Women’s Health

Women’s Health Services

Prenatal care and fertility advice; Contraception including emergency contraception; crisis pregnancy care, the intra uterine system, the copper coil and the contraceptive implant. Antenatal and Postnatal care; Menopause.

Breast Screening

• Mammograms are available through breast check for women aged between 50 and 64 every 2 yrs.

At The Crescent Medical Centre we are committed to the holistic care of those experiencing the phase of life known as the peri-menopause.

Menopause usually occurs in your 40’s or 50’s. The average age is 51 years. It marks the cessation of your menstrual cycles. Menopause is confirmed retrospectively 12 months after you have had your last menstrual period if you are over 50 and 24 months after your last period if you are under 50. Occasionally it can occur under 40 when it is referred to as “premature menopause”.

The time leading up to cessation of menstrual periods and the time after is referred to as the peri-menopause. Some people experience little or no adverse symptoms during the peri-menopause but some are bothered by a wide variety of symptoms including but not limited to hot flushes/hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, brain fog, mood disturbance, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, dry or itchy skin, headaches, muscular aches and low energy.

These symptoms are generally accepted to be at least partly the result of reduced production of oestrogen (and testosterone) by the ovaries. The drop in these hormones can also have a negative effect on bone density and increase the risk of heart disease.

We are living longer now than at any time in history and women are living up to half their lives post-menopause. Therefore, particularly if the onset of the peri-menopause is before the age of 50, it is important to consider what steps can be taken to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and to keep our hearts, bones, brains and muscles in good condition.

In your menopause consultation, your doctor will take a detailed history and consider your overall health. We strive to understand your individual circumstances and tailor our lifestyle advice.

Whilst the peri-menopause is a clinical diagnosis, other conditions can mimic or contribute to symptoms of the peri-menopause and so blood tests are a standard part of your assessment. Other tests may also be requested depending on the individual.

There are various medications that can help with the symptoms of the peri-menopause. Provided it is suitable, female Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is frequently prescribed and is considered by many to be very effective. The aim of HRT, is to replace the hormone that the body ceases to produce during the menopause, namely oestrogen. For a person who still has a uterus, we prescribe oestrogen and progesterone.

Oestrogen is the hormone that relieves most of the symptoms of the peri-menopause while progesterone is prescribed mainly to prevent changes to the lining of your womb due to oestrogen.
As part of your assessment, we will check your biometrics (height, weight, BMI), we will consider your bone health, cardiovascular health and breast health. Cervical Screening can be arranged if it is due.

Initial consultation with GP: 30 minute appointment €120.00*
Nurse appointment for bloods, BP check and biometrics: 10 minute appointment €25.00

Nurse appointment for Cervical Screening if due: €0.00
Scans if indicated and requested by GP: Cost depends on insurance coverage/may be free of charge in certain circumstances.

Return appointment with GP: 20 minute appointment – review results, agree and initiate treatment plan. €80

Ongoing care:
Follow-up with GP is generally 6 months after initiation of HRT & annually thereafter:

• 15 minute appointment €60*
• Extended consultations (30 minutes) are available if necessary and it is very helpful if these are requested in advance. €120

*GMS card holder: no charge for GP consultations but charge applies for bloods. Please advise on booking so that adequate time can be allotted for your appointment.