Recommended Health Checks After Menopause: A Practical Checklist
Which health checks matter after menopause? Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density and cancer screening, with UK and US schedules and a checklist.
After menopause, the most important health checks are blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and bone health. Keep up with breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening as your country’s program recommends. Eyesight, hearing, dental care and vaccinations matter too. Exact ages and intervals vary between countries, so use your local program as the final guide.
Why do health checks matter more after menopause?
After menopause, the risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and some cancers rise. Many of these conditions cause no symptoms until they’re advanced. Regular checks catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat.
The World Health Organization describes menopause as an opportunity to reassess your health, lifestyle and goals. For an overview, see what postmenopause is.
Heart and metabolic checks
| Check | Why it matters | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and dementia | At least yearly, or as advised |
| Cholesterol | LDL cholesterol rises around menopause | As part of a heart risk assessment |
| Blood sugar (HbA1c) | Diabetes risk rises with abdominal fat and age | As part of a heart risk assessment, or sooner if you’re at risk |
| Weight and waist | Abdominal fat is linked with heart and metabolic risk | At routine checks |
| Overall cardiovascular risk | Combines several factors into one estimate | In England, the NHS Health Check is offered every five years from 40 to 74 |
The American Heart Association recommends that women in midlife are counseled on managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, physical activity and smoking. See heart health after menopause and weight and metabolism.
Bone health checks
- United States: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends bone density screening with a DXA scan for all women aged 65 and over. For postmenopausal women under 65, it recommends assessing risk factors first, then screening those at increased risk.
- UK, Australia and elsewhere: Clinicians usually assess fracture risk with a tool such as FRAX, then arrange a DXA scan if needed.
- Early menopause: If you reached menopause before 40, the 2024 international guideline recommends a bone density scan at diagnosis. See early menopause.
Risk factors include low body weight, a parent who broke a hip, smoking, heavy drinking, early menopause, long-term steroid use and previous fractures. See bone health after menopause.
Cancer screening
Schedules differ by country. These examples show how two national programs compare. Always follow your own country’s invitations and advice.
| Screening | UK (NHS England) | United States (USPSTF) |
|---|---|---|
| Breast (mammogram) | Every 3 years from 50 to 71; you can self-refer after 71 | Every 2 years from 40 to 74 |
| Bowel (colorectal) | Home test kit every 2 years from 50 to 74 | From 45 to 75, using stool tests or colonoscopy |
| Cervical | Every 5 years from 25 to 64 | Up to age 65 |
| Lung | Offered in some areas to people aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked | Annual scan from 50 to 80 for those with a significant smoking history |
Cervical screening after 65: In both systems, routine screening usually stops at around 65 if previous tests were normal. In England, if you’re 65 or older and haven’t been screened since 50, you can ask for a test.
If your country doesn’t have a program: ask your clinician which screening is available and recommended for your age and risk.
Screening isn’t for symptoms. If you notice a breast change, bleeding after menopause, a change in bowel habit, or blood in your stool, see a clinician promptly.
Vaginal, bladder and pelvic health
These aren’t formal screening tests, but they’re worth raising at routine appointments:
- Vaginal dryness, pain during sex, or urinary symptoms, which are very treatable
- Bladder leakage, where pelvic floor training is the first-line treatment
- Recurrent urinary infections, which vaginal estrogen can help prevent
See vaginal and urinary health after menopause.
Eyes, ears, teeth and skin
- Eyesight. Regular eye tests detect problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. The 2024 Lancet Commission lists untreated vision loss in later life as a risk factor for dementia.
- Hearing. Hearing loss is also a dementia risk factor in the Lancet Commission, and hearing aids are worth using if needed.
- Teeth and gums. Keep up with dental checks, and mention any gum changes you notice.
- Skin. Check for new or changing moles, and protect your skin from the sun.
Mental health
Low mood, anxiety and poor sleep are worth raising at any appointment. Depression during and after the menopause transition is also linked with higher cardiovascular risk, according to the American Heart Association.
