What is the Menopause?
Menopause is a physiological change which affects most women; it occurs on average around 51 years of age and it is a result of decreased activity of the ovaries leading to falling levels of female hormones and the end of periods. Some women experience no problems at all during the menopause but about 80% of women have troublesome symptoms of one form or another:
- Hot flushes & sweats
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Joint pains
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleeplessness
- Memory problems
- Dry skin & hair
- Loss of libido
- Anxiety
The perimenopause is the time leading up to periods actually stopping and can last for several years and can be even more troublesome than the menopause itself as women often experience bleeding problems along with other menopause symptoms.
Our Expertise
Menopause symptoms can often be managed well between a woman and her GP, however often women may want specialist advice and information from a Gynaecologist. At The Edinburgh Practice we offer 45 minute appointments with our Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Rosemary Cochrane. The appointments offer clients more time and space to explore their symptoms and preferences and the opportunity to formulate a management plan, in line with up-to-date scientific evidence and guidance.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is not the only option to treat menopause, and it is not suitable for every woman, the appointment will enable the opportunity to discuss alternative treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), lifestyle measures and antidepressants.
As part of the appointment there will can be the option to conduct blood tests, where necessary. If there is significant bleeding or other gynaecological issues we would refer you back to your GP as you may need hospital investigations.
At The Edinburgh Practice we also have the distinct advantage of providing psychology therapy services so that if you are experiencing particularly troublesome mood issues, help is at hand with our psychological therapy team and we can arrange follow-up care for you if necessary.
Appointments last 45 minutes, and may include blood tests or a private prescription and/or a letter to your NHS GP. Please note that blood tests and prescriptions incur additional charges and will be fully discussed during the appointment.
Our Fees
£275
Gynaecology 45-minute appointment
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, we answer:
What is CloudRx❓
Scroll through the post to find out more and check out our blogpost:
https://edinburghpractice.com/introducing-cloudrx-online-pharmacy-medication-delivered-direct-to-your-door/#popup-maker
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

Happy Monday! This week, `M` is for Maternal & Newborn Health - the focus for #WorldHealthDay2025! 💛
Today, we are spotlighting the importance of supporting mothers and newborns everywhere, because healthy beginnings shape healthy futures.
Here are some key messages from the WHO:
🌼 We can end preventable maternal & newborn mortality
🌼 Women`s health needs to extend beyond simply surviving childbirth
🌼 Access to sexual & reproductive health services underpin maternal outcomes
🌼 Investing in all aspects of maternal & newborn health brings immense benefits
#MaternalHealth #NewbornHealth #WorldHealthDay

🤔 For today’s #FridayFAQ, a client at The Edinburgh Practice answers:
Why bother with getting a late ADHD or Autism Diagnosis❓
Read the full story here:
https://edinburghpractice.com/blog-written-by-a-client-late-diagnosis-why-bother/
#autism #autismawareness
#adhd #adhdawareness
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

Happy Monday everyone! This week, our `M` word is for Masking!
👤 Masking can be exhausting - constantly camouflaging traits to fit in and avoid judgement. For many neurodivergent individuals, it`s a survival strategy, but it often comes at the cost of mental and emotional wellbeing. Unmasking is a journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity and neurotypical people can play a huge role in lessening the load. Let`s create a world where everyone feels safe to be themselves! 💛
#Neurodiversity #Unmasking #MentalHealthAwareness

In today’s #Friday FAQ, one of our Art Therapists Amelia Mackenzie answers:
What is Art Therapy❓
Also check out the blog post “Five Benefits of Art Therapy” written by our other Art Therapist, Ella Davies:
https://edinburghpractice.com/five-benefits-of-art-therapy-by-art-therapist-ella-davies/
🎨🖌️
#arttherapy
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

This week, `M` is for Maladaptive Thinking!
🧠 Maladaptive thinking can sometimes prevent us from making adjustments that are in our own best interest. Recognising these thought patterns is the first step towards change. By identifying and challenging these thoughts, we can start to reframe them with more balanced, helpful perspectives.
Small changes can make a big difference! 💫
#MentalHealth #MaladaptiveThinking #CognitiveDistortions

It’s neurodiversity celebration week! 🥳
This week’s #FridayFAQ is:
What is neurodiversity❓
Scroll through the post to find out or visit:
https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/introduction
#neurodiversity #neurodiversitycelebrationweek #neurodiversitycelebrationweek2025
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

