Ayrshire's first dedicated private menopause clinic has opened its doors.
Menopause Health Matters, on Ayr's Miller Road, is pledging to offer a safe haven for those going through menopause to receive support, advice and treatment.
Businesswoman Maggie Holloway is behind the venture, channelling her own experience to help others.
At the age of 46, she started to experience debilitating symptoms of peri menopause which eventually culminated in her selling her business and retiring five years later.
Maggie endured eight years of horrendous symptoms including extreme dizziness, nausea, blurry eyes, joint pain, indigestion, acid reflux and anxiety.
Following numerous medical investigations, a hysterectomy, scans, and endless tests, Maggie decided to embark on her own research into the effects on the body of peri menopause and menopause.
She took the decision to start HRT and within five weeks of being on the treatment, felt like her old self again.
“Going through the menopause can be a challenging and isolating time in a woman’s life with the myriad of associated symptoms and emotions," she said.
"Accessing the correct help and support is often confusing and frustrating.
“Menopause is so much more than hot flushes. The effects of the hormonal changes are wide-ranging; they can be psychological as well as physical, and vary in severity from just being inconvenient, to completely life changing.
"For many women these symptoms can adversely affect their daily life, work, relationships and ongoing health, with a greater future risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, clinical depression and dementia.
"I am passionate about women’s health and believe that no woman should have to suffer unnecessarily. I want women to be part of the decision-making process surrounding the treatment of their menopausal symptoms.”
Following further research, Maggie quickly realised there was a genuine lack of menopausal services available in Scotland.
She has now brought together an equally passionate team of medical and holistic professionals to form Menopause Health Matters, the first dedicated private menopause clinic in southwest Scotland.
She added: “We take a great deal of care to ensure that the clinic environment is as relaxing as possible. Offering a warm, reassuring and calming experience from the moment you arrive.”
The practice boasts a relaxing reception area, two consultation rooms, examination area and medical suite and Maggie has personally designed every area of the clinic to create a comfortable and ambient atmosphere to ensure clients feel as relaxed as possible.
Menopause Health Matters is located at 8 Miller Road. For more information visit their website at www.menopausehealthmatters.co.uk
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