How to Choose the Right Perimenopause Nutritionist
The right perimenopause nutritionist is registered with a recognised body, takes an individual approach, and works alongside your GP rather than instead of them. They shouldn't promise to "fix" your hormones or put you on a restrictive plan. Here's what I'd look for, the questions worth asking, and the red flags to avoid.
Why does it matter who you choose?
Perimenopause can bring changes in energy, sleep, mood, weight and skin, and there's a lot of conflicting advice around. The person you choose can be the difference between support that's specific to you and another set of generic rules to follow.
In the UK, "nutritionist" isn't a legally protected title, so anyone can use it. That's why registration and approach matter.
What REGISTRATIONS should a perimenopause nutritionist HOLD?
Look for registration with a recognised professional body or register. I'm registered with BANT and the CNHC. The Association for Nutrition also holds a voluntary register for nutritionists.
You can check any practitioner's registration on the register itself. It only takes a couple of minutes.
They should also hold professional indemnity insurance. Registered practitioners are required to have this as a condition of membership, but it's worth confirming. I am fully insured with Balens.
What does a good approach look like?
Registration is the starting point. How someone works matters just as much. A good perimenopause nutritionist will:
start by listening: your history, symptoms, cycle, sleep, stress, diet and goals
give individual advice, not a standard "menopause diet"
focus on practical changes that fit the reality of your life, rather than strict rules
be clear about what nutrition can and can't do, and work within their remit
work alongside your GP and any treatment, including HRT
explain their reasoning in plain language and use an evidence-based approach
offer follow-up, so your plan can adjust as things change
What are the red flags?
I'd think twice if someone:
promises to fix, reverse or cure perimenopause
recommends extreme restriction, cleanses or detoxes
gives everyone the same protocol
tells you to stop or avoid medication, including HRT
recommends long lists of supplements or tests without a clear reason, particularly if they sell the products and aren't upfront about it
tries to diagnose you
What should you ask before booking?
A few questions can tell you a lot:
What bodies are you registered with, and can I check?
What does a first consultation involve?
How do you work alongside my GP or other treatment?
Do you recommend supplements or tests, and how do you decide?
What does your follow-up process look like?
Do you offer online and in-person consultations?
A free introductory call is a good chance to ask. It also tells you whether you feel understood and listened to, which matters more than most people expect.
Should you see someone in London, or online?
Either can work well. Online consultations can make it easier to fit support around work and family, and give you more choice. Some women prefer to meet face to face. What matters more than location is the approach. I offer both: consultations are available online and in London.
If you're wondering when it's worth seeing someone at all, I've written about what a menopause nutritionist does and when it's worth seeing one.
Frequently asked questions
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Fees vary between practitioners. It helps to check what's included, such as follow-up support and your plan, rather than comparing the price of a single consultation.
I outline my fees for the level of support most appropriate for your needs in the introductory call I offer.
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No, you can book directly. If your symptoms are new, severe or worrying, speak with your GP first.
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No. HRT is prescribed by your GP or a menopause specialist. Nutritional therapy can be used alongside it.
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"Nutritionist" is the term most people search for, and it isn't a protected title. I'm a registered nutritional therapist, which means I work with individuals in a clinical, personalised way, and I'm registered with BANT and the CNHC. It's worth asking any practitioner how they work with clients.
If you'd like to see whether we'd be a good fit, you can book a free 15-minute introductory call. You can also read more about my perimenopause and menopause nutrition support, or how nutritional therapy works. If you're curious about why a meal plan is only part of the picture, I've written about why personalised nutrition is more than a meal plan.
Written by Jodie Abrahams, Registered Nutritional Therapist (BANT, CNHC)
