For the first time, menopause screening will become part of routine NHS health checks in England. From next year, women aged between 40 and 74 attending the five-yearly appointments will be asked about symptoms linked to menopause, in a move aimed at improving access to advice, treatment and emotional support.

The update will allow GPs and pharmacists to identify women who may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), counselling, or medication to manage symptoms such as hot flushes and mood changes. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the change will help tackle the silence surrounding menopause, ensuring women are no longer left to cope alone with what can be debilitating symptoms.

Around three-quarters of women experience some level of discomfort during menopause, which can bring physical and cognitive challenges such as fatigue, joint pain and brain fog. Women’s Health Ambassador Dame Lesley Regan welcomed the decision, saying it will help normalise conversations about menopause and ensure more women get the help they need.

However, campaigners warned that attendance rates for NHS health checks remain low in some communities, meaning many could miss out on this new support. Experts also stressed the importance of training staff and improving outreach, particularly among ethnic minority and lower-income groups.