Major NHS News: Menopause Now Included in Routine Health Checks for Women Aged 40+
NHS Now Include Menopause Routine Health Checks for Women Aged 40 to 74
A long-awaited transformation to women’s health has been unveiled in the UK. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced in October 2025 that menopause will now be included in routine NHS Health Checks for women aged 40–74 — marking the first time that menopause has been formally recognised in standard NHS health assessments.
This is a historic step forward for women’s wellbeing, ensuring that perimenopause and menopause are no longer overlooked. The new checks — free NHS assessments offered every five years — are expected to benefit over five million women across England.
Why This NHS Menopause Update Matters
Until now, menopause was rarely addressed during routine NHS Health Checks. Too many women have faced debilitating symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, hot flushes, and poor sleep without professional support.
By adding dedicated menopause questions into NHS Health Checks, this initiative will empower women to:
Recognise and understand early perimenopausal symptoms
Access HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) advice and evidence-based care
Identify risks for osteoporosis, heart disease, and sarcopenia (muscle loss)
Open up conversations around sleep, nutrition, sexual health, and fitness
Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, called the change “fantastic news” that will help reduce stigma and improve access to menopause care. However, she also emphasised the importance of reaching diverse ethnic and social groups who have historically been underrepresented in menopause research and treatment.
Menopause Support in the UK: Working Alongside the NHS
At PositivePause, sister site of Menopause Movement, we welcome this groundbreaking change. As a trusted, evidence-based menopause resource, we’re passionate about supporting women and healthcare professionals as the NHS expands menopause care.
We believe menopause support should go beyond symptom management — helping women stay strong, active, and confident through every stage of life.
Here’s how PositivePause can work hand in hand with the new NHS Menopause Health Checks:
1. Support Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis
We help women understand their bone health risks, offering guidance on nutrition, resistance training, and vitamin D for stronger bones and muscles.
2. Address Sarcopenia – The Hidden Midlife Challenge
Muscle loss accelerates after 40. Our evidence-based resources highlight strength training for menopause, helping women maintain mobility, balance, and longevity.
3. Empower Women to Manage Genitourinary Symptoms
From vaginal dryness to recurrent UTIs and pelvic pain, we provide trusted advice on effective treatments and lifestyle strategies for long-term comfort and health.
4. Promote Better Sleep and Nutrition
Hormonal fluctuations can impact sleep quality and appetite. We share practical strategies for restorative sleep and balanced nutrition to support hormonal stability and emotional wellbeing.
Inclusive Menopause Care for Every Woman
As Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, highlighted, women from marginalised communities are often less likely to know about or attend NHS Health Checks.
This new NHS initiative is a unique opportunity to make menopause care more inclusive, but it must be supported by community outreach, education, and culturally sensitive resources.
At PositivePause, we’re committed to ensuring every woman — regardless of background — feels informed, supported, and empowered.
What This Means for the Future of Women’s Health
The inclusion of menopause in routine NHS Health Checks represents a new era in women’s healthcare. For the first time, menopause is recognised as a key component of preventative health, not just a stage to be endured.
At PositivePause, our mission is to build on this progress by delivering reliable, evidence-based information to help women:
Stay strong and active through menopause
Build resilience and confidence
Thrive in midlife and beyond
Together, we can ensure menopause is no longer a silent struggle, but a powerful, supported transition — backed by science, compassion, and community.
💪 Here’s to stronger, healthier, more confident women — empowered by knowledge and supported by change.
October 2025
