Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy is the mainstay of treatment for premature ovarian insufficiency. Treatment usually includes:Oestrogen to replace the hormones the ovaries are no longer producingProgesterone if you have a womb, to protect the lining of the uterusTestosterone in selected cases, where symptoms such as low libido or fatigue persistIn POI, hormone replacement is considered protective rather than optional. It supports bone, heart, and brain health, as well as improving quality of life.Your treatment is personalised and reviewed regularly.

Additional and supportive care

Alongside hormone therapy, your care may include:Bone health assessment and monitoringLifestyle and nutritional guidanceVaginal oestrogen for local symptomsPsychological support where helpful

How is POI diagnosed?

POI is diagnosed based on symptoms, menstrual history, and hormone blood tests. Blood tests usually show raised follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on more than one occasion, along with low oestrogen levels. Additional tests may be recommended to assess overall health and to rule out other causes of symptoms.

Do I need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if I have POI?

For most women with POI, hormone replacement therapy is recommended unless there is a medical reason not to. In POI, hormone replacement is considered protective and is usually advised until the average age of natural menopause. Treatment helps manage symptoms and supports long-term bone, heart, and brain health.

Is hormone replacement safe if I am young?

Yes. Hormone replacement in POI is replacing hormones that the body would normally be producing at this stage of life. It is different from starting HRT at the usual age of menopause and is guided by national and international clinical recommendations. Your treatment is tailored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains safe and appropriate.

Can I still get pregnant if I have POI?

Fertility can be affected in POI, but ovarian activity may be intermittent. A small number of women with POI may ovulate occasionally, although spontaneous pregnancy is unpredictable. Specialist clinicians can support discussions around fertility implications and refer you for fertility counselling or services where appropriate.

In most cases, no clear cause is identified. POI can sometimes be associated with genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, medical treatments such as chemotherapy, or surgery involving the ovaries. A family history of POI may increase risk.

Can POI affect my mental health?

Yes. Living with POI can be emotionally challenging, particularly due to unexpected symptoms, uncertainty, or concerns about fertility and long-term health. Psychological support can be an important part of care, alongside medical treatment.

Is POI a lifelong condition?

POI is considered a long-term condition, although ovarian function can fluctuate. Treatment and follow-up are reviewed over time to support both symptoms and long-term health needs.

Do I need a GP referral to see a POI specialist?

No. You can book a private specialist consultation at Menopause Care without a GP referral. With your consent, clinic letters can be shared with your GP to support joined-up care.

When should I seek specialist advice?

You should consider seeking specialist advice if your periods stop or become irregular before age 40, if you have symptoms of low oestrogen at a younger age, or if POI has been mentioned but not fully explained. Early assessment and specialist care can make a meaningful difference.

How much does a private perimenopause specialist appointment cost in the UK?

A new patient menopause specialist consultation is £295 for 45 minutes. Follow-up options are £225 for 30 minutes.

Are Menopause Care doctors accredited perimenopause specialists?

Yes. Our doctors at Menopause Care are British Menopause Society-accredited and appear on the BMS specialist register.

Can I access specialist POI care online?

Yes. Online consultations provide access to experienced perimenopause clinicians across the UK, with the same clinical standards as in-person appointments.

Where are the face-to-face clinics at Menopause Care located?

Menopause Care has clinics across the UK, including locations in London (Mayfair, Barnes, and Wimbledon), as well as Manchester, Sheffield, and Glasgow.

What happens in my first appointment?

Your clinician will take a full medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and assess your individual risk factors. You will receive a personalised treatment plan and clear next steps, including options for lifestyle support, non-hormonal treatment, and hormone therapy where appropriate.

What if I am not sure I want treatment yet?

That is completely fine. Many people want clarity first. The first appointment is designed to give you a clear clinical assessment and a personalised plan, even if you decide not to start treatment straight away.

What if I have complex medical history or I am not sure HRT is right for me?

Specialist input can be especially valuable if you have migraines, high blood pressure, a family history of breast cancer, or other health considerations. Your clinician will take a careful, personalised approach and discuss options that fit your situation.

What if I am already on HRT but still have symptoms?

This is common. Symptoms may persist if the dose, type, or balance of hormones is not quite right. A specialist review can help assess what is happening and adjust your plan safely.

Can Menopause Care provide prescriptions?

Yes. Menopause Care can provide prescriptions directly through our in-house pharmacy, ensuring you receive your treatment safely, conveniently, and without delay. Our clinicians review your treatment regularly and tailor it to your individual needs, so you can feel confident that your care is both personalised and seamless.

Pricing Our specialists Clinic locations Resources

Specialist-led assessment. Personalised treatment. Ongoing clinical review

POI and Hormone Care

Specialist, doctor-led care for women navigating Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) during every stage of their reproductive years.

