Health

NHS to normalise menopause screening in routine health checks from 2026

Thursday, 23 October 2025 4:08AM UTC

Starting in 2026, menopause screening will become a standard component of NHS health checks in England, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve support for women during midlife.

Starting from 2026, menopause screening will become a standard part of NHS health checks in England, marking a significant shift in how women's midlife health is addressed. Women aged 40 to 74 attending these checks—offered every five years—will be asked about menopause symptoms for the first time, with the goal of identifying those who may benefit from advice and support including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medications to ease hot flushes, and counselling. This initiative, announced by the UK government, aims to bring menopause out of the shadows and integrate it into mainstream healthcare to better support women's wellbeing during this often challenging life stage.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the importance of this change, acknowledging that many women have suffered in silence, reluctant or unaware of how to seek help for debilitating symptoms. He expressed hope that the new questions, though still being finalised, will encourage more open conversations about menopause and improve the support available to women. "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," he said. Campaigners and health experts have long pushed for menopause to receive the attention it deserves, with the Menopause All-Party Parliamentary Group and Women's Health Ambassador Dame Lesley Regan among the proponents welcoming this move as a way to help the 400,000 women entering menopause in the UK each year.

Traditionally, NHS health checks have focused on screening for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia by measuring blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index, alongside lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use. Introducing menopause-related questions into these checks allows the NHS to address a significant yet often overlooked aspect of women's health, particularly given that around three-quarters of women experience symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, joint pain, and cognitive issues like memory lapses and brain fog. These symptoms can last for an average of seven years and severely impact daily life, yet research indicates fewer than one in ten women feel adequately informed to manage them.

Though the exact nature of the menopause questions to be included in the health checks has not yet been decided, the government stresses the potential benefits. By normalising menopause discussions within routine medical assessments, the hope is to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and ensure women receive timely advice and treatment options. NHS guidance already recommends consulting healthcare professionals—including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and menopause specialists—for support, which may include HRT, lifestyle advice, and talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy to help manage symptoms.

Nevertheless, some campaigners caution that low uptake of NHS health checks in certain communities could limit the reach of this initiative, potentially leaving many women without the support they need. Current NHS data show participation varies across different demographic groups, raising concerns that the most vulnerable or underserved women might miss out on this enhanced focus on menopause health.

In summary, incorporating menopause screening into NHS health checks represents a substantial step forward for women's healthcare in England. By recognising the wide-ranging impacts of menopause and embedding routine enquiry into standard assessments, the NHS aims to improve treatment pathways and quality of life for millions of women navigating this significant stage of life.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (BBC News), ^[2] (GOV.UK), ^[3] (ITV News)
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Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (BBC News), ^[4] (NHS), ^[6] (NHS)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (BBC News), ^[5] (NHS)
Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (BBC News), ^[7] (BBC News)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq50z185d78o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss - 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. Starting from 2026, women aged 40 to 74 will be asked about menopause symptoms during their health assessments. This initiative aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide women with the necessary support and treatment options, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and counselling. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of acknowledging and addressing menopausal symptoms to improve women's healthcare.
https://www.itv.com/news/2025-10-22/menopause-questions-in-nhs-health-checks-to-stop-women-suffering-in-silence - ITV News reports that menopause-related questions will be included in NHS health checks for the first time, benefiting millions of women in England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the need to address symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, stating that women have been 'suffering in silence for too long.' The inclusion aims to raise awareness and encourage women to seek help for menopausal symptoms during their routine health assessments.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/ - The NHS Health Check is a free assessment offered to adults aged 40 to 74 every five years, aiming to identify individuals at risk of developing conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. The check includes measuring height, weight, waist, blood pressure, cholesterol, and possibly blood sugar levels. Participants are also asked about their health, including family medical history, smoking and alcohol habits, and physical activity levels. The addition of menopause-related questions will help raise awareness and provide support for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/help-and-support/ - The NHS provides guidance and support for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause symptoms. Healthcare professionals, including GPs, nurses, and pharmacists, can offer advice and treatment options. Menopause specialists are also available for support. Talking therapies like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage symptoms. The NHS website lists resources and support services, including charities like Women's Health Concern and Menopause Matters, to assist women during this transition.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/ - The NHS outlines common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, which can significantly impact daily life. These symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, memory issues, joint pain, weight gain, and vaginal dryness. Symptoms can last for months or years and vary in severity. The NHS advises women experiencing these symptoms to consult a GP or nurse for support and management options.
https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/health-67146559 - BBC News reports that MPs and campaigners are advocating for 'menopause checks' to be included in NHS health checks for women over 40. The Menopause All-Party Parliamentary Group highlighted that many women approach their GP with symptoms unaware they are experiencing menopause. The proposal aims to provide menopause support alongside existing checks for conditions like heart disease and diabetes, ensuring women receive comprehensive healthcare during this life stage.

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 press release from the UK government, dated 23 October 2025, announcing the inclusion of menopause screening in routine NHS health checks starting from 2026. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-nhs-update-brings-menopause-into-routine-health-checks?utm_source=openai)) This indicates high freshness, as the information is current and directly from an official source.

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes: The direct quotes from Health Secretary Wes Streeting and other officials are unique to this press release, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests the content is original and not recycled from previous publications.

Source reliability

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative originates from the UK government's official website, GOV.UK, which is a reputable and authoritative source for public information. This enhances the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Plausability check

Score: 10

Notes: The announcement aligns with ongoing efforts to improve women's healthcare in the UK, including previous initiatives like the introduction of digital health checks and the formation of the Menopause Advisory Group. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-health-check-to-tackle-deadly-cardiovascular-disease?utm_source=openai)) The claims about the prevalence of menopause symptoms and the need for better support are consistent with existing health data and expert opinions.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reliable government press release. The information is plausible and consistent with existing health data and initiatives, indicating a high level of confidence in its accuracy.

NHS
menopause
women's health