Questions on menopause will now form part of routine health checks in the NHS to raise awareness of symptoms and give women the confidence to seek help, the Government has said.
Women who receive health checks, which are offered to eligible adults aged 40-74 every five years, will be asked specific questions on menopausal symptoms.
Health checks are currently aimed at identifying people with health risks including cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia.
The Government added that these added questions would mark a ‘crucial shift’ in women’s healthcare and allow clinicians to proactively address concerns that can ‘go unrecognised’.
The specific questions will be developed with health experts over the coming months, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) added.
Around three quarters of women experience menopausal symptoms including physical changes like joint pain, weight gain and hot flushes, and cognitive effects like memory issues. These can last an average of seven years, according to the DHSC.
It comes as the Government also announced a renewal of its women’s health strategy today, which is set to be published next year. This will focus on tackling inequalities and improving access to healthcare.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Women have been suffering in silence for far too long and haven’t been encouraged to open up about the symptoms they’re experiencing.
‘This often means they’re left to navigate menopause alone, with very little support – all because of an outdated health system that fails to acknowledge how serious it can be.
‘No one should have to grit their teeth and just get on with what can be debilitating symptoms or be told that it’s simply part of life.
‘This government is overhauling women’s healthcare and giving those experiencing menopause and perimenopause the visibility and support they have long been asking for.’
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, said: ‘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, many of which can have a big impact on their lives and can be invisible to others.
‘We want to change that – no-one should have to put on a brave face or feel they are facing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause on their own.’
Professor Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists added that this was ‘fantastic news’.
She said: ‘Everyone’s experience is different, but menopause can seriously impact a woman’s health, their enjoyment of life and their ability to work. Creating space for women to get information about menopause symptoms, support and treatments will break down barriers, reduce stigma, and help many women live more happily and healthily in middle age.
‘For this change to have maximum positive impact we’d like to see a real focus on ensuring women from diverse ethnic communities and socially deprived areas being supported to access Health Checks, and excellent menopause training for healthcare assistants providing Health Checks. Women’s Health Hub’s are the ideal place to make this new support accessible, personal and impactful.’
Adding menopause screening to the health check was first proposed in 2023 by the previous Government.
In March, training for primary care practitioners on women’s health was labelled as ‘crucial’ by the Government in response to a report on medical misogyny.
In October 2024, analysis found that additional funding for women’s health services would provide a direct return on investment for the economy.
