Menopause Becomes Part of Routine NHS Health Checks

The UK has taken a historic step in advancing women’s health. For the first time, menopause advice and screening will become part of routine NHS health checks, a move set to benefit nearly five million women across England.

Announced on 23 October 2025 by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, alongside Baroness Merron, the reform marks a major cultural and clinical shift, one that recognises menopause as a critical component of women’s health, not an afterthought.

By incorporating menopause questions and guidance into the free NHS Health Check for adults aged 40 to 74, the government aims to raise awareness, ensure earlier intervention, and empower women to seek help with confidence and dignity.

This initiative is part of a broader mission to “build an NHS fit for the future”, as outlined in the government’s Plan for Change, ensuring healthcare systems are proactive, inclusive, and responsive to the realities of modern life.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores how this landmark policy embeds women’s health into the heart of preventative care, shaping a more equitable, informed, and inclusive future for the NHS.

Ending the silence around menopause

For decades, millions of women have endured menopausal symptoms in silence often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or dismissed as stress or lifestyle issues. This systemic neglect has not only impacted personal well-being but has also had economic and workforce consequences, with many women struggling to manage symptoms that can persist for years.

Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, acknowledged this longstanding oversight:

“Women have been suffering in silence for far too long and haven’t been encouraged to open up about the symptoms they’re experiencing.

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.”

By placing menopause on the national health agenda, the government hopes to normalise discussions, improve access to treatment, and promote greater understanding of perimenopausal and menopausal health across society.

What the new NHS health checks will include

The NHS Health Check, currently focused on detecting risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and stroke, will soon include targeted menopause questions and access to information about symptoms and treatment options.

These additions will be developed in consultation with health experts and women’s health organisations over the coming months, with the goal of making menopause screening part of every 40+ woman’s check-up.

Women who report symptoms will be directed to specialist services, educational resources, and treatment pathways that can provide timely relief and improve quality of life.

Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director in Women’s Health for NHS England, emphasised the need for empathy and inclusion in this approach:

“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.

By tailoring the NHS Health Check to include questions around menopause, we hope more women will get the support they need to manage their symptoms. This is testament to our ongoing commitment to improving treatment, care and quality of life for women.”

Why menopause awareness matters

The menopause affects all women differently. While most transition between ages 45 and 55, symptoms can begin earlier during perimenopause. Around three-quarters of women experience symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, weight gain, memory issues, and brain fog, lasting an average of seven years. Yet fewer than one in ten women feel adequately informed about how to manage them.

Raising awareness through health checks will help women identify symptoms earlier, access medical advice, and take proactive steps to support their wellbeing.

Mariella Frostrup, Menopause Employment Ambassador, noted the wider social and economic value of this reform:

“Including menopause as a key part of the NHS 40+ health check is a major leap forward for women and for business. 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. It’s good for women, good for the economy and good for employers who want to retain experienced talent.”

Tackling stigma and driving inclusion

Experts agree that the success of this initiative depends on accessibility, inclusivity, and education.

Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, welcomed the announcement but called for equitable implementation:

“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 impact, we’d like to see a real focus on ensuring women from diverse ethnic communities and socially deprived areas are supported to access health checks, and excellent menopause training for healthcare assistants providing health checks.”

The introduction of Women’s Health Hubs is expected to play a crucial role in delivering this new support offering, tailored advice, follow-up consultations, and continuity of care across regions.

A turning point in women’s health policy

This reform aligns with the government’s broader women’s health agenda, which includes:

• Reducing gynaecology waiting lists through additional investment

• A new Cervical Cancer Plan for England, aiming to eliminate the disease by 2040

• Making emergency hormonal contraception free in pharmacies from late October 2025

• Introducing “Jess’s Rule”, requiring GPs to review undiagnosed cases after three visits.

Together, these initiatives signal a decisive shift toward preventative, personalised healthcare, ensuring women are no longer overlooked in the design of NHS services.

Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador, reflected on the generational impact:

“Some 400,000 women in the UK will become menopausal this year, but the vast majority of them will have very little knowledge of what underlies the many and varied symptoms.

It’s so important that we provide all girls and women with the information and supportive healthcare they need to deal with their menstrual and menopausal health. When we get it right for women, everyone benefits.”

Empowering women through awareness and access

The announcement also marks a victory for campaigners. Menopause Mandate, a UK advocacy group, led a two-year campaign for this very change.

Laura Biggs, Founding Director of Menopause Mandate, said:

“Our 2025 Mega Menopause Survey of over 15,000 women revealed that only 14% learned about menopause from a healthcare professional, yet 99% wanted menopause included in their health checks.

This practical and preventative step will transform the experience of millions of women entering their peri- and menopausal years, helping them make informed choices about symptoms and treatment, while saving the NHS significant unnecessary costs.”

Her statement underscores how systemic change, even something as simple as a few questions added to a check-up, can create lasting social impact.

What this means for the health and social care sector

For health and social care providers, this policy change highlights the growing emphasis on preventative and inclusive healthcare. It will require:

• Enhanced staff training to recognise and discuss menopause symptoms sensitively

• Integrated care planning to connect primary, community, and occupational health support

• Cultural competency to reach women from all backgrounds effectively.

The move also presents a leadership opportunity for care providers and HR teams to embed menopause awareness into workplace wellbeing strategies, training programmes, and compliance systems, ensuring staff feel supported at every stage of life.

In regulated sectors, such progress aligns with frameworks such as the CQC’s “Well-Led” domain, which prioritises person-centred care, staff wellbeing, and inclusion.

By embedding menopause awareness into both healthcare and employment practices, organisations can help drive a broader culture of compassion, retention, and resilience across the workforce.

Prevention begins with awareness and systems that support it

As the NHS leads a new era of preventative women’s health, organisations must ensure their teams are informed, supported, and compliant.

The Mandatory Training Group empowers health, social care, and education providers to embed awareness, wellbeing, and inclusion into everyday practice. Through our Train the Trainer programmes, learning management system (LMS), and training management system (TMS), we empower organisations to deliver high-quality learning, ensure regulatory compliance, and build safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Our integrated ComplyPlus™ Regulatory Compliance Management Software helps providers stay inspection-ready, manage audits, and streamline governance processes under frameworks such as the CQC Single Assessment Framework.

Empower your workforce and lead the change in women’s health and compliance.

Reference

HM Government. Major NHS update brings menopause into routine health checks.