Welcome to Rowena Health, I understand that deciding to book a private menopause consultation is an investment in your health and wellbeing. I want you to feel fully informed about what to expect, how it works and the costs involved before making your decision.

At Rowena Health, Dr Carys Sonnenberg provides expert, evidence-based menopause care for women throughout the UK. She can to support you through perimenopause, menopause and beyond, helping you understand your symptoms and make informed choices about your health.

Dr Sonnenberg is an experienced NHS GP, a British Menopause Society Registered Menopause Specialist and the founder of Rowena Health. She offers personalised online consultations to women across the UK, combining specialist menopause expertise with a compassionate and holistic approach.

Please also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, which contains additional information about appointments, prescriptions and clinic policies.

Who We Help

We support women aged 18 years and over who are experiencing:

• Perimenopause
• Menopause
• Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
• Early menopause (between the ages of 40 and 45)
• Surgical menopause following removal of the ovaries
• Menopause after cancer treatment
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Hormonal symptoms affecting quality of life

We also support women who:

• Are considering HRT for the first time
• Are struggling with their current HRT
• Wish to review or optimise their HRT regime
• Want to understand the benefits and risks of HRT
• Prefer non-hormonal treatment options
• Would like advice on contraception during perimenopause
• Are interested in lifestyle, nutritional and complementary approaches to menopause management

Our approach is always individualised. There is no one-size-fits-all menopause treatment.

Booking Your First Appointment

Appointments can be booked directly through our website.

Payment is taken securely at the time of booking.

Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive a detailed health questionnaire to complete before your consultation.

This questionnaire is an important part of your care. It helps us understand:

• Your symptoms
• Medical history
• Family history
• Current medications
• Lifestyle factors
• Previous treatments

Please allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete it carefully. The more information you provide, the more personalised and useful your consultation will be.

The questionnaire also includes consent for us to:

• Hold your medical information securely
• Communicate with your GP
• Share clinic letters where appropriate

All patient information is stored securely in accordance with UK data protection requirements.

If you require any additional support, such as an interpreter, please email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

Preparing for Your Appointment

All consultations take place online via secure video link.

Before your appointment, please ensure you have:

• A private and quiet space to talk
• Reliable internet access
• Photo identification available if requested
• A list of any questions you would like to discuss

If there are any technical difficulties with the video consultation, Dr Sonnenberg will telephone you instead.

New patient consultations usually last 45 to 50 minutes.

You are welcome to have a partner, family member or friend join the consultation if you wish.

Your Consultation

This appointment is your opportunity to discuss how you are feeling and what support you need.

Dr Sonnenberg will have reviewed your questionnaire before the consultation and will take time to listen carefully to your concerns, symptoms and goals.

During the consultation you may discuss:

• Menopausal symptoms
• Hormonal changes
• Sleep problems
• Mood and anxiety
• Weight and metabolic health
• Bone health
• Sexual wellbeing
• Bladder symptoms
• Cardiovascular health
• Lifestyle factors
• Future health risks

You will receive evidence-based information about all available treatment options including:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Non-hormonal treatments
• Vaginal oestrogen
• Testosterone therapy
• Lifestyle approaches
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Complementary therapies where appropriate

If HRT is being considered, Dr Sonnenberg can explain:

• Benefits
• Risks
• Side effects
• Different preparations available
• How treatment is monitored

Many women find it helpful to see demonstration products during the consultation, including gels, patches, progesterone preparations, vaginal oestrogen products, moisturisers and lubricants.

Our advice follows current British Menopause Society and NICE guidance.

There is never any pressure to start treatment. You will be given time to consider your options and make the decision that feels right for you.

Prescriptions and HRT

If treatment is recommended, there are several options.

NHS Prescribing

Where appropriate, we can write to your GP recommending treatment.

Many regulated HRT products can be prescribed by NHS GPs.

Women receiving HRT through their GP may be eligible for an NHS HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate, which currently costs less than £20 per year.

Private Prescribing

If you prefer, Dr Sonnenberg can issue a private prescription.

Private prescriptions are sent electronically through:

• CloudRx
• SignatureRx

CloudRx can deliver medication directly to your home.

SignatureRx provides a prescription token that can be taken to a local pharmacy.

Private HRT costs vary depending on the medication prescribed but are typically between £10 and £40 per month per product. Testosterone preparations are often more expensive.

After Your Consultation

Following your appointment, you will receive a detailed clinic letter summarising:

• Your symptoms
• Assessment
• Recommendations
• Treatment plan
• Follow-up arrangements

This is usually sent within seven days.

With your consent, a copy will also be sent to your GP to ensure continuity of care.

If you notice any inaccuracies in your clinic letter, please let us know and we will be happy to correct them.

Blood Tests

Most women do not require blood tests to diagnose menopause.

Current guidance recommends:

• Women aged 45 years and over are usually diagnosed based on symptoms alone.
• Women aged 40 to 45 years may occasionally require blood tests.
• Women under 40 years usually require investigation to confirm Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).

Additional blood tests may sometimes be recommended to exclude other causes of symptoms, including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Anaemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency

If blood tests are required, we will explain exactly which tests are needed and how to arrange them.

Follow-Up Appointments

If you start HRT or change your treatment, a follow-up appointment is usually recommended after three months.

This allows us to:

• Review your symptoms
• Assess treatment response
• Identify side effects
• Adjust treatment if necessary

As many HRT changes take up to three months to show their full benefit, this review is an important part of your care.

Once treatment is stable, annual reviews are generally recommended.

Some women choose to continue ongoing care with their GP, while others prefer continued follow-up through Rowena Health.

Both options are available.

Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions can be requested through the website.

A short safety questionnaire must be completed and there is an administration fee of £35.

Prescriptions are usually processed within 72 hours.

Telephone Appointments

If you have a simple clinical question between appointments, you may book a mini check-in appointment.

These appointments are shorter than standard follow-up consultations and are designed to address straightforward questions or medication issues.

Contacting Rowena Health

Email is the best way to contact us regarding:

• Appointment queries
• Prescription requests
• Administrative questions

Please note that clinical advice cannot be provided by email for safety reasons.

More complex concerns should be discussed during a booked consultation.

We aim to respond as quickly as possible, although response times may occasionally be longer during periods of annual leave.

Emergencies

Rowena Health does not provide emergency medical care.

If you require urgent medical attention, please contact:

• Your GP
• NHS 111
• Emergency services (999)

Feedback and Complaints

We value your feedback and continually strive to provide excellent care.

Following your consultation, you may receive a feedback questionnaire to help us improve our services and maintain the highest standards of care.

If you have concerns about any aspect of your care, please contact us at [email protected].

We will always do our best to resolve concerns promptly and fairly.

Rowena Health adheres to all relevant CQC standards and has a formal complaints policy available on our website.

Returning to Rowena Health

You are welcome to return to Rowena Health at any time.

If more than 12 months have passed since your last consultation, we ask that you book a new patient appointment to ensure we have sufficient time to review your health and treatment plan thoroughly.

We look forward to supporting you on your menopause journey.

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Last updated June 2026 Dr Carys Sonnenberg

To book an appointment please visit the booking page of Rowena Health