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
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 40 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, so we can also discuss alternative treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), lifestyle measures, antidepressants and “alternative medicines”.
As part of the appointment there will can be the options 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 working alongside the psychology services so that if you are experiencing particularly troublesome mood issues, help is at hand and I would liaise with the psychology team and arrange follow-up care for you if necessary.
Appointments last 40 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 60-minute appointment
£180
Gynaecology 30-minute appointment
We’re so excited to welcome Ella Davies, our new Art Psychotherapist to Team TEP! With extensive experience and a deep belief in the power of creativity, Ella supports individuals in exploring and expressing their emotions through art. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or other creative outlets, Art Therapy can help uncover thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express in words.
Ella is passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where clients can use art as a tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery. Stay tuned for a future post, where we’ll share more about how Art Therapy works and the incredible benefits it can bring.
#ArtPsychotherapy #TheEdinburghPractice #WelcomeToTheTeam
Happy Monday everyone! This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mindful Parenting 🌱
💫 Mindful parenting encourages us to slow down, truly listen, and connect with our children on a deeper level. The mindful parenting method teaches us that children’s behaviours and expressions are often reflections of their emotional state. This can then enable us, as parents, to approach situations with empathy and curiosity, to balance guidance and discipline, with a genuine effort to understand the child’s perspective.
💛 Remember - parenting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present.
#MindfulParenting #Mindfulness #BeingPresent #MentalHealth #TheEdinburghPractice
Your values are the beliefs and principles that you believe are important. Values can guide the way you live, act as a compass for decision making, inform your interactions with self and others. Values can be the foundation of leading a meaningful life 🌟
Remember, values aren’t goals to achieve - values are guiding principles to help you navigate life’s decisions and challenges.
Take a moment to check in: Are your actions this week reflecting what truly matters to you? If not, that’s okay - every day is a chance to realign.
What’s one small way you can honour your values this weekend?
#FridayCheckIn #Values #LiveYourValues #TheEdinburghPractice
⛈️ Due to the red weather warning, the practice building will be closed on Friday, January 24. All appointments will be held remotely. The Edinburgh Practice can be contacted by telephone or email, as usual.
Please keep yourselves safe!
#theedinburghpractice #stormeowyn
Feeling the January blues? You’re not alone! 🌥️
❄️ It’s completely normal to feel a little low during the winter months. Many people report experiencing low mood, sadness, lack of motivation and tiredness at the start of the year. If you are experiencing this you are not alone, here are some tips for how to tackle the January blues!
🌟 Remember, these feelings will pass, and brighter days are ahead!
#JanuaryBlues #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #MentalHealth #SelfCare #TheEdinburghPractice
This Monday, ‘M’ is for Meditation! Meditation is a great way for us to clear our minds and be in the present moment. In a busy world, it gives us permission to pause, breathe and reset.
Meditation doesn’t always come easily for everyone, but there are many mental and physical benefits to incorporating this into our daily routines. Try to go through these 7 steps to learn how to start meditating!
You can also find helpful guided meditations on the @headspace app - these can be a great way to start meditating!
#Meditation #Mindfulness #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Friday, everyone! 🌟 This #fridaycheckin, we’re focusing on checking in with our sensory needs.
Did you know we have 5 main senses:
👁️ Sight
👃 Smell
👅 Taste
👋 Touch
👂Hearing
Plus two additional senses:
🧍♂️ Proprioception (body awareness)
⚖️ Vestibular (balance and movement)
Sensory needs can vary, we can be:
* Hypersensitive: Easily overwhelmed for example by bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells
* Hyposensitive: May seek extra stimulation for example from strong flavours or textures
Tuning into and meeting our sensory needs helps to soothe the nervous system, promotes wellbeing and reduces distress 🌈
#SensoryNeeds #SensoryProcessing #TheEdinburghPractice
💛 Struggling with fertility can be emotionally overwhelming and can raise a number of distressing thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to face it alone, at The Edinburgh Practice, we’re now offering fertility counselling to support anyone navigating the challenges of infertility. Whether you’re an individual, part of a couple, or a family member providing support, we’re here to help.
🌸 Fertility counselling covers a wide range of issues including; managing the emotional toll, the impact on relationships, and making informed choices about your next steps. From coping with unexplained infertility to exploring options like IVF, donors, or egg freezing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
💻 To learn more about TEP’s Fertility Counselling Service or to submit a referral, visit our website (link in bio)
#FertilityCounselling #Infertility #FertilitySupport #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Monday! We’re back with another ‘M’ word - Memory. Our memory thrives when our brain is healthy! Regardless of age, we must keep our brains active through healthy habits and mental stimulation - this is the key to maintaining a sharp memory as we age!
