on the link below to access the course. There is a free taster course which includes 6 modules prior to signing up to the full course.
Menopause Masterclass
Hormones Unlocked is made up of 22 expert-led lessons designed to help you understand and manage every stage of perimenopause and menopause.
You’ll explore how hormonal changes affect your body, mind and relationships, with clear, evidence-based advice on HRT, symptom management, nutrition, exercise and skin health.
Alongside practical guidance from Dr Louise Newson and a team of trusted experts, you’ll also hear real stories from women who’ve faced menopause head-on, sharing their experiences with honesty and hope.
