This is a big step for women in England. Menopause is being built into the free NHS Health Check for the first time, so more women are asked about their symptoms and pointed towards support.
The key points
- Who it's for: the NHS Health Check is offered every five years to eligible adults aged 40 to 74 in England. Nearly 5 million women are expected to benefit.
- What changes: dedicated menopause questions are being added to the check. Women who report symptoms should be directed to information, services and treatment options.
- Why it matters: around three in four women have menopause symptoms, often for years, yet fewer than one in ten feel well informed about them.
- The timing: announced in October 2025, it's being rolled out during 2026. Health Checks are run locally, so the pace can vary from area to area.
Our advice
If you're invited to an NHS Health Check, say yes. It's a valuable chance to check your heart, blood pressure and overall health at a stage of life when it really counts. And if menopause doesn't come up during your appointment, raise it yourself.
You don't need to wait for your health check, either. If perimenopause or menopause symptoms are affecting your life, book a GP appointment now. Keeping a simple symptom diary for a few weeks beforehand can make that conversation much easier.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK →
The NHS Health Check covers England. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, speak to your GP about the support available where you live.