Also known as “psychological flexibility”, mental flexibility is being fully aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the present moment, accepting them as they are without judgment, and then choosing to act in accordance with our values regardless of our current experience. 💬👁️❤️
In other words, being aware, open, and engaged.
Greater psychological flexibility is linked with higher wellbeing and lower stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Low flexibility is correlated with lower levels of mental health. 👌
Increasing psychological flexibility requires practice. By employing mindfulness techniques and metaphors, we can bring more mental flexibility into our everyday lives. 🧘🏽
Scroll through the post to find out more, and check out:
https://www.actmindfully.com.au/about-act/
https://www.actmindfully.com.au/free-stuff/
#psychologicalflexibility #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy
#mentalhealthmatters #selfcare #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

🤔 In today’s #Friday FAQ, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Alex Beadel answers:
What do I need to know about medication for children and young people❓
If you would like to find out more about psychiatry, mental health, and other services at The Edinburgh Practice, visit our Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheEdinburghPractice1
#psychiatry #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

👋 Everyone say hello to our new Child & Young Person Psychiatry Co-Ordinator, Isabelle! Here are five facts about Isabelle:
🗓️ How long have you worked at TEP? - “Since the beginning of February 2025”
🤔 Why did you want to work at TEP? - “I wanted to work at The Edinburgh Practice because I was keen to work as part of a multidisciplinary team that prioritised providing high quality services with a client-centred approach.”
💬 What is your favourite quote? - “My favourite quote is “One man’s style must not be the rule of another’s.” from Emma by Jane Austen”
🍽️ What is your favourite restaurant in Edinburgh? - “My favourite place to eat out in Edinburgh is Makars Mash Bar.”
🧘♀️ What do you do to relax? - “To relax I read books (especially fantasy novels) and spend time with my pets.”

💊 Medication can sometimes help improve mental health. There are four main types:
1) Anti-depressants: for moderate to severe depression.
2) Anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics): to feel calmer and improve sleep.
3) Anti-psychotics: to reduce delusions, hallucinations, severe anxiety, and mania.
4) Mood stabilisers: to help with extreme mood swings, such as bipolar mania.
But how do we know when to take medication?
🥼Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, their severity, and the possible benefits and side-effects of medication. Medication often works best in combination with other treatments, like talking therapy. If medication is offered, you do not have to take it. You can always ask for alternative treatment options.
⚠️ However, stopping medication abruptly can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor first.
#psychiatry #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare
#selfcarematters #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

Happy International Women’s Day! 🎉
This year’s IWD theme is:
Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. 💪
Scroll through the post to hear some of the team’s thoughts on how we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. Check out the team celebrating with some cupcakes (and wearing purple!). 💜 🧁
#AccelerateAction #IWD2025
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

Today is Employee Appreciation Day! ❤️
The Edinburgh Practice isn’t just a building, it’s a team! In recognition of our wonderful staff, this #FridayFAQ is:
Who are The Edinburgh Practice team❓
Watch the reel to hear a message from our founder and clinical director Dr Fiona Wilson. To find out more about team TEP check out Our Team webpage: https://edinburghpractice.com/our-team/ 💫
#employeeappreciationday #employeeappreciation #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

We are delighted to welcome Dr Rosie Cochrane to The Edinburgh Practice as a Consultant in Gynaecology and Sexual Health. Rosie brings extensive experience in community gynaecology and sexual health, with a particular focus on menopause management.
🌸 Having trained in obstetrics and gynaecology in the West of Scotland, Rosie has worked across Scotland in various roles. She is particularly passionate about improving menopause care, recognising its profound impact on psychological wellbeing. With increasing awareness and resources dedicated to menopause management, here at The Edinburgh Practice, we can provide in-depth and personalised care.
💛 We are thrilled to have Rosie as part of Team TEP and look forward to the expertise and compassionate care she will bring to our clients. Welcome, Rosie!
#TheEdinburghPractice #Gynaecology #MenopauseCare #GynaecologyCare #WomensHealth #MenopauseAwareness

Experiencing meaning in life is having the feeling that our lives have coherence, purpose, and significance. ❤️🎯
Countless studies have linked a greater sense of meaning with:
1) Higher levels of psychological wellbeing.
2) Lower levels of depression and anxiety.
3) Greater resilience after experiencing negative events.
4) Reduced stress.
5) Reduced suicidal ideation and self-harm.
6) Higher self-esteem, self-acceptance, and positive self-image.
We tend to experience meaning through relationships, work, hobbies, helping others, and spirituality. It depends on what we value. Values are the qualities that we want to see in our actions, for example, honesty, kindness, compassion, and creativity.
We can increase meaning in our lives. Start by compiling a list of values (use the internet for inspiration). Circle the ones that matter the most and ask yourself how you could behave in ways that are more in line with your values. The more you do this day-to-day, the more likely you are to create a story that you can make sense of, that has purpose and significance. 🌟
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare
#selfcarematters #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
