The new measure, described by campaigners as a “major leap forward” for women’s healthcare, will form part of the existing NHS Health Check, a free assessment offered every five years to adults aged 40 to 74.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the move aims to tackle decades of neglect and silence around menopause. “Women have been suffering in silence for far too long and haven’t been encouraged to open up about their symptoms,” he said. “No one should have to grit their teeth through debilitating symptoms or be told it’s just part of life. We’re overhauling women’s healthcare to give menopause and perimenopause the visibility and support women have long deserved.”
The addition of menopause advice is expected to help women recognise symptoms, seek support, and access the right treatments. It will also help clinicians proactively identify and address menopause-related concerns during routine checks, which already screen for risks such as heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
Questions for the new assessments will be developed over the coming months with input from leading medical experts.
Mariella Frostrup, the government’s menopause employment ambassador, welcomed the announcement, saying it would empower women to better understand their health and remain active in the workplace. “Including menopause as a key part of the NHS 40+ Health Check is a major leap forward for women and for business,” she said. “It’s good for women, good for the economy, and good for employers who want to retain experienced talent.”
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women’s health at NHS England, said the initiative would help address concerns that women’s symptoms are often overlooked. “Too often, women tell us their menopause concerns aren’t taken seriously,” she said. “By including menopause in NHS Health Checks, we can help more women get the support they need and improve their quality of life.”
The menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), more than 75 per cent of women experience symptoms, and around one in four describe them as severe.
