Summary of Menopause Talk with Dr Asad
– Part of Club Towers Wellness Week
Earlier this week, we were fortunate to host Dr. Samila Asad at Club Towers for an insightful and empowering talk on menopause. With warmth and clarity, Dr. Asad explored the physical, emotional, and metabolic changes that many women experience during this life stage, and offered practical guidance on how to navigate it with confidence. For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a detailed summary of the key points, questions, and member experiences shared during the session.
Date: 23rd September 2025
Speaker: Dr. Samila Asad (MBBS, MRCGP)
Women’s Wellness & Weight Loss Specialist
Why Menopause Matters More Than Ever
The average age of menopause in the UK is around 51. In the 1850s, women’s life expectancy was approximately 45 years. Today, it’s 82–83, meaning more women are living through menopause and experiencing its long-term effects.
Post-Menopause is defined as the date when you’ve had no periods for 12 consecutive months.
- Before this: Premenopause — Regular monthly periods continue but hormones may fluctuate as normal.
- Just before: Perimenopause — Irregular periods possibly, maybe some menopausal symptoms, hormones fluctuating. Can last for 10 years- most troublesome and confusing stage.(Likely 40’s, sometimes late 30’s)
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
- Hot flushes, night sweats
- Insomnia and sleep disruption
- Joint pain
- Irregular periods
- Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, low mood, Stress, Depression
- Hair thinning or loss
- Dry skin
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Weight gain, especially around the waist (“meno belly”)
Later on, may develop the following due to decreased oestrogen:
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Osteoporosis
Some symptoms overlap with anaemia or thyroid issues — a simple blood test can help rule these out.
Note on Diagnosis
Blood tests are not routinely recommended to diagnose Menopause for women aged 45 and over, as hormone levels fluctuate and may not reliably reflect menopausal status. Diagnosis in this age group is typically based on symptoms and changes in menstrual patterns.
For women under 45, particularly when early or premature menopause is suspected, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) tests may be used to support diagnosis. These tests should ideally be repeated at least six weeks apart to account for hormonal variability.
Living Well Through Menopause
- Aim for a BMI under 25 (or 22.5 for Asian heritage)
- Do weight-bearing exercises for bone and muscle health
- Include yoga or Pilates for flexibility and stress relief
- Eat a balanced diet; reduce caffeine and spicy foods, salty/sugary and processed foods to be avoided
- Avoid smoking & alcohol (may trigger hot flushes)
- Take Vitamin D and Calcium
- Check breasts regularly (self-examination)
- Use NHS Health Checks (age 40+)
- Monitor blood pressure, thyroid, and iron levels
Treatment Options
Dr. Asad emphasized speaking with a GP or certified menopause specialist. Options include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): transdermal forms (patches, gels or sprays) are preferred as not metabolised by liver, hence reduced side-effects and considered safer as are body-identical forms of HRT. (Note that not all HRT are body-identical forms, please do check with your doctor.)
- Non-hormonal treatments for specific symptoms (if HRT not an option or don’t wish to take)
- Mirena coil: hormonal contraception that may help with heavy periods and some symptoms, can also be used as progesterone part of HRT.
Trusted Menopause Resources
- NHS UK — www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause
- Women’s Health Concern — www.womens-health-concern.org
- Menopause Matters — www.menopausematters.co.uk
- Daisy Network — www.daisynetwork.org
- Menopause Café — www.menopausecafe.net
Understanding “Meno Belly”
Many women ask: “Why am I gaining weight even though I haven’t changed my diet or exercise?”
Many contributing factors:
- Oestrogen decline shifts fat storage from hips to abdomen, increasing visceral fat (linked to inflammation and hormonal disruption) as well as increased cardiovascular risk.
- Progesterone drop affects sleep
- Testosterone decline impacts libido and energy
- Insulin resistance and elevated cortisol (stress hormone) contribute to belly fat
- Chronic stress and poor sleep worsen metabolic changes
What Are GLP-1s and Why Are They Used?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Victoza) were developed for type 2 diabetes but are now used to:
- Support gradual weight loss
- Suppress appetite and reduce cravings
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Lower inflammation and support heart health
- Some women report reduced hot flushes and improved mood
GLP-1s work best when combined with lifestyle changes in nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement.
Microdosing GLP-1s
Dr. Asad discussed microdosing — starting with lower, tailored doses to:
- Minimize side effects
- Align with hormonal stages
- Support sustainable results without harsh appetite suppression
Her full blog is available here: Microdosing GLP-1 for Weight Loss in Perimenopause — thefemalehealthdoctor.com
Q&A Highlights
Can I take HRT forever?
Yes, if healthy and using transdermal HRT — there is no reason to stop as long as nothing changes with regards to your health and no contraindications. There is no time limits to how long can be used for.
Will I need GLP-1s forever?
Weight may return if lifestyle changes aren’t made during treatment, so lifestyle changes alongside GLP-1 is important.
What vitamins are recommended?
Vitamin D, Calcium, and possibly Iron, Magnesium, Omega-3, B12 depending on deficiencies and requirement.
Why won’t my GP prescribe testosterone?
Only doctors with specialist knowledge are able to prescribe as monitoring of levels alongside side-effects and benefits is recommended as it is an off-label treatment in the UK.
Can I take GLP-1s with HRT?
Yes — but if taking oral progesterone or any HRT, dosage may need adjusting initially, so please speak to your doctor if on HRT and would like to start GLP-1 treatment.
Member Experiences
Member G shared her 3-year journey:
- First 2 years focused on nutrition, movement, and mindset
- Year 3: added Mounjaro (2.5mg → 5mg → 13mg, then reduced due to side effects)
- Lost 22% body fat and 12–13kg
- Stressed the importance of Coach Ann’s Healthy Eating Course as a foundation
- Felt her doctor lacked personalized care
Member J shared that Mounjaro helped her eliminate unhealthy food cravings — a great time to build lasting habits.
Contact Dr. Asad
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
This blog is a summary of a talk delivered by Dr. Samila Asad and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, medications, or treatment options.
Want some support in making real changes to your nutrition and lifestyle habits?
Most of us know that regular movement, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management are key to good health—but applying that knowledge in the midst of busy, often stressful lives can be challenging.
That’s why we offer Nutrition & Wellness services at Club Towers, available to both members and non-members. Using the proven curriculum and resources of Precision Nutrition (PN), and delivered by our in-house PN Level-2 Certified Master Health Coach, our goal is to help you build sustainable vitality through healthy habits—whatever challenges you may be facing.
We offer:
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To find out more about how we can help you, book a 20-minute free consultation with our Coach, Ann Towers at [email protected].
