The menopause movement has come a long way in the last 10 years and things are going from good to better. But here I am going to talk about the good changes that you can expect to happen in the world of menopause in 2026.
As more people talk about menopause, we are seeing the government listen and workplaces becoming more interested. So what’s changing?
Menopause being added to NHS health checks
The NHS Health Check is aimed at identifying people with health risks including cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia in people aged between 40 and 70.
From 2026, NHS health checks in England for women aged 40-74 will officially include questions about menopause, supporting roughly 5 million women with early, proactive care. This initiative aims to address symptoms like hot flushes, mood changes, and brain fog, offering support through GPs or pharmacies to reduce long-term health risks.
Key Aspects of the New NHS Menopause Support:
- Routine Integration: Menopause, including perimenopause, will be part of the free, 5-yearly NHS health check designed for midlife adults.
- Proactive Care: The focus is on early recognition of symptoms, allowing for timely, evidence-based advice and support.
- Treatment Options: Discussions may lead to advice on managing symptoms, including HRT (hormone replacement therapy) if appropriate.
- Holistic Health: The checks, which also monitor for cardiovascular, diabetes, and kidney risks, will better manage the impact of menopause on overall health and quality of life
How You can Prepare for NHS Health Checks
If you haven’t been invited for one, ask at your GP surgery if you can book one and think about any changes you may have noticed before you go in so that you can discuss these at the appointment. You can use this symptom checker to fill in before you go. Usually during these appointments, you will have your blood pressure checked and you may be asked to have a blood test to check cholesterol. All this ties in with supporting menopause health.
Easier Access To Testosterone For Women
At the moment there is no licensed preparation of testosterone for women in the UK that is easily accessible. Doctors have to use testogel, which is licensed for men and but not women.
However, since 2025, Androfem, a female preparation of testosterone which is made in Western Australia, has been licensed for use in the UK but hasn’t yet been put through all the NICE practices which means it can’t used within the NHS for prescribing YET. Perhaps this might become available in 2026. Watch this space!
Menopause Support and Policy Changes In The Workplace
Workplace policies regarding menopause are shifting from voluntary wellbeing initiatives to legal requirements for proactive support and accommodation. Upcoming UK legislation (expected 2026/2027) will mandate that larger employers (250+ staff) publish Menopause Action Plans. Changes focus on flexible working, environmental adjustments (cooling, fans), uniform policy changes, and training for managers to prevent discrimination.
Key Changes in Workplace Policy & Legal Framework
- Mandatory Action Plans (Upcoming): New legislation (Employment Rights Bill) requires employers with 250+ employees to create and publish Menopause Action Plans, outlining how they will support staff, with compliance expected by 2027.
- Legal Protections: Menopause symptoms that affect daily life can qualify as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, making it illegal for employers to fail to make “reasonable adjustments”.
- Day One Right to Flexible Work: Since April 6, 2024, all employees have a legal right to request flexible working from their first day of employment, removing the previous six-month waiting period.
- Direct & Indirect Discrimination: Employers must avoid treating staff unfairly based on age, sex, or disability-related to menopause symptoms.
- Health and Safety: Employers have a duty of care to conduct risk assessments, which now often include identifying environmental factors (e.g., heat) that affect menopausal employees.
If you are in a workplace that would like help with the upcoming menopause support and policy changes in the workplace, please let me know as I offer corporate talks about menopause in the workplace.
So change is coming and it’s positive! I will endeavour to bring any more updates as I hear about them.
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