Menopause

Common health concerns for women can include many different areas, such as: 

• Periods, including irregular, heavy or painful periods, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 

• Womb and ovary health, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis 

• Contraception and preventing pregnancy 

• Pregnancy, trying for a baby, keeping well in pregnancy, and giving birth. 

• Menopause and perimenopause 

• Vagina and vulva health, including bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness and thrush 

• Reduced sex drive (libido) and painful sex  

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) including cystitis 

• Weight management and obesity 

• Heart disease 

• Mental health, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders 

• Type 2 diabetes 

• Osteoporosis 

• Thyroid disorders 

• Sleep disorders 

Find out more about the common health concerns for women here.

The frequency of health checks will depend on a woman’s age, family history, and risk factors for common health concerns.  
 
If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check every 5 years.  
 
Other health checks may include:  

• Age 25 to 49: every 3 years for cervical screening. 

• Age 50 to 64: every 3 years for breast screening and every 5 years for cervical screening. 

• Age 65 or older: every 3 years for breast screening until the age of 71, and cervical, heart disease, diabetes, and bone health screening as needed. 

Find out more about the health checks every woman should know about here.

The best supplements for women to take will vary depending on age, lifestyle, health conditions and life stages such as menopause or pregnancy. A multivitamin designed specifically for women is a good place to start, but there are many others.

Menopause symptoms can have a big impact on your overall health and daily life. Apart from your periods stopping, you may experience mental health symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem. Learn more here.