Menopause Advice to be Included in Free Health Checks in NHS

Strategic Insights -

Millions of women across England will benefit from a landmark step forward in women's healthcare as the government includes menopause advice in routine NHS health checks for the first time. The move aims to raise awareness of symptoms and give women the confidence to seek help, marking a major shift in women's healthcare. The addition of dedicated questions to NHS Health Checks about the menopause will benefit nearly 5 million women, empowering clinicians to proactively address concerns that often go unrecognised, ensuring women feel heard and supported during what can be a challenging transition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government has announced that menopause advice will be added to free health checks in the NHS to help millions of women get the care they need.
  • Menopause questions and help will be included in routine NHS health checks for the first time nationally, raising awareness of symptoms and giving women the confidence to seek help.
  • The move will benefit nearly 5 million women, as routine appointments will now tackle one of society's most overlooked health challenges.
  • Women will be directed to services, information, and treatment options to provide relief from debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, weight gain, hot flushes, and cognitive effects like memory issues and brain fog.
  • Menopause affects all women differently, with most experiencing the transition between ages 45 and 55, though symptoms can begin earlier during perimenopause.
  • Three quarters of women experience symptoms, which can last an average of seven years and significantly impact daily life.
  • Yet fewer than one in ten feel they have enough information to deal with their menopause, highlighting the need for improved support and awareness.
  • NHS Health Checks will be developed over the coming months with health experts feeding in to ensure tailored support for women experiencing menopause symptoms.
  • Women's Health Hub's are the ideal place to make this new support accessible, personal, and impactful, positioning them to address the significant disparities in menopause experience among women from diverse ethnic communities and socially deprived areas.
  • The government's Plan for Change to build an NHS fit for the future includes overhauling women's healthcare, which includes this major shift in how menopause is addressed.
  • This announcement follows significant strides in women's health since the government took office, including reducing gynaecology waiting lists and launching cervical cancer elimination plans.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 5 million women will benefit from the inclusion of menopause advice in routine NHS health checks.
  • Three quarters of women experience symptoms during menopause, which can last an average of seven years.
  • Only 14% of women learned about menopause from a healthcare professional, but 99% wanted menopause included in their health checks.
  • 400,000 women in the UK will become menopausal this year, with the vast majority having very little knowledge of what underlies the many and varied symptoms women may experience.
  • Menopause affects all women differently, with most experiencing the transition between ages 45 and 55.

Sources:

  • Department of Health and Social Care
  • The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP
  • Baroness Merron
  • NHS England
  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Menopause Mandate
  • Women's Health Hub
  • Department of Health and Social Care
  • Various healthcare professionals and advocates mentioned in the article.