Menopause and perimenopause · Şişli, Istanbul
Hot flushes, sleep changes or vaginal dryness? Discuss your symptoms and care options in English with Dr. Alparslan Demir, obstetrician and gynecologist, at his Şişli practice.
You can book an assessment whether you are exploring treatment for the first time or bringing a treatment plan started in another country.
Start with the symptoms that matter to you
Your appointment can cover symptoms, how they affect daily life, your menstrual history, previous operations, medicines and relevant family history. Bring a short list of priorities so the discussion can focus on what you want help with.
Symptoms and treatment
Discuss hot flushes, night sweats, sleep, vaginal discomfort and sexual health, and whether treatment or further assessment is appropriate.
Preventive health
Review previous screening, bone health and other relevant health risks. A preventive check-up and a consultation about symptoms can address different needs.
HRT and other options
Hormone replacement therapy can help with menopausal symptoms, but the choice is individual. The discussion includes your health history, preferences, potential benefits and risks. Whether you still have a uterus and whether you are having periods affect the treatment plan.
Non-hormonal options may also be considered. Vaginal dryness and discomfort may need a local approach rather than the same treatment used for hot flushes. Bring the exact names and doses of any hormones, supplements or medicines you already use.
No hormone or supplement is automatically suitable for everyone. Do not change an existing prescription solely on the basis of a webpage.
Does every visit require a hormone panel?
Tests are chosen to answer a clinical question. The doctor will explain whether your symptoms and history are sufficient for the assessment or whether laboratory tests, examination or imaging would add useful information. A long list of tests is not a substitute for an individual consultation.
For a broader preventive review, see women’s health check-ups in Istanbul. For contraception questions, the IUD guide can help you prepare for the discussion.
Prepare for your appointment
- Note when your periods changed and which symptoms affect you most.
- Bring medication names, previous reports and any treatment plan from another clinician.
- Mention previous breast or gynecological conditions and any unexplained bleeding.
- If you are travelling, discuss how review appointments and prescriptions will be managed afterwards.
Common questions
When will my HRT treatment be reviewed?
A review is usually arranged about three months after starting or changing HRT to check symptom control and side effects. If treatment is working well, reviews are usually yearly. Tell your clinician about persistent symptoms or side effects so the plan can be reassessed. See the NHS explanation of HRT follow-up.
Can I discuss symptoms before my periods have stopped?
Yes. You can request a consultation during the menopausal transition. Explain your symptoms and cycle changes so other possible causes can also be considered.
Do I have to take hormones?
No. Your preferences are part of the decision. Ask about the benefits, limitations and follow-up of the options appropriate to your circumstances.
Can I bring an HRT prescription from abroad?
Yes. Bring the prescription or packaging and the reason it was started. Local availability and any proposed change should be reviewed before a new prescription is issued.
Arrange your visit in English
The consultation takes place at Dr. Alparslan Demir’s practice in Şişli, Istanbul. Ask about available appointments and the current consultation fee before your visit. Any tests or procedures are discussed separately according to your needs.
For appointment availability, you can give your preferred day and a brief reason for the visit. You do not need to send detailed reports or intimate photographs just to ask for an appointment.
Practical information for international patients · Contact and directions
Further reading: NHS: treatment for menopause and perimenopause. See also the Turkish menopause care guide. This page provides general information; treatment decisions require individual assessment.