🧠 We now know much more about what affects our brain health compared to a decade ago. For example, it is now widely known that dementia-related diseases often begin in midlife. The development of these conditions is influenced by many factors, some beyond our control, like genetics and family history, but many others, such as lifestyle, are within our power to change. Changes include:
🏃♂️🚴♀️ Taking regular exercise that gets our heart pumping - aim for at least 2-3 hours of moderate intensity exercise every week (this can be brisk walking, gardening, riding a bike, or dancing)
🥗🍎 Eat a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet - rich in olive oil and including lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, fish and whole grains. Not too much meat or sugary foods.
👫🎸 Enjoy time with other people and learn new skills throughout life - be creative, learn a language or musical instrument. Try out a new activity in a group or with a friend - this can keep us motivated while also getting a social benefit.
🚬🍷 Don’t smoke and don’t drink too much alcohol - stopping smoking even in later life can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
😴💤Manage stress, look after mental health and get plenty of sleep - aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night. Not getting enough sleep can affect our memory and ability to think in the short and long term.
@brainhealthscot have amazing resources on their website (https://www.brainhealth.scot) including ‘My Brain Health Quiz’ to build a personal brain health plan!
#BrainHealth #Memory #KeepingSharp #Dementia #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Friday everyone! We’re back with #fridaycheckin!
It’s our first full week back and TEP is the busiest it’s ever been! Luckily we managed to catch a few members of Team TEP for a quick check in. Paula, Rachael and Zara shared how they’re feeling about 2025 and the habits they’re working on this year. 🌟 From building healthier routines to prioritizing self-care, we’re all about making this year one of growth and balance.
What’s one habit or goal you’re excited to work on in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 💬
#MentalHealthMatters #FreshStart #NewYearGoals #TheEdinburghPractice
✨ Understanding the Role of a Health Visitor ✨
Join us for an insightful webinar with Lisa Fraser, an experienced Health Visitor at The Edinburgh Practice, as she delves into the invaluable role of Health Visitors and the guidance and support that she can offer to families. Whether you’re a new parent, expecting a baby or curious about the support Health Visitors can provide, including how Lisa can support you to navigate early parenthood then this webinar is for you!
In this session, Lisa will cover:
🌟 The role of a Health Visitor and the vital support they provide to parents and babies
🌟 Specialist Health Services available at The Edinburgh Practice
🌟Why you might consider a private Health Visitor to complement NHS services
This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, learn about a range of support options available, and gain a deeper understanding of how a Health Visitor can make a positive difference to you and your family.
Please register on our website, link in bio!
Happy New Year and welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Mind-Body connection. Our mind and body are inextricably connected and have a direct impact on each other. When we care for one, we nourish the other!
Stress can manifest physically, while movement and physical care can ease mental tension. Practices like mindfulness, exercise, proper nutrition, and quality sleep nurture this connection, creating a foundation for resilience and balance.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to prioritize the powerful connection between our mind and body ✨
#NewYearWellbeing #MindBodyConnection #SelfCare #TheEdinburghPractice
A Very Merry Christmas from Team TEP! 🎄
While this season is filled with joy for many, we recognise it can also be a difficult time for some. Whether you’re celebrating or navigating challenges, remember to prioritise your wellbeing and be kind to yourself 💛
We wish you all moments of peace, joy and healing this holiday season 🌟
#theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth #christmas
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! Here’s a look back at TEP’s 2024 - a year full of growth, challenges, and incredible moments! 🎥
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect 💭 After the Christmas festivities, take a moment to ask yourself: What went well this year? What did I enjoy? What do I want to work on for the year ahead?
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth, and there’s no better time than now to check in with yourself. Let’s carry those insights into a strong start for 2025 💪
#fridaycheckin #yearinreview #2024recap
🌟 Exciting news! We are thrilled to welcome Fiona Cook to The Edinburgh Practice team starting January 2025!
🤰 Fiona is a highly experienced Fertility and Relationship Counsellor with over 22 years of clinical practice. With a unique integrative approach rooted in psychodynamic and systemic theories, mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy, Fiona supports individuals and couples navigating the complexities of fertility and relationships. She brings a wealth of expertise, including her work with the NHS, donor conception, and solo parenthood.
🙏 Her dedication to creating a compassionate, tailored space for clients is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait for her to bring her warmth and expertise to our practice.
💛 Join us in giving Fiona a warm welcome!
#FertilityCounsellor #RelationshipCounselling #TheEdinburghPractice #WelcomeToTheTeam
