Many women come to us for support with menopause symptoms and, in most cases, begin HRT or other treatments that go on to make a real difference to their lives. However, good menopause care is not a ‘one and done’ process. 

Symptoms commonly evolve and change over time and treatment often needs adjusting accordingly to keep it effective. This is why NICE menopause guidelines recommend a follow up consultation around three months after starting or changing HRT because this is approximately how long it takes for the full effects to be felt in the body. This review appointment with your menopause clinician is a key part of ensuring your treatment is working as effectively as possible.

Follow up consultations at Health in Menopause are not just a formality, they are an essential part of helping you feel your best and respond to future changes when they arise.

Let’s break this down:

1. Your symptoms may have changed

Menopause symptoms are not always consistent. You may find that some symptoms improve, while others appear or become more noticeable over time. A follow up consultation allows us to reassess how you are currently feeling and ensure your treatment continues to reflect your needs as they evolve.

2. Your treatment may need adjusting

It can take time to find the right type and dose of HRT or other treatments. Many women require adjustments before they achieve optimal symptom control.

At your follow up consultation, we assess your response to the initial treatment regime and ask about any side effects. Adjustments can then be made to the dose, type, or combination of treatments to help you get the most benefit and the least inconvenience.

3. When you need an expert touch

We regard it as a positive step when your GP takes over your menopause care. However, this is often based on the initial treatment plan we originally provided. As your symptoms change over time, your treatment may need refining in ways that require more specialised menopause care.

A follow up with a menopause specialist allows for a more in-depth review and, where needed, the development of a new or updated treatment pathway tailored to how you are feeling now.

4. You may not be getting the full benefit yet

Some women experience partial improvement and assume that’s the best they can expect. In reality, further adjustments to your HRT regimen can often lead to significantly better symptom control. A follow up consultation helps ensure you are not settling for less than optimal results and that your treatment is truly working for you.

We know every woman’s menopause experience and response to HRT is unique to her and we genuinely want you to gain maximum benefit from the different treatment options available. You don’t have to put up with ‘good enough’.

5. Ongoing care provides reassurance and support

Menopause can feel unpredictable, and having access to ongoing specialist support can make a significant difference. Follow up consultations give you the opportunity to discuss not only your general symptoms, but also areas that are often overlooked, such as vaginal health, your libido and sexual satisfaction. Where appropriate, additional treatments such as testosterone therapy and vulval/vaginal care can also be explored.

Ongoing care with us helps you feel supported, heard, and confident in your treatment plan both now and if things change in the future.

What happens after your follow up?

Your first follow up review appointment is typically recommended around three months after your initial consultation. This is when we assess how your body has responded to the original treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments.

If no changes are needed, you will usually be advised to book another follow up in around six months. If everything remains stable at that stage, an annual review is generally all that is required.

If your treatment is adjusted, a further review is typically recommended after three months to assess your response to the new regime.

We recommend an annual review for all women, as hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and life events can all impact how you feel over time. Again, this is in keeping with national menopause guidelines.

Important to know

Because we know annual menopause reviews are essential to good practice, to remain under our care, all patients are required to have a follow up consultation at least once every 12 months.

If more than 12 months have passed since your last consultation, you will need to book in as a new patient. This is because a longer consultation is required to safely reassess your medical history, symptoms, and treatment needs.

The bottom line…

Menopause is not a one-time event, and your care shouldn’t be either.

Regular follow up consultations ensure your treatment continues to work for you as your symptoms evolve, so you can achieve the best possible outcome.

If it has been a while since your last consultation, or you feel your symptoms are not fully under control, please don’t hesitate to book a follow up appointment with us.

We look forward to seeing you!

Last updated: May 2026