NEWSON CLINIC INVESTIGATION
The Newson Clinic is under investigation but what for? The scrutiny surrounds over-prescribing of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Information obtained by BBC Panorama suggests that over a dozen patients who attended Newson Health Clinics have been affected. Complaints to Trust Pilot indicate that many more women are unhappy with the service.
The Newson clinic offers individualised consultations for perimenopause and menopause. However, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is looking into “information of concern” at clinics. These are clinics run by Dr Louise Newson. She lost her British Menopause Society accreditation over the prescribing of high doses of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
A BBC Panorama investigation highlighted concerns relating to complications. These include thickening of womb linings, spotting and bleeding, a potential precursor to cancer.
Newson Health says it has addressed all points raised by the CQC and has not been notified of any resulting concerns. However, it also says it is confident in the quality of care it provides and maintains a Good CQC rating.
Bleeding and Cancer
For the majority of women with unscheduled bleeding on HRT, modifying progestogen intake often controls the bleeding. This helps in the first few months after commencing HRT. Women who continue to have unscheduled bleeding beyond 4-6 months should modify their progestogen intake. Where there is a concern about the bleeding amount/ pattern they should be assessed to exclude endometrial pathology.
Estrogen-dependent cancers, like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial (uterine) cancer, rely on estrogen to develop and grow. Unopposed oestrogen is responsible for approximately 80% of all the endometrial cancers.
If estrogen levels are too high, it can lead to fibroid development and growth. Above all if you don’t have sufficient progesterone,the body can’t stop the growth.
Women report being given in excess of the licensed maximum amount of HRT making the menopause symptoms worse. The BMS, along with five other bodies including the Royal College of GPs, issued a joint safety alert about high-dose prescribing.
The chair of the British Menopause Society (BMS), consultant gynaecologist Prof Janice Rymer, said high doses of oestrogen put women at risk of having unnecessary interventions.
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If you’re ready to discuss your situation or have any questions please contact Dr Victoria Handley today. Don’t suffer in silence. Call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk