Frequently Asked Questions

Her Healthcare is a private, women's-only GP service built around holistic care, continuity of care, and thorough consultations — designed specifically to address the conditions that are frequently dismissed or under-investigated in conventional medicine. Every consultation follows our Know, Understand, Act approach: understanding what's happening in your body, what it means, and agreeing a clear plan with your GP by your side.

Yes. Every consultation is with a GMC-registered GP — the same qualification held by every GP in the UK, whether NHS or private. Our clinical team includes a Clinical Lead with extensive UK primary care experience, alongside additional GPs with strong track records in general practice.

It means looking at your whole health picture rather than treating a single symptom in isolation. Hormonal, physical and mental health are frequently connected — fatigue, mood, skin, weight and cycle changes often share a common underlying cause — and our consultations are built to have the time to make those connections, rather than addressing one complaint per rushed appointment.

Women's health conditions — perimenopause, PCOS, endometriosis, PMDD and thyroid disorders among them — are consistently under-recognised in general medicine, and women are more likely to have physical symptoms attributed to stress before being properly investigated. A dedicated women's health service exists to correct that pattern directly, with GPs whose time and expertise are focused specifically on this.

The core difference is time and continuity. NHS appointments are typically 10 minutes and rarely with the same GP twice; Her Healthcare consultations are unhurried, and we prioritise seeing the same doctor at follow-up so your history doesn't need to be re-explained from scratch each time. Private care also typically offers faster access — the average wait for a routine NHS GP appointment in many areas now exceeds two weeks.

Standard telehealth platforms are usually built for speed and volume — short slots, often with a different clinician each time, geared towards single, straightforward issues. Her Healthcare is built the opposite way: longer consultations, continuity with the same GP, and a specific focus on the more complex, often hormonally-driven conditions that a quick telehealth call isn't designed to properly investigate.

Private GP services operating in the UK are required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England, and our clinicians are individually regulated by the GMC. Ask us directly for our current registration details if you'd like to see them before booking.

Our clinic is based in London, with in-person appointments available there and online video consultations available wherever you are in the UK.

This varies by policy and provider — many private medical insurance policies do cover GP consultations, but coverage and reimbursement processes differ. Check with your insurer directly, or ask our team, and we can help confirm ahead of booking.

Appointments can be booked directly through our website, choosing between an online video consultation or an in-person visit at our London clinic, depending on what suits your concern and your schedule.

An online GP appointment is £49, an in-person appointment is £89, and a repeat/follow-up appointment is £69. This sits at the lower-to-mid end of the wider UK private GP market, where standard consultations commonly range from £70 to £200 or more, particularly in London.

Your consultation fee covers the GP's time for the full appointment, clinical assessment, and — where clinically appropriate — a private prescription, referral letter, or medical letter issued during the same visit at no extra cost. Separate lab or imaging provider fees may apply for investigations, and this is always made clear before proceeding.

We aim for the pricing on our fee list to be the full picture: referral letters, prescriptions and medical letters are included in your consultation, not charged separately. The only additional costs that can arise are third-party costs such as pharmacy dispensing fees or laboratory fees for investigations, which are outside our control and always flagged in advance.

An online appointment is a full video consultation — the same depth of history-taking and clinical reasoning as in person, just without a physical examination. An in-person appointment adds hands-on examination where that's needed to reach an accurate answer. If you're not sure which is right for your concern, either option lets your GP advise on next steps.

Availability varies and is shown at the time of booking. Many patients choose Her Healthcare specifically because private access tends to be considerably faster than the current average wait for a routine NHS GP appointment.

We prioritise continuity of care wherever possible, meaning follow-up appointments are with the doctor who already knows your history rather than a different clinician each time — something patients consistently tell us they've found missing elsewhere.

Yes, where clinically appropriate, a private prescription can be issued directly during your consultation, with no separate appointment or additional fee.

Yes, referral letters to private specialists, diagnostics or secondary care are included as part of your consultation and written with full clinical context, rather than a brief, generic note.

