Women's Health
Over the last few years I've developed a real passion researching into the latest treatments for menopause and sharing the best available advice with patients who come to me from across the UK. I have the British Menopause Society Certificate of Care and I work in a specialist menopause clinic at a London teaching hospital.
As you probably know, menopause is also known as the "change in life" and there have been huge medical strides in terms of managing the distressing menopause symptoms that accompany that change. I find treating the menopause incredibly rewarding. There are so many women suffering from menopausal symptoms and the solution is really simple!
I have also become increasingly interested in the complementary benefits between health and beauty. There's no doubt we feel better when we look better! Fortunately improvements in skin health technologies have now led to a generation of products that originated in the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery. This means I can integrate their application within my private practice.
Health Checks and assessments in Central London
Comprehensive Health Assessment
The comprehensive health assessment additionally includes:
- Bloods tests - haematology, cholesterol, diabetes, liver and kidney, risk markers for heart disease and stroke
- Electrocardiogram
- Lung function testing
- Prostate tests for men over 45
- Cervical smear and HPV testing for women
- Mammograms by arrangement
We can provide prompt medical assessments to companies wishing to offer these as company benefit or which require them as a pre-employment requirement.
We also offer health assessments to individuals and families.
In fact, because we strongly believe in the promotion of preventative medicine, we are one of the few UK practices to have invested in a Cardio Health Station - this is ultrasound equipment for carotid artery scanning.
Memory Testing
Memory impairment can be an accurate indicator of a surprising number of conditions:
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Menopause
- Thyroid problems
- Vitamin B deficiency
For this reason we’re advising our over 50’s patients to take advantage of our new baseline memory testing. This gives us something to measure against should you have any future concerns about apparently declining cognitive function.
If a significant impairment happens to be found we can also refer you for a prompt neurological assessment.
Heart Risk Assessment
It's a sad fact that most victims of heart attack or stroke are caught completely off guard. Until recently doctors could only determine this happening to you by reviewing traditional risk factors like age, gender, "good" and "bad" cholesterol, smoking, bloody pressure and family history.
Unfortunately this method is not conclusive which is why we leaped at the chance to be the first in the country to offer carotid artery scanning as part of your heart risk assessment. This non-invasive ultrasound scan takes just 10 minutes and gives you a clear indication of what’s going on is your body so that we can more accurately determine your risk of heart attack or stroke. The whole assessment costs £350 and includes:
- A carotid scan
- Bloods for cholesterol and diabetes
- Weight and visceral fat measurements
- Blood pressure
- 30 minutes personalised consultation
The level of information that we get back from the heart risk assessment helps us to put into place the best strategy for managing your risk - whether that’s diet, exercise, reduction in blood pressure; or medication to reduce cholesterol levels. Please contact us to book in yourself, your colleagues or your loved ones .
Well Woman Check
My well woman check comprises a 30 minute consultation which covers
- Gynaecological History
- Blood tests - blood count for anaemia, liver and kidney function, cholesterol and diabetes.
- Breast examination
- Smear test/HPV check
Don't forget!
Look after yourself, shingles vaccinations are now available for over 50's
Shingles is a painful blistering rash which is caused by an infection of the nerve area by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles is not uncommon and can affect anyone but is most common in people over 50.
The pain caused by shingles is most uncomfortable and can last after the rash has gone. Generally speaking the more severe the rash the more common this is - and older people are more susceptible to this condition known as PHN. It usually goes within 6 months but for some the pain can last for years.
Maintain your health - ask our ultrasound scanning service
Our non invasive ultrasound scanner allows us to look for two signs of atherosclerosis (furred arteries).
1. Increased CIMT - the thickness of the inner two layers of the carotid artery wall is called the carotid intima-media thickness (or CIMT). Having a high CIMT compared to others of your age will place you at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
2. Visible carotid plaque (a fatty build up within the wall of the artery) - the presence of such plaque places you in a higher risk category.
Flu Jabs from Sept 23
Having a flu injection ensures you are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.
This is particularly important if you:
- are pregnant
- have chronic health problems such as asthma, heart failure, kidney failure or hepatitis
- have chronic neurological problems such as motor neurone disease or Parkinson's
- have diabetes
- are suffering with a weakened immune system
- have had your spleen removed
If you are the main carer for someone who is elderly or struggling with health issues you might also consider having a flu jab.
“…she has been a proactive advocate for health in our family and, as both my wife and I have busy work and travel schedules, her responsiveness, flexibility and willingness to engage to suit our timetable has been invaluable."
“ Stephanie is a true professional and a great example of what a GP really should be”
"Stephanie has been a really supportive GP - helping the family very quickly and thoughtfully. She has guided us to the right specialist intervention when necessary and been supportive of all the usual family health needs."
"I am delighted that I sought advice from Dr Stephanie before I even started the menopause. Her intelligent understanding of how women truly feel and deserve to feel, encouraged me to start bio-identical hormones at an early stage, which has meant that I feel happy, healthy and full of confidence again". MR Aged 50
"I was 52 when I started with the menopause although I didn't know it at the time. I was feeling anxious and lacking confidence. My coping strategies were failing and with a high pressure job this was extremely difficult. My sleep was disturbed with hot sweats. I stared taking HRT 6 months ago and have not looked back. I haven't put on weight (a concern for me ). I can recommend this treatment whole-heartedly. BG
" I had read about bio-identical hormones and was very keen to handle my menopausal symptoms with a more measured and individual approach. I started seeing Dr Goodwin and I feel happily back to normal. Dr Goodwin has been really helpful and I have every confidence that what can be a miserable experience is now completely under control and thankfully will stay that way" LJ aged 54
