Dr Erika Manzo

I have been a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology since 2010 and I work at the North West Anglia Foundation Trust, where I am the lead for the Infertility (Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology) Service.  My title is FRCOG (Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) which is a mark of senior status and implies continued contribution to the specialty and maintenance of standards and practice.I graduated in Italy in 1998 and my graduation title is MD (Doctor of Medicine) with distinction. As part of my undergraduate studies, I completed a research project on the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome. I obtained my specialist qualification (CCT in Obstetrics and Gynaecology) from the East of England Deanery in 2010. I have worked, amongst others at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.I was fortunate to train at a time when new technologies in the management of gynaecological conditions were being developed and validated, so that as a NHS Consultant I was ready to implement innovative treatment options in clinical practice. As part of my training, I have completed Advanced Training Skills Modules in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery and reproductive medicine, meaning I have dedicated most of my time to learning minimal access surgery and reproductive endocrinology. In the 10 years since becoming a consultant, I have performed hundreds of laparoscopic cases for hysterectomy, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or tubal problems.I have also performed hundreds of cases of hysteroscopy and treatment of polyps and fibroids both in outpatient and under general anaesthetic. Reproductive endocrinology describes the hormones and control mechanisms that regulate sexual development, sexual function and reproduction.Disorders of reproductive endocrinology can occur from abnormal changes anywhere in the hormonal network called hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. The simplest way to describe it, is a “closed circuit” where hormones act as messengers linking the brain to the ovaries and vice-versa. Symptoms such as infertility, irregular periods, altered sexual function, excessive bodily hair and acne could be the result of an unbalance in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The effects of hormones, or hormonal withdrawals, on the body and the mind can vary significantly from person to person and I manage these conditions. Whether is medical or surgical treatment, it is the treatment that is best suited to each woman’s lifestyle that is most likely to succeed. As a doctor, my role is to share my knowledge of physiology and the rationale for the different treatment options to enable each woman to make an informed choice about her treatment. Knowing “what matters to you” as a person beyond the purely medical needs, is the starting point for individualising care. I believe in discussing individual priorities and taking the time the explain the merits and shortcomings of each treatment option. 

Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology (Subfertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, absent periods or periods or too frequent periods)  Endometriosis  Menstrual disorders  Laparoscopic surgery  Menopause  PMS/PMDD