Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier or later.

Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones in the body decrease, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

The levels of oestrogen and progesterone can fluctuate and gradually decline for many years before the actual menopause.

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• mood changes
• vaginal dryness
• decreased sex drive
• sleep disturbances
• changes in bone density

It’s important to remember there are over 30 symptoms of the menopause!

Menopause can also increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

At MySkyn Clinic we are pleased to be able to offer help to women experiencing menopausal symptoms. You can book in with our experienced and highly qualified menopause expert, Ms Bushra Effendi who is a clinical pharmacist and national menopause expert.

Bushra Effendi

Bushra Effendi qualified as a pharmacist from the University of Bradford in 2005. With a diverse background in primary care, community pharmacy, and private practice, Bushra brings a wealth of clinical experience to her role.

As a prescribing pharmacist with a specialist interest in menopause care, Bushra is dedicated to ensuring women navigate the menopause transition as smoothly and as well-informed as possible. Her passion for patient education and empowering individuals to make informed decisions is evident in her approach.

Beyond her work in the NHS, Bushra has developed menopause guidelines and actively serves as a member of the Clinical Advisory Panel for The Menopause Charity. Through her involvement, she is committed to empowering women and providing comprehensive evidence-based support.

Education and training are key priorities for Bushra. She has trained numerous foundation pharmacists and is currently supporting with the development of the Menopause training module for the Center for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE).

With extensive knowledge and qualifications, including her completion of the BMS PPMC course, the Foundation Level International Menopause Society course, and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Essentials of Menopause Care program, Bushra remains at the forefront of menopause management.

In addition to her expertise in menopause care, Bushra is also a fully trained aesthetics practitioner. She brings her in-depth understanding of aesthetics and the impact hormonal imbalances can have on the skin to provide holistic care to her patients.

Bushra has a good working knowledge of Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujrati, which enables her to effectively communicate with diverse communities.

Bushra Is keen to use her knowledge and commitment to patient wellbeing and share the latest trends, treatment options, and empowering strategies to support women during this transformative phase of life.

What will happen at my appointment?

You will have a detailed consultation with Ms Bushra Effendi to discuss your menstrual cycles, medical history and symptoms. Ms Effendi may offer blood tests and/or tests depending on your medical information and then provide you with a treatment plan.

The treatment plan may involve prescription of hormone-replacement therapy or alternative hormonal treatments.

She may offer you alternative lifestyle or other medical treatments.

Hormone replacement therapy
HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy. It is a medical treatment that involves replacing the hormones that the body stops producing during menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy typically involves taking oestrogen and/or progesterone, which are the hormones that decline as women approach menopause.

There are different types of hormone replacement therapy, including:

Oestrogen therapy
This involves taking oestrogen alone, and is typically only recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).

Combination therapy
This involves taking both oestrogen and progesterone, and is recommended for women who still have their uterus, to reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Low-dose therapy
This involves taking the lowest effective dose of hormones for the shortest possible amount of time to manage menopause symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy can help relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. It can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may improve overall quality of life.

However, hormone replacement therapy may also carry some risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. It’s important for women to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy with the clinical team to determine if it’s the right option for them.

BHRT stands for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. It is a type of hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones that are identical in structure to the hormones produced by the human body.

The hormones used in BHRT are derived from plant sources, such as yams and soybeans, and are processed in a compounding pharmacy to create customized hormone formulations based on an individual’s specific hormone needs.

BHRT can only be prescribed by providers who specialize in hormone replacement therapy such as Ms Bushra Effendi. We may use blood or saliva tests to measure hormone levels and customize hormone formulations based on an individual’s specific needs.

It’s important to note that while BHRT may be a safe and effective alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy for some women, it is not without risks. Like any medical treatment, BHRT will be discussed fully during your consultation to determine if it’s the right option and to monitor for potential side effects or risks.

Testosterone implants are small pellets that are inserted under the skin and slowly release testosterone into the body over time. The pellets are typically inserted into the buttock area, and the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic at MySkyn Clinic.

Testosterone implants are used as a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who have low levels of testosterone and symptoms ofdecreased sex drive.

The benefits of testosterone implants include a gradual and sustained release of testosterone, which can help to maintain stable hormone levels over time. This can lead to improved symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life. Testosterone implants are also convenient, as they only need to be inserted once every few months, and do not require daily administration like other forms of testosterone replacement therapy.

However, testosterone implants do have some potential side effects, including pain and swelling at the implant site, acne, breast enlargement, and changes in mood or behavior. There is also a risk of infection or other complications associated with any surgical procedure.

As with any form of hormone replacement therapy, the decision to use testosterone implants will be made following your consultation.