A private menopause consultation in the UK can be genuinely life-changing, yet many women put it off because they are not sure what to expect, whether it is worth the cost, or how to find the right person to see.
This guide explains what happens at a private menopause appointment, how much it usually costs, what to ask before you book, and how to find a qualified menopause specialist.
If you are ready to compare services, you can also search private menopause clinics and specialists in The Menopause Directory.
Why women choose a private menopause consultation
The NHS provides menopause care, and for many women their GP is an excellent first point of support. But there are specific situations where a private consultation makes sense.
The most common reason is time. A standard NHS GP appointment is usually short, while a private menopause consultation is typically 45 to 60 minutes. That extra time changes everything. It means your clinician can take a thorough history, understand the full picture of how your symptoms are affecting your life, explain all the treatment options available to you, and agree a personalised plan without either of you feeling rushed.
The second most common reason is access. NHS menopause specialist waiting times can stretch to six months or more in some parts of the UK. Private consultations are often available within one to two weeks.
The third reason is choice. Private care gives you the ability to select a clinician based on their specific expertise, approach, appointment format, and reviews from other patients, rather than simply seeing whoever is available.
What qualifications should your private menopause specialist have?
Before booking any private menopause consultation, check the clinician’s credentials. This is not about being difficult; it is about making sure you are seen by someone with genuine specialist expertise rather than a generalist with a passing interest in menopause.
British Menopause Society accreditation
The British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist qualification is one of the clearest indicators of menopause expertise in the UK. It is awarded to clinicians who have completed advanced training specifically in menopause medicine and who demonstrate ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice.
GMC or NMC registration
All doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council. Nurse practitioners must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You can check the GMC medical register or the NMC register online before booking.
CQC registration
Any clinic providing regulated medical services in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. Check the CQC register before booking and look for services rated Good or Outstanding where ratings are available. This is a basic quality standard that all legitimate private clinics should meet.
How much does a private menopause consultation cost in the UK?
Cost is often the first question women ask, and clinic websites are not always clear about it. Here is a realistic guide to current UK pricing.
| Appointment type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation, doctor-led, in person | £200 to £350 |
| Initial consultation, doctor-led, online | £150 to £295 |
| Initial consultation, nurse-led | £99 to £180 |
| Follow-up appointment | £75 to £150 |
| Private HRT prescription | £20 to £60 per item |
| Private blood tests, if required | £50 to £150 |
A few things are worth knowing about costs. First, blood tests are not always required. Perimenopause and menopause are usually clinical diagnoses based on symptoms and age, not laboratory results. NICE guidance explains that diagnosis is often based on symptoms, particularly in women over 45. A good clinician will only request blood tests when they would genuinely change the management plan. You can read the official NICE menopause guidance for more detail.
Second, private prescriptions cost more per item than NHS prescriptions, but many clinics can write to your NHS GP once treatment is established. Your GP can then decide whether they are able to prescribe ongoing medication on the NHS.
Third, some private medical insurance policies cover the initial specialist consultation for menopause, particularly if symptoms require investigation to rule out other conditions. Check your policy before booking and contact your insurer for pre-authorisation.
How to prepare for your private menopause consultation
The more prepared you are, the more you will get from your appointment. Here is what to do before you attend.
Write down all your symptoms
Include everything, even symptoms you are not sure are related to menopause. Brain fog, joint pain, palpitations, skin changes, anxiety, and low libido are all recognised menopause symptoms that women frequently overlook or attribute to other causes. Write down when each symptom started, how often it occurs, and how severely it affects your daily life.
Note your menstrual history
Your clinician will want to know about any changes to your periods, including cycle length, flow, and regularity. If your periods have become irregular, note when this started. If they have stopped, note the date of your last period.
List all current medications and supplements
Include everything: prescribed medications, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some supplements can interact with HRT and other menopause treatments, so your clinician needs a complete picture.
Prepare your questions
You are paying for an extended appointment with a specialist. Use that time fully. Write down every question you want answered before you go in, because it is easy to forget things once you are in the appointment.
Useful questions include:
- Which type of HRT would you recommend for me, and why?
- What are the risks specific to my health profile?
- How long will it take to feel the effects?
- What happens if this treatment does not work for me?
- Can my prescription be transferred to my NHS GP?
Bring relevant medical records if possible
If you have had recent blood tests, a mammogram, or any other relevant investigations, bring the results or ask your GP to share them. This prevents duplication and gives your specialist a more complete picture.
What happens at a private menopause consultation?
Here is what normally happens before, during, and after a private menopause appointment.
Before the appointment: the pre-consultation questionnaire
Most private menopause clinics send a detailed questionnaire to complete before your appointment. This covers your symptoms, menstrual history, medical and family history, lifestyle, and current medications. Fill it in thoroughly. The more detail you provide, the more productive your appointment will be.