BMS accredited doctors, available online

Personalised medication delivered

A support team to help coordinate your care

BMS accredited doctors, available online

Personalised medication delivered

A support team to help coordinate your care

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Understanding early hormone changes and what they mean for you

Premature ovarian insufficiency, often called POI, is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning as they should before the age of 40. This leads to reduced production of key hormones, particularly oestrogen, and can affect periods, fertility, bone health, heart health, and overall wellbeing.

For many women, POI is unexpected and distressing. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly, and the condition is often misunderstood or diagnosed late. With the right specialist support, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively and protect long-term health.

Book my specialist doctor appointment

Initial Online Doctor Appointment

45 minute session

PCOS specialist support

Pricing

Online consultation £295

Existing Online Patients Appointment

30 minute session

PCOS specialist support

Pricing

Online consultation £225

What to expect

How our care works

1
Specialist consultation (45 min)
A menopause specialist doctor takes time to explore your symptoms, hormonal stage, medical history, and any existing ADHD diagnosis or concerns.
2
Personalised plan
Your clinician will create a personalised care plan based on your symptoms, medical history, and priorities. This may include hormone treatment where appropriate, alongside practical lifestyle and wellbeing support.
3
Ongoing review and support
Prescription management, blood tests if needed, and continuity of care for as long as you need.

1 My periods have stopped or become irregular earlier than I expected, and I am not sure why

2 I am experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, low mood, or vaginal dryness, and I feel too young for this to be happening

3 I have been told my hormones are “out of range”, or POI has been mentioned, but I do not fully understand what that means

4 I feel worried about my future health, including my bones, heart, or fertility, but I am unsure who to speak to

5 I have been managing symptoms for a while without clear answers, or I have been told it is stress or something I need to push through

6 I want specialist guidance on hormone treatment that feels safe, considered, and right for the long term

7 I would value time to talk things through properly, without feeling rushed or dismissed

Treatment options for POI

Our specialist approach to POI and hormone care

A detailed overview of how our doctors assess, treat, and support you

Step 1

Specialist consultation for POI support

Your first appointment is a 45-minute consultation, designed to give you the time and space to fully explore your symptoms and concerns.

During this assessment, your specialist clinician will:

Talk through your POI symptoms in detail, such as irregular or absent periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight changes, fatigue, or low energy
Review your menstrual and hormonal history, including when symptoms started and how they have changed over time
Discuss how PCPOIOS may be affecting your mood, sleep, concentration, and emotional wellbeing
Review any previous investigations or diagnoses related to POI
Consider other conditions that can overlap with POI, such as thyroid disorders or insulin resistance
Advise whether blood tests or further investigations would be helpful

Your clinician will explain what is most likely contributing to your symptoms and what support may be appropriate. If your symptoms suggest a different or additional condition, they will guide you towards the right next steps.

Step 2

Treatment options tailored your POI symptoms

POI affects each woman differently. There is no single treatment approach, which is why care needs to be personalised.

Depending on your symptoms, priorities, and stage of life, your clinician may discuss:

Hormonal treatments to help regulate periods, manage androgen-related symptoms, or protect the lining of the womb
Non-hormonal medical options, where appropriate
Blood tests or monitoring, to support safe and effective treatment
Metabolic and lifestyle support, including guidance around nutrition, movement, energy levels, and insulin resistance
Psychological or emotional support, such as CBT, if POI symptoms are affecting mood, confidence, or wellbeing

Your care plan is developed with you, taking into account your symptoms, preferences, reproductive goals, and long-term health.

Step 3

Ongoing support and review

POI is a long-term condition, and symptoms can change over time. Many women benefit from ongoing review rather than one-off appointments.

After your initial consultation, you can access:

Follow-up appointments with a specialist clinician as needed
Support from our care team between appointments
Clear guidance on reviewing and adjusting treatment over time
Prescriptions and blood tests, where recommended, coordinated through our clinic

Your care is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate, safe, and aligned with how you are feeling and what matters to you.

Book my specialist doctor appointment

Specialist assessment only. No obligation to start treatment.

Our Approach

Every person’s experience is different. Our role is to help you understand how hormonal changes may be affecting your body and mind, and explore safe and evidence-based treatment options that work best for you and your lifestyle.

Expert-led care

Doctors experienced in hormonal, mood and wellbeing concerns

Safe prescribing

Hormonal and non-hormonal options as clinically appropriate

Personalised and holistic treatment plans

Care tailored to your symptoms, history and goals, with lifestyle, nutritional and psychological strategies

Continuity

Regular follow-up and ongoing support

Success stories from our patients

Hear from our patients who are on the path to feeling like themselves again, and who share their experiences of feeling listened to, supported, and guided through their menopause care.