Vaccinations
Vaccine recommendations for adults in their 50s and 60s, such as for flu, shingles, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19, vary by country and change over time. Ask your clinician or pharmacist which are recommended for you.
Extra checks if you had early or surgical menopause
If you reached menopause before 40, the 2024 international guideline on premature ovarian insufficiency recommends:
- A bone density scan at diagnosis
- Blood pressure, weight and smoking status checked at least yearly
- Cholesterol and diabetes screening at diagnosis, then as advised
- Thyroid function checked about every five years, or if symptoms develop
Many of these are also sensible if you had menopause between 40 and 45, or after removal of both ovaries. See early menopause.
Getting the most from a health check
- Bring your results history, if you have it, so trends are visible.
- Mention your age at menopause, any pregnancy complications and family history of heart disease, osteoporosis or cancer.
- List your medicines and supplements.
- Raise symptoms you might not think of as medical, such as vaginal dryness, bladder leakage, low mood or poor sleep.
Your after-menopause checklist
- [ ] Blood pressure checked in the last year
- [ ] Cholesterol and blood sugar checked, or heart risk assessed, as advised
- [ ] Fracture risk assessed, and bone density scan if recommended
- [ ] Breast screening up to date
- [ ] Bowel screening up to date
- [ ] Cervical screening up to date, if still in the recommended age range
- [ ] Eye test in the last two years, or as advised
- [ ] Hearing checked if you’ve noticed changes
- [ ] Dental check up to date
- [ ] Vaccinations reviewed
- [ ] Vaginal, bladder and sexual health symptoms discussed
- [ ] Mood and sleep discussed
- [ ] Any hormone therapy or other treatment reviewed
Our private Symptom Explorer can help you prepare a summary for your appointment. See your first menopause appointment for questions to ask.
Don’t wait for a routine check if you have:
- Any vaginal bleeding 12 months or more after your last period
- A new breast lump, nipple change or skin change on the breast
- Blood in your stool, a lasting change in bowel habit, or unexplained weight loss
- Blood in your urine
- Chest pain, sudden breathlessness or signs of a stroke, which need emergency care
Frequently asked questions
What tests should a woman have after menopause?
Key checks include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, bone health assessment, and breast, bowel and cervical screening according to your country’s program. Eye, hearing and dental checks are also worthwhile.
At what age should I have a bone density scan?
US guidance recommends screening all women from 65, and younger postmenopausal women who are at increased risk. Other countries use fracture risk tools to decide. Ask your clinician.
Do I still need cervical screening after menopause?
Usually yes, until around 65, if you’re within your country’s screening age range. After that, screening often stops if previous tests were normal.
Should I have a mammogram every year after menopause?
Schedules vary. The NHS invites women every three years from 50 to 71, while the USPSTF recommends every two years from 40 to 74. Follow your local program and discuss your personal risk.
References
- World Health Organization: Menopause fact sheet
- El Khoudary SR et al. Menopause transition and cardiovascular disease risk: AHA scientific statement, 2020
- Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: Clinical impact of the 2020 AHA statement
- American Heart Association: The connection between menopause and cardiovascular disease risks
- USPSTF: Screening for osteoporosis to prevent fractures, 2025
- USPSTF: Breast cancer screening, 2024
- CDC: Colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45 to 75 (USPSTF 2021 ages)
- Use of cancer screening tests, United States, 2023 (USPSTF age ranges)
- NHS: NHS screening
- NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB: Cancer screening (2025 cervical screening change)
- NHS Norfolk and Waveney Knowledge NoW: Early detection and prevention (screening after 65 and 71)
- iatroX: US cancer screening overview (USPSTF lung, cervical and colorectal ranges)
- Curate Health: UK health screening by age (NHS Health Check 40–74)
- 2024 RACGP and Healthy Bones Australia osteoporosis guideline
- ESHRE/ASRM/IMS: Evidence-based guideline on premature ovarian insufficiency, 2024
- The Lancet: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 Commission
- Alzheimer Europe: 2024 Lancet Commission: 14 modifiable risk factors
Editorial status: evidence-based educational article. Last evidence check: September 10, 2026.
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