The consultation itself
Your clinician will begin by reviewing your questionnaire responses and asking follow-up questions. This is your opportunity to expand on anything you wrote down and to raise anything you did not include.
They will take a full medical and family history. This includes any personal or family history of breast cancer, blood clots, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, or other conditions relevant to menopause treatment decisions.
They will then discuss your treatment options. For many women, this will include a detailed discussion of HRT: the different types available, delivery methods such as patches, gels, sprays and tablets, the evidence on benefits and risks, and which approach is most appropriate for your health profile. They may also discuss non-hormonal options and lifestyle approaches where relevant.
A good clinician will not pressure you into any treatment. They will explain the options, answer your questions, and support you in making an informed decision.
By the end of the appointment, you should have a clear treatment plan, a prescription if appropriate, information on what to expect from the treatment and when, and a follow-up arrangement.
After the appointment
Most private clinics provide a written summary of your consultation and the agreed treatment plan within a few working days. Keep this document safe. It is useful for your GP, for any future clinicians you see, and as a reference for yourself.
Your prescription will either be sent directly to a pharmacy of your choice or, for online consultations, arrangements will be made for delivery. Some clinics work with partner pharmacies; others allow you to use your own.
What to watch out for when booking a private menopause consultation
The growth of private menopause care in the UK has been overwhelmingly positive, but as with any market, quality varies. Here are the warning signs to look out for.
- Avoid any service that offers prescriptions without a consultation. Legitimate menopause care should begin with a proper clinical assessment.
- Be cautious of services that push expensive and unnecessary hormone testing. Comprehensive hormone panels are not usually required to diagnose menopause or start treatment in women over 45.
- Be wary of clinics promoting unregulated compounded bioidentical hormones as superior to licensed body-identical HRT. This claim is not supported by mainstream clinical guidance, and unregulated preparations do not carry the same quality and safety guarantees as licensed medicines.
- Look for clinics that are transparent about costs, clinician qualifications, appointment length, and what is included in the consultation fee.
How to book a private menopause consultation
Once you have identified a clinic or specialist who meets the criteria above, booking is usually straightforward. Most private clinics and online services allow you to book directly through their website, choosing a date, time, and format, whether in person or video, that suits you.
If you are unsure which type of service is right for you, The Menopause Directory lists private menopause clinics and specialists across the UK, with details on appointment types, locations and how to book. You can search the UK menopause directory by location and compare services before making your decision.
You may also find these sections useful:
- Menopause clinics in the UK
- How to find a menopause specialist near you
- How to find the right menopause specialist for your symptoms
- Menopause articles and guides
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a private menopause consultation in the UK?
A private menopause consultation typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. Your clinician will review your symptoms, take a full medical and family history, discuss available treatment options including HRT, and agree a personalised treatment plan with you. You should usually receive a written summary and a follow-up plan.
Do I need a GP referral for a private menopause consultation?
No. Private menopause consultations can be booked directly without a GP referral. Most private clinics and online services allow you to book through their website, with appointments often available within one to two weeks.
How much does a private menopause consultation cost in the UK?
Initial consultations range from around £99 for a nurse-led online appointment to £350 for a doctor-led in-person consultation. Follow-up appointments typically cost between £75 and £150. Private prescriptions are usually charged separately and vary by medication.
Can private health insurance cover a menopause consultation?
Some private medical insurance policies cover the initial specialist consultation for menopause, particularly when symptoms require investigation to rule out other conditions. Check your policy and contact your insurer for pre-authorisation before booking. Ongoing prescription costs are typically not covered.
How long does a private menopause consultation last?
Initial private menopause consultations typically last between 45 and 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are usually 25 to 30 minutes. Be cautious of any service offering very short initial appointments, as this is rarely sufficient for a thorough assessment.
Can I get HRT prescribed at my first private menopause consultation?
Yes, in many cases. If HRT is clinically appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history, your specialist can prescribe it at the first appointment. Your prescription may later be transferred to your NHS GP once treatment is established, depending on your GP’s prescribing policy.
Can I have a private menopause consultation online?
Yes. Online menopause consultations via video call are widely available from private clinics and specialists. For many women, online consultations are suitable because most menopause assessments do not require a physical examination.
What should I bring to a private menopause consultation?
Bring a written list of your symptoms and when they started, details of how symptoms affect your daily life, a list of current medications and supplements, any relevant recent test results, and a list of questions you want answered.
Author: The Menopause Directory
About this guide
This guide is published by The Menopause Directory editorial team to help UK readers understand menopause symptoms, support options and services. It is for general information only and should not replace advice from a GP, pharmacist or qualified menopause specialist.
Last reviewed by The Menopause Directory editorial team.