THE SUPERSIZED GP APPOINTMENT

Contributing editor Brigid Moss heads to The Bronte Clinic in London to try its Wellness Consultation

If you have nagging symptoms and are not quite yourself but feel there’s no concrete reason to book a GP appointment, the 45-minute Bronte Wellness Consultation – otherwise known as the Bronte MOT – could be for you. The Bronte Clinic specialises in women’s health and was founded by Dr Fiona Mccarthy and Dr Samantha Brown, who is menopause specialist as well as a GP, so this consultation appealed to me. In addition to getting a good general check-up, including an optional smear test and breast examination, I could discuss my hormones. I’ve been on HRT for four years, but have recently been experiencing hot flushes and weight gain again. As Dr Brown asks me a long list of questions about how I’m feeling, I’m reminded of other niggling symptoms I’ve been trying to ignore, such as worsening sleep, a shortening fuse and reduced energy. After completing a verbal questionnaire, she suggests that my HRT isn’t currently doing its job (this is confirmed the next day, when my blood-test results show my oestrogen is on the low side for someone on HRT). She suggests that, instead of applying oestrogen gel every night, I change to a patch twice a week. This will keep my levels steady and slightly higher. She also gives me useful information about progesterone, telling me that Utrogestan, which I take orally, also comes in vaginal capsules, and that some people find this more effective. So many options! After the consultation, I’m sent off to have my blood tested for kidney, liver and thyroid function, oestrogen, testosterone, cholesterol, glucose, vitamin D, folate, calcium, ferritin and vitamin B12. The next day, I get my results via email, along with some advice on next steps. I’ve also given permission for the information to go to my GP. In addition to the HRT insights, which I can follow up on via my regular GP, I learn that I’m borderline anaemic and should therefore resume taking iron supplements. All in all, having been able to discuss my different symptoms in such a joined-up way, I found the consultation to be a very reassuring experience, and I’m relieved to have a plan of action.

The Bronte Wellness Consultation costs from £300. Visit thebronteclinic.com

‘DISCUSSING MY SYMPTOMS IN A JOINED-UP WAY WAS SO REASSURING’