Complex Menopause Clinic

About the Clinic

The Complex Menopause Clinic opened its doors in September 2023. It is based in the Lee Clinic, Lee road, Mount Desert (T23 KV2K).

Lee-Clinic

Our team includes Dr Brenda Moran, Dr Karen Soffe, CNM2 Rachel Guerin and administrator Ali Oliver.

The Complex Menopause Clinic is dedicated to helping patients with serious medical conditions manage their menopausal symptoms; or when Hormone Therapy is generally contraindicated ; or patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). The clinic is staffed by GP Menopause Specialists, a full-time Clinical Nurse Manager, and a part time Administrator. Most patients who are troubled by menopausal symptoms are able to receive advice and treatment in the community through their GP practice.

Unfortunately, for some patients with certain medical conditions such as thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, hormone sensitive cancers, managing menopausal symptoms can sometimes be more difficult, and an assessment with an accredited Menopause Specialist can be useful.

Appointments can only be offered to suitable patients via GP/consultant/specialist nurse referral. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below and think you may fit the criteria to be seen in the clinic, please attend your GP to discuss a referral.

Who can attend the Complex menopause clinic?

We offer appointments to patients when Hormone Replacement Therapy is considered a relative contraindication, patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, and patients with a personal history of the following :

Established ischaemic heart disease, structural heart disease, & arrythmias
Stroke & TIA
Clots, arterial thrombosis, & thrombophilia
Breast or hormone sensitive cancers
Immunological Diseases
Hemiplegic migraine
Active Liver Disease
Primary Ovarian insufficiency (POI- Menopause or ovarian insufficiency under the age of 40)
Certain genetic mutations such as BCRA and Lynch syndrome

This is not an exhaustive list and if you are unsure if you fit the criteria, please discuss with your GP/consultant/ nurse specialist.

We are currently accepting referrals for patients living in the South/SouthWest region of Ireland which includes:

Cork
Kerry
South Tipperary
Waterford

We cannot accept self-referrals and all referrals must be sent via a GP/consultant /Advanced Burse Practitioner (ANP) to Central Appointments in CUMH.

Some frequently asked questions

How can I prepare for my appointment at the complex menopause clinic?
We will send out a questionnaire about your health history, and symptoms, for you to fill in. This can be returned via post or email prior to your appointment, or you can bring it with you on the day. Please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to check in at reception. If you cannot attend your appointment, please contact the clinic as soon as possible to reschedule and to allow us time to offer an appointment to another patient.

What should I expect from attending the Complex menopause clinic?
At your appointment, your health history, concerns, symptoms, and goals will be discussed with the Team. Treatment options will be discussed and agreed upon together. Any prescriptions and additional information will be given to you if required along with a plan for follow- up if necessary. Sometimes, bloods, swabs, a breast or a vaginal examination may be recommended but only if indicated.

I don’t want to take HRT, can’t take HRT or am afraid to take it, can I still attend the clinic?
Yes you absolutely can. At your appointment, every option available to you will be discussed and agreed upon with you. There are many alternatives to HRT to help manage your symptoms along with healthy living and lifestyle options.

Are there side effects to HRT/medications?
Yes there can be some side effects. These can vary depending on what treatment options you commence. All these will be discussed at your appointment.
What kind of options are there to treat my symptoms?
A multi-modal approach is usually best to manage menopausal symptoms when there are concerns pertaining to HRT use or it is not recommended. This involves using different avenues to maximise impact. These can include lifestyle optimisation, psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, and prescribed medications such as HRT, vaginal oestrogen, or non-hormonal medications. All of these options will be discussed in-depth at your appointment.