October
23
Tags
HEALTH – NHS to Offer Perimenopause and Menopause Health Checks for the First Time Ever
In a groundbreaking move for women’s healthcare, the NHS will, for the first time, include menopause and perimenopause questions in routine health checks, a change set to help millions of women better understand and manage this crucial stage of life.
A First for the NHS, and for Women Everywhere
From 2026, women in England aged 40 to 74 will be asked new questions about menopause during their free, five-yearly NHS Health Check.
The programme, which already screens for heart disease, diabetes and dementia, will now recognise menopause as a vital part of women’s midlife health. Around five million women are expected to benefit.
The goal is to help women recognise symptoms earlier, access tailored support, and close a gap in healthcare that many have called decades overdue.
“Women Have Been Suffering in Silence”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the update as a much-needed wake-up call for the health system.
“Women have been suffering in silence for far too long,” he said. “Too often, they’re left to navigate menopause alone, with very little support, all because of an outdated system that hasn’t recognised how serious it can be.”
Research shows around three in four women experience menopause symptoms, including hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, joint pain and sleep problems, that can last an average of seven years. Yet, fewer than one in ten say they have enough information or support to manage them.
Normalising the Conversation
Experts say the inclusion of menopause questions will do more than just improve care, it will help normalise conversations that have long been taboo.
Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women’s Health at NHS England, said:
“Too often we still hear from women who feel dismissed or unheard.
By tailoring NHS Health Checks to include menopause, we hope more women will get the recognition and help they deserve. This is a vital step toward improving care, confidence, and quality of life.”
The NHS will work with women’s health specialists over the coming months to develop the new questions and ensure they reflect real experiences.
Bridging the Health Gap
Campaigners are celebrating the announcement as a turning point, but also warn that access and equity will be key to success.
Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said:
“It’s fantastic news that menopause conversations will now be part of routine NHS Health Checks.
For the change to have maximum impact, we must make sure women from all backgrounds, including those from ethnic minority and deprived communities, are supported to attend, and that healthcare staff are well-trained in menopause support.”
Why It Matters, for Health, Confidence and Work
For broadcaster and campaigner Mariella Frostrup, who has long championed menopause awareness, this shift could be transformative, not just for women’s health, but for society as a whole.
“When women understand their own biology and the changes that come with midlife, they’re better equipped to look after their health and their careers,” she said.
“It’s good for women, good for the economy, and good for employers who want to retain experienced talent.”
Heart London Magazine 