Somerset's self referral service
Patients registered with a GP in Somerset can now can self-refer into the Bleeding After Menopause Service, which means if you qualify you do not have to go to your GP in the first instance.
Self-referral form
To self-refer to the bleeding after menopause service complete the self-referral form.
If you are unable to complete the referral form online you can contact us on the number below and the office team will be able to complete the self referral form with you over the telephone. Please have a list of your current medications to hand and allow 20 minutes to complete this over the phone.
Telephone number: 0300 131 8772
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
What happens once you have completed the self-referral form?
The Bleeding After Menopause form will let you know at the time of completion if you are eligible for this service.
You’ll will need to meet the criteria to be seen.
These include:
- have been through the menopause (no periods for a minimum 12 months)
- have not had their womb (uterus) removed
- are registered with a Somerset GP.
It is worth noting that not everyone will be accepted. If you are on HRT, you will need to meet other criteria in line with national guidance to be accepted. If this is the case, you will need to contact your GP practice who can review your HRT or refer you in via the standard pathway.
If you qualify for the The Bleeding After Menopause Service, our office team will offer you an appointment in one of our clinics across the county.
If you are offered an appointment at one of the clinics, it will consist of an ultrasound scan, followed by a review with a healthcare professional.
Prior to the appointment you will be provided with detailed information about the ultrasound scan, what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment.
Our aim is to complete all your required investigations in one visit, however if the healthcare professional feels any further examinations, investigations or tests are required following your appointment, these will be explained during your appointment and will be arranged.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the general term used to describe the time in a woman’s life when you may experience symptoms related to fluctuating and ultimately falling hormone levels, when you will eventually stop having monthly periods. Medically, menopause is defined by the day following 12 consecutive months without a period.
Stages of menopause
1. Perimenopause
The time when hormone levels start to fluctuate and you may experience menopause symptoms which could include anxiety, low mood, hot flushes, brain fog and vaginal dryness, amongst many others. Periods can change and become heavier, lighter, closer together or further apart.
2. Menopause
Defined by 12 consecutive months without a period.
3. Postmenopause
The time in your life after menopause.
What is bleeding after menopause?
Your final periods can be irregular; to be diagnosed as having gone through the menopause you will not have had a period for 12 consecutive months or longer. Unexplained bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge experienced after 12 months is called post menopausal bleeding.
It is not normal to bleed, spot or have unusual discharge 12 months or longer after your last period.
9 times out of 10 the cause of bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge after menopause is not caused by a serious illness, however it is important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional to rule out womb cancer.