In a significant move for women's healthcare, the Government has announced that screening for menopause will become a standard part of NHS Health Checks for women aged 40 and above. This proactive policy, confirmed in October, is designed to identify hormonal changes early and ensure fewer women suffer without appropriate support.
Closing the Diagnostic Gap for Perimenopause
Currently, many women in the UK visit their GP multiple times before their perimenopause is correctly identified. Symptoms are frequently mistaken for other conditions, leading to a frustrating delay in receiving help. This new initiative aims to directly address that 'diagnostic gap' by making discussions about menopause a routine part of health assessments from midlife.
Hanna Yusuf, a prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, explains the importance of understanding this transition. "Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, where hormone levels like oestrogen begin to fluctuate," she says. "This can trigger symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings, often for several years before menopause is reached."
Early Intervention and Access to Treatment
While the average age for perimenopause is 47, symptoms can start as early as the mid-30s. This early onset often leads to misdiagnosis, with signs being attributed to anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. The new NHS screening is intended to catch these signals during routine appointments, potentially allowing for earlier access to treatments like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or lifestyle support, rather than incorrect prescriptions for antidepressants.
"Misunderstanding these early signs can delay important treatment options," Yusuf notes, emphasising the value of timely intervention.
How to Access Your Menopause Health Check
The expansion of the NHS Health Check means women no longer need to wait for severe symptoms before seeking help. Here is a guide to accessing the new service:
- Check Eligibility: If you are aged 40 to 74 and have not had an NHS Health Check in the last five years, you are eligible. Invitations are typically sent via letter or text from your GP surgery.
- Request an Appointment: You do not have to wait for an invite. Contact your GP surgery and ask to book the "Menopause-integrated 40+ Health Check."
- Track Symptoms: Before your appointment, use a diary or app to note changes in your mood, sleep, or menstrual cycle. This information is vital for the 'shared decision-making' process.
- Prepare Questions: If you have specific interests, such as HRT or lifestyle advice, mention them at the start to ensure they are covered in the 20-minute consultation.
Menopause is officially confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period, but support can begin much earlier during perimenopause.
Tailored Treatment and Lifestyle Management
Under NHS guidelines, 'shared decision-making' is encouraged to tailor any treatment to individual needs. This often combines medical intervention with specific lifestyle adjustments.
The NHS suggests proactive habits are key to managing symptoms and protecting long-term health. Recommendations include:
- A calcium-rich diet with dairy and leafy greens to support bone density.
- Regular weight-bearing exercise, like walking or dancing, for cardiovascular health.
- Good 'sleep hygiene' and restorative practices like yoga to manage mood and cortisol levels.
"When lifestyle changes haven’t worked, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments," says Yusuf. "It can manage a wide range of symptoms, from night sweats to vaginal dryness."
Experts also advise consulting a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplements to ensure they do not interfere with other treatments.
This nationwide standardisation of care represents a crucial step forward in recognising and supporting women's health during the menopausal transition.
