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Health care reform

Menopause to be Included in Routine NHS Health Checks in a Major Update

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Millions of women across England will soon benefit from the inclusion of menopause advice in routine NHS health checks, marking a landmark step forward in women's healthcare. This move aims to raise awareness of symptoms and give women the confidence to seek help, empowering clinicians to proactively address concerns that often go unrecognised. The addition of dedicated questions to NHS Health Checks about the menopause will benefit nearly 5 million women, tackling one of society's most overlooked health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS will include menopause advice in routine health checks for the first time, benefiting nearly 5 million women across England.
  • The addition of menopause questions to NHS Health Checks will help raise awareness of symptoms and empower women to seek help.
  • Menopause affects three-quarters of women, with symptoms lasting an average of seven years and significantly impacting daily life.
  • Women will be directed to services, information, and treatment options to provide relief from debilitating symptoms.
  • Questions in the health checks will be developed over the coming months with health experts feeding in.
  • The government aims to build an NHS fit for the future by overhauling outdated systems and prioritising women's healthcare.
  • This move is part of the government's Plan for Change, which includes eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 and introducing Jess's Rule to ensure GPs think again if they see a patient three times without identifying a diagnosis.

Statistics:

  • 3/4 of women experience symptoms during menopause, which can last an average of 7 years.
  • Only 1 in 10 women feel they have enough information to deal with menopause.
  • 400,000 women in the UK will become menopausal this year.
  • 14% of women learned about menopause from a healthcare professional, while 99% wanted menopause included in their health checks.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE, 23 October 2025
  • Women's Health Hub
  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Menopause Mandate
  • NHS England
  • Government of the United Kingdom

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