Menstrual Health Consultations

1 in 20 women aged 30-49 consult their GP each year due to menstrual disturbances; there are likely to be many more who just suffer in silence.

Having heavy, painful, irregular or absent periods is not normal - and for a large proportion of women it can cause significant disruption and psychological distress to many areas of their lives.

We expect some degree of irregularity when our periods start as young women, but if this continues to persist causing time off from education or work, it can start to have a significant impact.

Cycles can change and become disrupted at different points within our fertile lives and this is because our hormones fluctuate, not just day to day, but from decade to decade affecting us in different ways.

At Clinic51 we are able to offer women suffering with menstrual problems a consultation with consultant gynaecologist Dr Leah Deutsch. Leah has a wealth of experience managing a range of gynaecological symptoms and general gynaecological conditions including:

•   Uterine Fibroids

•   Endometriosis

•   Adenomyosis

•   Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

•   Hypothalamic amenorrhoea

•   Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) / Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

•   Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

•   Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Menstrual Symptoms & Disorders

  • A heavy period is anything that causes a disruption to your physical, social or emotional quality of life.

    There are a variety of causes that can sometimes be identified. Symptoms might include doubling up sanitary wear, leaking or passing clots.

    For around 50% of women, no cause will be identified, however through excluding treatable causes and exploring the most appropriate course of treatment, there are options to return to a better quality of life

  • Sadly, women experiencing painful periods have commonly been dismissed and sometimes even advised that this be considered normal and to be put up with.

    Thankfully, there is a slowly increasing awareness that painful periods which disrupt any aspect of life should be looked in to and treatment options explored. This may or may not be associated with heavy bleeding.

    Endometriosis and adenomyosis are two common and poorly addressed conditions, which can cause pain. It is important to note that we do not offer surgical treatment for endometriosis, but can refer on to subspecialty services if this is suspected.

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition which tends to run in families and can lead to altered menstrual regularity, but often more disturbing for those affected are the other visible symptoms as a result of the disturbance in hormonal levels, largely androgens (testosterone). This may lead to the growth of dark hairs on the face or chest, acne and difficulty with weight loss.

    Currently there is no cure for this condition but by determining a diagnosis, we can seek to explore the best course of management for each individual and support you in getting symptoms better controlled.

  • Mood disturbances relating to your cycle are common, with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and for a smaller percentage of the population at the extreme end of the spectrum, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). For many experiencing severe mood changes, it can be life changing and incredibly disabling. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, anger and at times suicidal thoughts can impact work, social and intermittent relationships. The exact cause isn’t completely understood, and is likely to be multi-factorial, but an extreme sensitivity to the breakdown products of our hormones lies at the root.

    Managing these conditions needs to be individualised and there are various lifestyle changes that can be made along with pharmacological treatments.

Dr Leah Deutsch: Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Leah gained her medical degree from Nottingham University Medical school, before carrying out her specialist training in London and for a period in Australia. She has worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the NHS in North East London, where she established a community menopause service, before a recent move with her young family to West Sussex.

She is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Menopause Society and is a registered menopause specialist with the BMS. She has an interest in birth trauma, having completed additional training in this area along with the BMS training in cognitive behavioural therapy for menopause. Leah also holds Advanced Yoga Teacher qualifications, specialising in pregnancy and women’s health. Her training and experience to date, very much shapes the holistic care she offers and strongly informs her practice.

‘My approach is very much patient-led; it is paramount for me that women leave their appointment feeling as if they’ve been heard. The appeal of working in Clinic 51 is the cohesive multidisciplinary approach and the time to explore fully the needs of each individual and build a collaborative plan of care to move forward.’

Follow up appointments are also available to women, after their initial consultation, if required

Book an appointment

Live availability for menstrual health consultations can be found below. New patient consultations are £300, and follow-up appointments at £150.

If you have any questions about booking an appointment please feel free to get in touch with our reception team by email or phone on 01798 667151.

Header Photo by Roma Kaiuk on Unsplash