Yes, GP-authored medical letters for employers, insurers or other organisations are included as part of your consultation.

Yes, travel health consultations, fitness-to-travel certificates and vaccinations are available, starting from £49 and £35 respectively.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and symptoms typically begin. Menopause itself is a single point in time, defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. After that point, you're considered postmenopausal.

Perimenopause typically starts in a woman's 40s, though it can begin earlier. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51. Menopause before 45 is classed as early menopause, and before 40 as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which affects around 1 in 30 women under 40.

Symptoms vary widely between women and can include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, brain fog, mood changes, anxiety, fatigue, joint pain, and changes in skin, weight or libido. There are more than 30 recognised perimenopausal symptoms, and very few women experience all of them — or recognise less obvious ones as connected to hormones at all.

Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and age rather than a single test, though hormone blood tests (FSH and oestradiol) can be useful, particularly for younger women where other causes need to be ruled out first. Timing and interpretation of these tests matters, which is why we coordinate and explain them directly rather than running a generic panel.

For most women, the current medical consensus is that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks, particularly when started within 10 years of menopause. Concerns about HRT largely stem from an early-2000s study now understood to have significant limitations. That said, suitability depends on individual history, which is exactly what a proper consultation is for rather than a generic yes or no.

HRT is available as oral tablets, transdermal patches, gels and sprays, each with different absorption and side-effect profiles. There's no single 'best' option — the right choice depends on your history, symptoms and preferences, and it's common to adjust type or dose after starting treatment.

Yes, where clinically appropriate, HRT can be discussed and prescribed as part of a perimenopause or menopause consultation, with follow-up review to adjust the approach as needed.

No. Any vaginal bleeding occurring after 12 consecutive months without a period is not considered a normal part of menopause and should always be assessed by a doctor promptly to rule out other causes.

Yes. While the 40s is typical, some women experience earlier onset, and premature ovarian insufficiency can occur under 40 — sometimes with an identifiable cause such as surgery or medical treatment, but often without one.

Weight changes are a very commonly reported symptom during the menopausal transition, linked to hormonal shifts affecting metabolism, though the full picture is individual and often involves several contributing factors worth discussing directly with your GP.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition affecting the menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin processing, and appearance (including skin and hair). It's the most common hormonal reproductive condition in women of childbearing age, estimated to affect around 1 in 10.

The NHS has begun using the term polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) for what was previously known as PCOS, reflecting a broader understanding of the condition beyond the ovaries alone. Both terms currently describe the same underlying condition, and you may see either used.

Diagnosis typically requires two of three features: signs of excess androgens (such as acne or excess hair growth), irregular or absent periods, and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. Importantly, an ultrasound alone cannot confirm or rule out PCOS — diagnosis depends on the overall clinical picture, not one test in isolation.

Not necessarily. Current guidance notes that a scan isn't required for diagnosis in every case, particularly where other diagnostic criteria are already clearly met — this is a common misconception.

PCOS can affect ovulation, which in turn can affect fertility, but many women with PCOS conceive naturally or with support such as ovulation induction. If you're trying to conceive with PCOS, a fertility-focused consultation can help clarify your specific situation and options.

There is currently no cure for PCOS, but symptoms and long-term health risks can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle approaches and, where appropriate, medical treatment — many women manage the condition well over the long term.

PCOS is associated with a higher long-term risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, which is why regular health monitoring — including periodic blood sugar and cardiovascular checks — is an important part of ongoing PCOS management, particularly from age 40 onwards.

Yes, hormonal acne and excess hair growth (hirsutism) are common features of PCOS, driven by elevated androgen levels, and can be addressed as part of a wider PCOS management plan.

The relationship works in both directions to some extent — PCOS can make weight management more difficult due to its effect on insulin, while excess weight can also worsen PCOS symptoms. Even modest weight loss, where relevant, is often associated with improved symptoms and cycle regularity.

