Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has identified links between menopause and a heightened risk of suicide; and what support his Department provides to safeguard the mental health of women reaching menopause.

Menopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s mental health, and low mood and anxiety are recognised symptoms that some women may experience during the perimenopause and menopause.

The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that women experiencing menopause can access appropriate healthcare and mental health support. Any woman concerned about her mental health should seek advice from her general practitioner or another healthcare professional. Women can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies services, which provide support for common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Renewed Women’s Health Strategy identifies menopause as a core women’s health priority and recognises its impact on women’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life. The strategy will improve access to menopause care through neighbourhood women’s health services, women’s health hubs, and specialist regional centres, while improving information and awareness so women can access evidence-based support and treatment.

As announced in October, local authorities will be asked to include menopause in the NHS Health Check from 2026, supporting eligible women to access high-quality information about menopause symptoms, their management, and where to seek support.