How to find a menopause specialist in the UK
NHS clinics, GPs with a special interest and private specialists: how UK menopause care is structured, and how to get seen faster.
Most care in the UK happens in general practice, and for many women that works. The question is what to do when it does not.
In short: UK menopause care starts with your GP. Some practices have a GP with a special interest; NHS menopause clinics exist but access varies by region. Private menopause consultations typically cost £200-£350 for a first appointment. Ask specifically for a clinician with menopause experience rather than a general referral.
Route one: your GP
Prepare properly and this route often resolves things. Bring a symptom list, the three symptoms affecting you most, how long they have been present, and your relevant history. Ask directly: "Is appropriate for me, and if not, why not?"
If the answer is no, ask for the reason to be recorded and for what alternatives are available.
Route two: a GP with a special interest
Many practices and primary care networks have one clinician who takes menopause referrals internally. Reception staff usually know who it is. Asking for that named clinician is often faster than a hospital referral.
Route three: NHS menopause clinics
These exist but provision is uneven, and waiting times vary considerably by area. Referral is usually reserved for complex cases: premature ovarian insufficiency, hormone-sensitive cancer history, contraindications to standard treatment, or failure of first-line management.
Route four: private care
A private menopause consultation typically costs £200-£350 for an initial appointment and £120-£200 for follow-up, with prescriptions charged separately. It buys time and continuity rather than different medicine. Shared care with your GP is common and worth agreeing early.
How to judge who to see
- Are they registered with the or NMC, and can you verify it on the public register?
- Do they have specific menopause training or a stated special interest?
- Will they write to your GP?
- Are they clear about costs before you book?
- Do they discuss both hormonal and non-hormonal options?
We list independent clinicians we recommend, but we do not verify credentials on your behalf, and you should check registers yourself.
What to bring
Symptom list with dates, current medication, relevant personal and family history including clots, cancer and cardiovascular disease, and your questions written down. Appointments are short and it is easy to leave without asking the thing you came for.
Common questions
Can I get HRT without seeing a specialist? Yes. GPs prescribe HRT routinely.
Do I need a blood test first? Usually not over 45, per UK guidance.
Is private care faster? Usually, though it does not change what medicine is available.
Browse specialists or read the perimenopause guide.