10/25/2025
A Landmark for Women's Health: NHS Health Checks to Fully Incorporate Menopause Support
New Policy Expected to Benefit Nearly 5 Million Women Aged 40-74, Aiming to Boost Early Intervention and Tackle the 'Menopause Stigma'
(UK, October 2025) – The UK government has unveiled a momentous update to its women's health policy. Starting this month, routine NHS (National Health Service) Health Checks will officially include questions and support relating to the menopause for the very first time. This initiative is set to benefit nearly five million women aged between 40 and 74 across the UK, marking a pivotal step in recognising and supporting women's health needs during this significant life stage.
Policy Core: From Screening to Comprehensive Care
NHS Health Checks have traditionally focused on screening for risks associated with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
Under this fresh policy, healthcare professionals will incorporate menopause-specific assessments into these routine check-ups. The core objectives are to heighten awareness of the menopause, encourage early intervention, and provide clear information, essential support, and a range of treatment options for women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.
Confronting the Reality: The Overlooked '75%'
The introduction of this policy directly addresses a long-standing gap in healthcare provision. Data indicates that a staggering 75% of women will experience menopausal symptoms. These can range from physical changes like hot flushes, weight gain, and joint pain, to cognitive challenges such such as 'brain fog' and memory lapses.
Despite these symptoms lasting, on average, for seven years and profoundly impacting quality of life and career progression, fewer than 10% of women feel they receive adequate information.
Expert Voices: A Crucial Step Towards Improving Life for Middle-Aged Women
Leading figures in the health sector have wholeheartedly endorsed this move:
Dr Sue Mann (NHS National Clinical Director for Women’s Health) underscored that women often feel their symptoms are dismissed or trivialised. She believes this initiative will ensure that more women "get the right support when they need it."
Mariella Frostrup (Menopause Employment Ambassador) stated that this policy will empower women to better understand their changing bodies, enabling them to manage their health and professional lives effectively.
Professor Ranee Thakar (President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) views this as an effective measure to "reduce the stigma" associated with menopause, significantly improving the quality of life for middle-aged women across the UK.
Dame Lesley Regan (Women’s Health Ambassador) highlighted that approximately 400,000 women enter menopause each year in the UK, yet most lack understanding of the symptoms they may encounter. The new policy is vital for disseminating information and support.
Laura Biggs (Founder of Menopause Mandate) remarked that this is the culmination of a two-year campaign and will vastly improve the experience for women navigating perimenopause.
Societal Significance: Paving the Way for Personalised and Preventative Healthcare
The inclusion of menopause in routine Health Checks is part of a broader government strategy to advance personalised and preventative healthcare services, hailed as a significant milestone in women's health policy.
Complementary measures are also in place, including efforts to reduce gynaecological waiting lists, provide free emergency contraception, implement 'Jess's Rule' (requiring reviews for patients with multiple undiagnosed conditions), and drive forward the ambitious plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.