Women Campaign for Menopause Checks to be Included in NHS Health Check

Campaigners and MPs are calling for women to be offered “menopause checks” by GPs after turning 40. The Menopause All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) suggests that these checks should be included in the NHS Health Check offered every five years to those between the ages of 40 and 74. Currently, many women over 40 visit their GPs with menopause symptoms without even realizing that they are experiencing the menopause. Campaigner Mariella Frostrup called it “ludicrous” that menopause information is not part of the health check.

The survey conducted for the Menopause Mandate campaign, which involved more than 2,000 women, found that the majority had self-diagnosed their menopause, with only 12% receiving a diagnosis from a health professional. Mariella Frostrup emphasized that this is insufficient in the 21st century and called for adequate information and support about the menopause to be included in the health check.

The Menopause All-Party Parliamentary Group highlighted that doctors often fail to recognize menopause symptoms, and more needs to be done to ensure that medical professionals are equipped and empowered to prescribe hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) as a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Chairwoman of the group, Labour MP Carolyn Harris, expressed the need for better support for women suffering through menopause. She shared stories of women who struggle to get a diagnosis from their GPs, face a lack of HRT supply, or have left their jobs due to a lack of support.

The menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life when her periods stop, which typically occurs around the age of 51. Symptoms of menopause usually start in the mid-40s during the perimenopause phase when periods become irregular. Many women experience unpredictable or heavy periods and new physical or emotional issues during this time. After 12 months without a period, a woman can confirm that she has gone through the menopause. In some cases, the menopause can occur earlier, either naturally or as a result of treatment for other conditions.

In related news, research from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, published by the International Menopause Society, points out that women going through menopause are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, emphasized the need for women to take preventive action by not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight to protect their hearts.

As women approach menopause, it is crucial for them to reassess their risks and prioritize their own health. This call for menopause checks is an opportunity to ensure that women receive the support and information they need during this significant stage of life.