Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Menopause Diagnosis: London

Tuesday 24 February 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government included menopause in NHS health checks for the first time.
  • Training for GPs and specialists is being rolled out to address variability.
  • Shortages of HRT implants are monitored and alternatives are provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

Women across the constituency of Brentford and Isleworth are experiencing varied diagnostic experiences, with some reporting poor service. South Asian women have reported particularly alarming instances.

Question

What steps is he taking to improve the diagnosis of menopause for women in London? Women in my constituency experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause tell me of very varied experiences of going to their GP—some excellent, and some, frankly, alarmingly poor. I have been particularly concerned to hear about the experiences of south Asian women with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.

Answer from Karin Smyth

This Government took a landmark step forward by including menopause in the NHS health checks for the first time ever. We are going further next year, when menopause will be one of the first conditions treated through our revolutionary new digital hospital, NHS Online. We need to address variability in training, through the NHS health checks and training that is being rolled out by both the General Medical Council and the royal colleges. There are some great examples of multidisciplinary teams helping with training for specialist services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific regular and thorough training requirements not addressed, only general references to ongoing initiatives without concrete commitments or timelines

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Q2 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
NHS
Context

Concerns raised about the varied experiences of women seeking diagnosis for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, with south Asian women reporting poor service.

Question

Women in my constituency experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause tell me of very varied experiences of going to their GP—some excellent, and some, frankly, alarmingly poor. I have been particularly concerned to hear about the experiences of south Asian women with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that all GPs receive thorough and regular training that is appropriate for all London's communities?

Answer from Karin Smyth

We need to address variability in training, through the NHS health checks and training that is being rolled out by both the General Medical Council and the royal colleges. We need to go further. There are some great examples of multidisciplinary teams helping with training for specialist services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific regular and thorough training requirements not addressed, only general references to ongoing initiatives without concrete commitments or timelines

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Q3 Freddie Van Mierlo Lib Dem Henley and Thame
NHS
Context

There is a shortage of unlicensed hormone replacement therapy implants, which are essential for women whose other treatments do not work. This affects women's mental and physical health.

Question

Hormone replacement therapy is a godsend for many women experiencing menopause, but there is a dire shortage of HRT implants. These are unlicensed medicines, but they are absolutely essential for treatment, particularly for women for whom other treatments do not work. There are women in my constituency who are suffering very badly with poor mental and physical health impacts as a result. We really want to know when action will be taken on this, and when we can get the implants that these women so desperately need.

Answer from Karin Smyth

We monitor supply and availability regularly to ensure alternatives are available if there is a shortage. We will continue to keep that under review, to ensure women have the services and medication they need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or action plan not provided for addressing HRT implant shortages

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