Women in England are set to receive improved healthcare as menopause will now be included in routine NHS appointments. The Department of Health and Social Care’s recent update will introduce menopause-specific questions in the ‘NHS Health Check,’ benefiting nearly five million individuals.

The ‘NHS Health Check’ is a free assessment focusing on heart and blood vessel health, aiming to identify risks of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. Individuals over 65 will also be informed about dementia symptoms to monitor.

The upcoming changes will integrate menopause-related questions into the health checks to address the unique impact menopause has on women. Most women experience menopause between ages 45 and 55, with symptoms like joint pain, hot flushes, weight gain, brain fog, and memory issues lasting around seven years.

Despite the prevalence of menopause symptoms, many women feel inadequately informed on managing them. Health checks are available to people aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing health conditions, with regular check-ups offered for those diagnosed with specific conditions.

NHS guidance recommends individuals to attend health checks every 5 years if eligible. These assessments typically last 20 to 30 minutes, with results provided promptly. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of addressing menopause symptoms openly and providing necessary support for women’s health.