Menopause advice to be added to NHS health checks in ‘landmark step’ for women

Menopause advice will be included in routine NHS health checks for the first time, in what the government has described as a ‘landmark step’ towards improving women’s healthcare.

The move means millions of women in England aged 40 to 74 will now be asked about perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms as part of the free NHS health check, offered every five years.

Women identified as experiencing symptoms from the check will be directed to further information, support and treatment options.

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The changes aim to raise awareness and encourage earlier recognition of symptoms, while helping to normalise conversations around menopause.

Currently, some local councils commission NHS Health Checks through some community pharmacies.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said the change to include menopause was part of a wider drive to overhaul women’s health and address long-standing inequities.

‘Women have been suffering in silence for far too long,’ he said. ‘Too often, menopause symptoms are minimised or misunderstood, and women are left to manage alone.

‘No one should have to grit their teeth and just get on with what can be debilitating symptoms.’

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The new questions for the check will be developed with input from health experts over the coming months and introduced as part of a broader effort to make NHS services more proactive and preventative.

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women’s health at NHS England, said the move was an important opportunity to improve access and understanding.

‘Far too often we still hear women say their concerns aren’t listened to or that they aren’t getting enough support for the debilitating symptoms that can come with the menopause,’ she said.

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‘By tailoring the NHS health check to include menopause, we hope more women will get the support they need to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.’

The announcement follows other women’s health reforms, including plans to make emergency contraception available free of charge at pharmacies this month, investment to reduce gynaecology waiting lists, and the introduction of Jess’s Rule to ensure earlier diagnoses for women presenting repeatedly with unexplained symptoms.