NHS vs Private Care for Perimenopause in the UK: What to Know
Wondering whether to use the NHS or go private for perimenopause care? This guide breaks down costs, wait times, and when each option makes sense.
The state of perimenopause care in the UK
Perimenopause diagnosis and treatment in the UK has improved significantly over the past few years, largely thanks to public campaigning and updated NICE guidelines. Even so, many women still report long waits for specialist appointments, inconsistent GP knowledge, and difficulty getting prescriptions reviewed in a timely way. Understanding your options, both NHS and private, helps you make informed decisions rather than simply accepting the first pathway you encounter.
What the NHS offers for perimenopause
The NHS can provide GP consultations, HRT prescriptions, referrals to gynaecologists or menopause specialists, and access to psychological support. In theory, this covers most of what women need. In practice, outcomes depend heavily on the individual GP's knowledge and enthusiasm for perimenopause care. Some surgeries have a designated GP with a special interest in menopause, which makes an enormous difference. You are entitled to ask which GP at your practice has the most experience with menopause and to request appointments with them specifically.
When NHS care works well
For straightforward cases where symptoms are clear and a GP is willing to trial HRT or other treatments, the NHS pathway is often entirely adequate. Follow-up appointments, prescription reviews, and blood tests are all accessible at no additional cost. If your symptoms are manageable and you have a supportive GP, there is little reason to pay privately. The NHS also covers conditions that arise alongside perimenopause, such as thyroid issues, which a private menopause clinic might not address holistically.
The case for private care
Private menopause clinics offer faster initial appointments, often within one to two weeks. Consultations are longer, typically 45 to 60 minutes compared to the 10-minute NHS slot. A private specialist will usually take a detailed history, review all symptoms systematically, and discuss the full range of treatment options including body-identical HRT, testosterone, and complementary approaches. For women who have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or are struggling with complex or overlapping symptoms, a single thorough private consultation can be genuinely transformative.
Understanding the costs of private care
A private menopause consultation typically costs between 150 and 350 pounds for the initial appointment, with follow-ups usually cheaper at 80 to 180 pounds. Prescriptions written by private consultants may need to be filled privately if the GP will not transfer them to NHS prescriptions, which can add to ongoing costs. Some private clinics have agreements with GPs to continue prescriptions on the NHS once a plan is established, which is worth asking about before booking. Many women find that paying for one or two private appointments to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, then returning to NHS care, is the most cost-effective approach.
Keeping good records across both pathways
Whether you use the NHS, a private clinic, or both, keeping your own health records is valuable. Write down what was discussed, what was prescribed, and what the follow-up plan is after every appointment. If you move between providers, having your own records prevents repetition and reduces the chance of conflicting advice. Tracking your symptoms with an app like PeriPlan means you can show a consultant a clear pattern of logged data, which often speeds up decision-making considerably and helps both NHS and private doctors give better advice.
Making the decision that is right for you
There is no universal right answer between NHS and private care. The best approach depends on your financial situation, how severe your symptoms are, how long you have already waited, and how supported you feel by your current GP. If you are managing reasonably well and your GP is engaged, staying with the NHS is sensible. If you have been struggling for months or years without a clear plan, a private consultation is often worth the investment. Many women use both: private for diagnosis and initial prescription, NHS for ongoing management. Whatever path you choose, advocate clearly for your needs and do not accept vague reassurances if your quality of life is genuinely affected.
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