There is some really positive news for women. From 2026, menopause will be included in the NHS Health Check for women aged 40 to 74 in England.
This may sound like a small change, but I think it could make a big difference. The NHS Health Check is already designed to look at important areas of our health, including blood pressure, cholesterol and our risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Now, menopause will also form part of that conversation.
For many women, perimenopause and menopause can be a confusing time. Symptoms can include poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, brain fog, hot flushes, changes to weight, joint aches and changes to periods. It is very easy to put some of these things down to being busy, stressed or simply getting older, without realising menopause could be playing a part.
So what does this actually mean?
It is important to clarify that this isn’t a separate menopause health check. Instead, menopause is being added to the existing NHS Health Check, giving women another opportunity to talk about symptoms and get information about the support available.
And if you’re struggling with symptoms now, you don’t have to wait for your next health check. You can speak to your GP or healthcare professional at any time.
I think bringing menopause into a routine health conversation is a really positive step. The more we talk about menopause as an important part of women’s health, the more likely we are to recognise symptoms, ask questions and get the support we need.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but struggling through it without support doesn’t have to be.
This blog is for general information and is not intended to replace medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or menopause symptoms, please speak to your GP or healthcare professional.
Sources: NHS and UK Government
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak to your GP or healthcare professional for personalised support.
