Health

NHS integrates menopause questions into routine health checks for the first time

Thursday, 23 October 2025 4:07AM UTC

The UK government has introduced menopause-related questions into regular NHS health assessments, aiming to improve support and awareness for millions of women experiencing menopausal symptoms and breaking long-standing taboos in healthcare.

For the first time, menopause-related questions will be incorporated into routine NHS health checks, marking a landmark development in women’s healthcare. This update, introduced by the UK government, is expected to benefit nearly five million women in England who experience symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, joint pain, and sleep disturbances. The aim is to give these women greater visibility and support by ensuring menopause is included in mainstream healthcare conversations.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised that women have endured menopause in silence for far too long, often having to “grit their teeth and get on with it” without adequate support. The inclusion of menopause in NHS health checks, which are offered every five years to adults aged 40 to 74, aims to raise awareness so more women recognise the signs and have the confidence to discuss their symptoms with healthcare professionals. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, specific questions focusing on menopause will be developed with input from health experts over the coming months.

This move has been welcomed as a major victory for campaigners and media outlets like the Daily Mail, which has campaigned since 2022 to improve awareness and support for menopausal women. The Daily Mail’s ‘Fix the HRT crisis’ campaign previously highlighted the difficulties many women faced obtaining hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to supply shortages and secured early successes, including enabling pharmacists to prescribe alternatives and making certain HRT treatments available over the counter.

Menopause affects approximately three-quarters of women, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, with symptoms lasting an average of seven years. These symptoms, ranging from physical effects like weight gain and joint pain to cognitive challenges such as memory issues and brain fog, can significantly disrupt daily life. Yet fewer than one in ten women feel well-informed about managing these changes, leading to feelings of isolation and distress.

Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women’s Health at NHS England, acknowledged that many women feel their symptoms are often dismissed or inadequately supported. She expressed hope that tailoring NHS health checks to address menopause will encourage women to seek help and access appropriate care. Campaigners agree, describing the update as a “major leap forward” in breaking down long-standing taboos and stigma surrounding menopause.

This initiative aligns with wider government efforts to enhance women’s health and workplace inclusion during menopause. Mariella Frostrup, the Menopause Employment Ambassador, has spearheaded partnerships with industry leaders to establish an independent Menopause Advisory Group, aiming to support women in the workforce and reduce absenteeism and early retirement linked to menopausal symptoms. Additionally, government reports have underscored ongoing efforts to encourage workplaces to recognise and accommodate menopause through dedicated policies and support measures.

Access to affordable treatment has also improved recently. Since April 2023, half a million women have benefited from cheaper HRT prescriptions via prescription prepayment certificates, saving over £11 million collectively. The surge in HRT prescriptions in recent years has been partially credited to increased public awareness driven by campaigns and high-profile figures such as TV presenter Davina McCall, whose documentaries have brought menopause into the public eye.

However, experts caution that not all women currently benefit equally from NHS health checks. Janet Lindsay, chief executive of Wellbeing of Women, highlighted that women from marginalised communities are less likely to attend these appointments, raising concerns that progress on menopause support must be inclusive. She urged healthcare professionals to collaborate with grassroots organisations to ensure those facing barriers receive tailored care suited to their needs.

The updated NHS health check guidelines aim to help healthcare staff manage these appointments more effectively, with a focus on reaching high-risk and underserved groups. By embedding menopause within this framework, the healthcare system is taking a critical step toward addressing a historically overlooked aspect of women's health, providing a more comprehensive and supportive approach for millions of women navigating this natural life transition.

📌 Reference Map:

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15216977/women-attend-NHS-health-check-menopausal.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-nhs-update-brings-menopause-into-routine-health-checks - The UK government has announced that menopause advice will be incorporated into routine NHS health checks for the first time. This initiative aims to support nearly five million women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms by raising awareness and providing appropriate information and support. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the need to address the often overlooked health challenge of menopause, ensuring women receive the care they need during this transition. The inclusion of menopause-related questions in health checks marks a significant shift in women's healthcare, moving the topic into mainstream healthcare conversations.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/menopause-employment-ambassador-partners-with-industry-leaders-to-support-women-to-stay-in-work - Mariella Frostrup, the UK's Menopause Employment Ambassador, has partnered with industry leaders to form the first-ever independent Menopause Advisory Group. This group aims to support women experiencing menopause in the workplace, addressing challenges such as absenteeism and early retirement due to menopausal symptoms. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to break down barriers to work and promote economic growth by ensuring women can remain in the workforce during this life stage. The group will provide expert knowledge on how businesses can better support women and tackle this critical issue.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/500000-women-benefit-from-cheaper-hormone-replacement-therapy - Since April 2023, half a million women in England have accessed more affordable hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopause symptoms. The introduction of HRT prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) is part of the government's broader initiative to enhance support for women experiencing menopause. This measure has resulted in savings of over £11 million for women using the PPCs in the past nine months. The move reflects the government's commitment to improving women's health and providing accessible treatments for menopausal symptoms.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shattering-the-silence-about-menopause-12-month-progress-report - The Department for Work and Pensions has published a 12-month progress report on the 'No Time to Step Back' initiative, which focuses on supporting women experiencing menopause. The report reflects on the first year of the Government’s Menopause Employment Champion, Helen Tomlinson, and outlines progress made against her Four Point Plan. It highlights the importance of addressing menopause in the workplace and the steps taken to support women during this life stage. The report aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by women and the measures implemented to support them.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-health-checks-applying-all-our-health - The 'NHS Health Checks: applying All Our Health' guidance provides healthcare professionals with advice on managing NHS Health Checks and maximising their contribution to public health. It includes examples to help staff manage health checks effectively and ensure they reach high-risk and vulnerable communities. The guidance aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering comprehensive health checks that address a wide range of health issues, including those pertinent to women's health, such as menopause. It underscores the importance of tailored health checks to meet the diverse needs of the population.
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/nhs-health-check-quarterly-statistics-april-to-june-2025 - The NHS Health Check quarterly statistics for April to June 2025 provide data on the number of health check offers and uptake in England. The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and certain types of dementia in people aged 40 to 74 who have not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions. The statistics offer insights into the reach and effectiveness of the programme, highlighting its role in promoting preventive healthcare and addressing various health concerns, including those related to menopause.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative is based on a recent UK government press release dated 23 October 2025, introducing menopause-related questions into routine NHS health checks. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-nhs-update-brings-menopause-into-routine-health-checks?utm_source=openai)) This is a new development, with no prior reports found within the past seven days. The Daily Mail's coverage aligns with this recent announcement, indicating high freshness.

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes: The quotes attributed to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Dr Sue Mann are consistent with those in the official UK government press release. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-nhs-update-brings-menopause-into-routine-health-checks?utm_source=openai)) No earlier instances of these exact quotes were found, suggesting they are original to this announcement.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the Daily Mail has faced criticism for sensationalism in the past. The UK government press release serves as a primary source, enhancing credibility.

Plausability check

Score: 10

Notes: The inclusion of menopause-related questions in NHS health checks is a plausible and timely initiative, supported by the UK government's recent announcement. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-nhs-update-brings-menopause-into-routine-health-checks?utm_source=openai)) The narrative's claims are consistent with this official information, and no discrepancies or implausible elements were identified.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is based on a recent and original UK government announcement regarding the inclusion of menopause-related questions in NHS health checks. The quotes are consistent with the official press release, and the source is reputable, albeit with some past criticisms. The claims are plausible and align with official information, indicating a high level of credibility.

Menopause
NHS
Women’s health