Many women feel under-supported by GPs when seeking menopause help, new research finds
Survey of 2,000 shows just 56% felt supported by their GP
More than four in ten women say they felt unsupported by their GP when seeking help for menopause symptoms, according to new research highlighting persistent gaps in care and understanding in the UK.
A new survey of 2,000 UK women by menopause clinic Menopause Care, founded by hormone specialist and menopause expert Dr. Naomi Potter, reveals that only 56% felt supported and understood during their first GP appointment related to perimenopause or menopause.
Among women aged 35 to 44 - the group most likely to be entering perimenopause - the most common advice given by GPs is simply to make lifestyle changes. Worryingly, one in five (22%) say their GP didn’t suggest any treatment at all during the initial appointment, and another 20% say their symptoms weren’t diagnosed correctly on the first visit. This is despite updated NICE guidance stating that HRT should be offered as a first-line treatment for managing menopause symptoms.
Specialist care remains uncommon. Just 7% of women reported seeing a menopause specialist first, though this is improving: 14% of women aged 35 to 44 did, compared to only 3% of women aged 65 and over. On average, women see nearly two healthcare professionals (1.83) before finding treatment they’re satisfied with. For 20% of respondents, this takes two separate providers; for nearly 1 in 10, it takes three or more.
There’s also a clear desire for more empathetic and relatable care. A third (33%) of women say it’s important their GP has lived experience of menopause. More than a quarter (26%) worry their doctor won’t be able to help them, and 39% say they would only feel comfortable discussing symptoms with a female GP.
Lack of awareness delays treatment
The new findings also highlight that many women are delaying treatment entirely—often due to low awareness and uncertainty about where to seek help.
Almost half (46%) of women surveyed said they knew little about menopause or perimenopause until they started experiencing symptoms themselves. In 39% of cases, symptoms began earlier than expected, and 10% said they had never been taught anything about menopause at all. That includes common symptoms, timing, or treatment options.
As a result, many delay reaching out for help. Half of women (50%) have never seen a doctor about menopause-related symptoms, and 45% admit to postponing a GP visit for as long as they could. Meanwhile, knowledge about treatment options remains patchy. Just 54% of women feel confident they understand what Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is and how it works. Among those aged 35 to 44, that figure drops to 45%.
Call for better education and access to specialist care
Dr. Naomi Potter, founder of Menopause Care, says the findings point to a vital need for better education, more open conversations, and improved support from the healthcare system.
“Far too many women are navigating perimenopause and menopause without the knowledge, support or care they deserve. This research highlights just how vital it is that we not only improve education and open up the conversation, but also ensure better access to specialist support and a more compassionate, individualised approach from healthcare professionals.
“Every woman’s experience of menopause is different - and they all deserve to be equipped with the right information and options to confidently manage this stage of life.”
Menopause Care says women need clearer care pathways and access to evidence-based treatment options, alongside reliable information and greater understanding from healthcare providers.