Diagnosing PCOS in adolescence is approached carefully, since many normal teenage hormonal patterns can resemble PCOS features. Where appropriate, careful assessment over time is used rather than an early, potentially premature diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, commonly causing pelvic pain, particularly around periods, and potentially affecting fertility. It's estimated to affect around 1 in 10 women globally.

According to Endometriosis UK's most recent figures, the average time to diagnosis in the UK now stands at 9 years and 4 months, having risen from 8 years in 2020. A large proportion of women visit their GP multiple times, and many report being told their pain was normal before being taken seriously — this is precisely the pattern Her Healthcare's thorough, unhurried approach is built to interrupt.

Common symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain outside of menstruation, pain during or after sex, bowel or bladder symptoms around your cycle, fatigue, and difficulty conceiving. Symptoms vary significantly between women, and severity of pain doesn't always correlate with the extent of the condition.

The definitive diagnostic method is laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), though a detailed history, examination and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI can support a strong clinical suspicion well before surgery is considered. NHS waiting times for diagnostic laparoscopy can extend up to two years, which is part of why earlier, thorough GP-level assessment matters.

Yes, options include pain management, hormonal treatments, and lifestyle approaches, which can meaningfully manage symptoms for many women without immediate surgery. The right approach depends on your symptoms, fertility plans and personal preference, discussed properly rather than defaulting straight to surgical referral.

Surgery isn't always fully effective, and symptoms can return in a significant proportion of women within five years, which is why ongoing monitoring and a realistic conversation about long-term management matter as much as the initial treatment decision.

Endometriosis can affect fertility for some women, though many with the condition do conceive, including with support such as fertility treatment where needed. This is an important part of any endometriosis consultation, particularly for women planning to conceive.

No — pain severe enough to affect daily functioning, work or school attendance is not something to simply live with, and is one of the clearest signals that period pain deserves proper investigation rather than reassurance that it's 'normal for some women.'

This is unfortunately a very commonly reported experience — one UK survey found that the vast majority of women eventually diagnosed with endometriosis had been told at some point that they were making a fuss about nothing. Persistent, significant period or pelvic pain always warrants proper assessment, not dismissal.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome involving significant mood disturbance — often including intense irritability, anxiety, low mood or hopelessness — in the one to two weeks before a period, resolving shortly after it starts.

PMS is common and generally manageable, involving mild-to-moderate physical and emotional symptoms before a period. PMDD is more severe, significantly affecting daily functioning, relationships and work, and involves a more pronounced psychological component — it's a recognised diagnosis in its own right, not simply 'bad PMS.'

Diagnosis typically involves tracking symptoms across at least two menstrual cycles to confirm the clear cyclical pattern that distinguishes PMDD from other mood conditions, alongside a full clinical history to rule out other explanations.

Yes, treatment options include lifestyle approaches, certain antidepressants used specifically for their cyclical benefit, and hormonal treatments in some cases. The right approach depends on your symptoms and their severity, worked through as part of a proper consultation.

It's best understood as both — PMDD involves an unusual sensitivity to normal hormonal fluctuations that triggers significant mood symptoms, which is why effective treatment often needs to consider hormonal and psychological factors together rather than treating it as purely one or the other.

Some women find PMDD symptoms change or intensify as they approach perimenopause, when hormone fluctuations become less predictable — this is worth discussing directly if you notice a shift in your pattern.

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, hair thinning, low mood, and brain fog. Because these overlap so heavily with normal life stress and other hormonal conditions, thyroid dysfunction is frequently missed or misattributed.

A standard test usually measures only TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which doesn't always capture the full picture — some women have clearly abnormal symptoms alongside a technically 'normal' TSH result. Extended thyroid panels, including free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies, can reveal a picture a basic test misses.

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid, and is the most common cause of underactive thyroid function in the UK. It's identified through thyroid antibody testing, which isn't part of a standard TSH-only panel.

