MPs call for women to be given free menopause checks when they turn 40
The call is one of seven recommendations put forward by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Menopause. Other proposals also include the licensing of female-specific testosterone.
Women should get free menopause checks at the age of 40 and have easier access to hormone medication, according to campaigners. Currently, all women are offered mid-life MOTs to screen for health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Cross-party MPs and Peers are now calling for the inclusion of ‘discussion and diagnosis’ of menopause as part of this examination.
This recommendation is part of the “Manifesto for Menopause” proposed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause. The manifesto includes the establishment of a national formulary for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), allowing doctors and pharmacists to prescribe approved medicines without geographical limitations.
The APPG also suggests incentivizing GPs to diagnose menopause and ensuring that medical practitioners feel confident in prescribing all types of HRT. Large companies should be obliged to introduce menopause action plans, according to the group. Other reforms proposed by the APPG include the licensing of female-specific testosterone, increased funding for menopause research, and improvements in specialist care provision.
These proposals come in response to a Daily Mail campaign launched last year, which aimed to raise awareness about menopause symptoms and treatment options. The UK government subsequently announced a Serious Shortages Protocol, making it easier for pharmacists to substitute treatments. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also permitted a specific form of HRT to be available over-the-counter. Moreover, a scheme that saves menopausal women over £200 a year came into effect this year.
A survey conducted by Simplyhealth revealed that nearly a quarter of women in the UK have considered quitting their jobs due to the impact of menopause symptoms. This highlights the need for further support for women in the workforce. Menopause is a natural part of aging when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Symptoms can vary from hot flushes, sleeping difficulties, mood swings, and brain fog.
Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea and chair of the APPG on Menopause, said: “With an election expected next year, we are calling for all political parties to commit to these reforms in their own election manifestos and change the way menopause is treated by the next Government.”
Source: Daily Mail
Published: 18 October 2023
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