Yes, both underactive and overactive thyroid function can affect cycle regularity and fertility, making thyroid assessment a relevant part of investigating unexplained cycle changes or fertility concerns.

Treatment typically involves daily thyroid hormone replacement medication, with dose adjusted based on follow-up blood tests until levels and symptoms are well controlled — ongoing monitoring is a standard and expected part of treatment.

This is a very common and valid concern. A GP can review whether an extended thyroid panel, rather than TSH alone, would give a clearer answer, and consider whether your symptoms point towards a different or additional underlying cause.

Hormonal acne is driven by hormonal fluctuations — commonly androgens — rather than purely external factors like skincare or diet, and typically appears along the jawline, chin and lower face, often worsening around specific points in the menstrual cycle.

PCOS is one of the most common underlying causes, along with perimenopausal hormonal shifts and, in some cases, thyroid dysfunction. Investigating the underlying cause, rather than treating the skin in isolation, often gives better long-term results.

Topical skincare can help manage symptoms but rarely resolves hormonal acne entirely if there's an underlying hormonal driver — which is why a GP consultation looking at the broader picture, rather than a dermatology-only approach, is often more effective.

Yes, depending on the underlying cause, options can include topical treatments, oral medications such as certain contraceptives with anti-androgen effects, or treatment for an underlying condition like PCOS.

Not necessarily — hormonal acne can occur without PCOS, but it is common enough alongside PCOS that it's worth investigating as part of a fuller hormonal assessment rather than assuming either way.

Extended Consultations are 60-minute appointments with a GMC-registered GP, covering areas that benefit from more in-depth discussion than a standard appointment allows — including fertility and reproductive health, healthy ageing, bone and cardiovascular screening, postnatal recovery, holistic treatment planning and preventive health checks. All are priced at £200.

It covers general health optimisation ahead of trying to conceive, supplement guidance, review of any existing conditions or medications, and an honest conversation about fertility factors relevant to your age and history — useful whether you're actively trying now or planning further ahead.

In many cases, yes — pelvic floor issues frequently respond well to targeted physiotherapy and, where relevant, medical treatment, regardless of how much time has passed since giving birth. It's never too late to have this properly assessed.

This includes osteoporosis risk assessment (with bone density scanning where indicated) and cardiovascular screening addressing risk factors specific to women — including the impact of the menopausal transition, PCOS, and pregnancy-related complications on long-term cardiovascular risk.

It's designed for anyone managing several diagnoses or symptoms across different specialists, bringing everything together into one coordinated plan rather than leaving treatments to operate in isolation — or sometimes work against each other.

Most women benefit from an annual review, personalised to their specific risk factors and life stage rather than a fixed, generic checklist — your GP may suggest a different interval depending on your history.

It's our programme for delivering GP-led, women's-health-focused care through an organisation rather than to individual patients directly — covering workplace healthcare for employers, student healthcare for universities, school healthcare for secondary schools and sixth forms, insurance partner programmes, and community and charity partnerships.

Pricing is bespoke in every case, based on the population covered and scope of services included, agreed as part of a proposal specific to your organisation rather than a fixed package.

Conditions like perimenopause, PCOS, endometriosis and PMDD directly affect attendance, concentration and retention when unmanaged, and are frequently absent from standard occupational health or benefits provision — meaning a credible, GP-led women's health benefit is often a genuine point of differentiation, not just a wellness add-on.

Yes, partnerships are designed to complement rather than replace existing student health services or school pastoral care, adding GP-led capacity and specific women's health expertise.

School Healthcare partnerships are built with appropriate safeguarding processes and parental involvement from the outset, discussed in detail during partnership planning to reflect the particular considerations of working with adolescent students.

Yes, Insurance Partner Programmes are typically delivered under a co-branded structure, giving policyholders access to Her Healthcare's GP service while your brand remains the primary point of contact.

Get in touch directly to discuss your organisation, population and goals — every partnership proposal is built specifically around what you tell us, rather than a fixed, one-size-fits-all package.