UK menopause app Stella expands into South Africa through Discovery Health
Signals growing recognition by insurers that menopause support is not a niche wellness issue, but a mainstream health need
A UK menopause support app is entering the South African market for the first time, giving more than 800,000 women potential access through the country’s largest open medical scheme.
Stella, developed by the London-based digital health company Vira Health, will now be available free to eligible members of Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) aged 35 to 70. Until now, the app has only operated in the UK and the US.
The expansion marks Stella’s first move into Africa — and signals growing recognition by insurers that menopause support is not a niche wellness issue, but a mainstream health need.
“We are proud to bring global, evidence-based menopause support to DHMS members on an exclusive basis,” said Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, chief clinical officer at Discovery Health.
“Looking at our member base, 73% of female members – approximately 800,000 women – are aged 35 and over, showing the relevance of our partnership with Stella to bring members access to a leading digital menopause support platform.”
A life stage still under-supported
Perimenopause can begin as early as the mid-30s, as hormone levels gradually decline. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, typically between 45 and 55, followed by post-menopause.
During these stages, women may experience hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, anxiety, joint pain, low mood, bladder issues, reduced libido and cognitive changes often described as “brain fog”. Symptoms vary widely — but for some women they are severe and long-lasting.
Dr Nematswerani described the menopause-linked years as “a cluster of confusing symptoms that may or may not be adequately treated, leading to diminished quality of life and long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and neurological conditions”.
Menopause can affect up to one-third of a woman’s life, she added, yet remains “misunderstood and under-supported within most health systems”.
Research from the UK reflects that gap. A 2023 study of around 1,000 women found respondents experienced an average of more than 10 menopausal symptoms, but fewer than half felt they had the knowledge or tools to manage them. Many reported worrying that menopause was not a valid enough reason to seek medical help.
There are workplace implications too. Analysis published in 2023 in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, based on a survey of 5,000 women in the US aged 45 to 60, estimated that menopause-related symptoms and negative work outcomes were associated with $1.8bn in direct annual losses to the US economy.
“A supportive work environment is key to normalising what women experience as they go through the stages of menopause,” Nematswerani said, noting that unmanaged symptoms can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, job changes or early retirement.
What the app offers
Stella was launched in 2021 and, according to Vira Health, has supported around 15,000 women globally, with 75% reporting an improvement in symptoms.
“We built Stella to give women the support they deserve through the years that define the menopause journey,” said Andrea Berchowitz, co-founder and chief executive of Vira Health.
“Until now the Stella app has only been available in the United Kingdom and United States. We are very proud to partner with Discovery Health to offer Stella to Discovery Health Medical Scheme members in South Africa.”
The app provides symptom tracking, personalised behavioural and lifestyle plans, one-on-one coaching, educational resources and access to a community forum. Where clinically appropriate, users can book virtual consultations with GPs trained in menopause care.
Eligible Discovery members receive a year’s premium subscription at no cost. Access is via the Discovery Health app.
By embedding menopause care within standard health benefits, Discovery is positioning the issue as part of routine health management rather than optional wellness support. For Stella, the deal offers scale in a new geography without having to build a consumer base from scratch.
Dr Nematswerani adds,
“Our aim is to normalise conversations about menopause, elevate the standard of care and guidance women receive, and ensure our members feel seen, heard and supported through every life stage. Together with Vira Health and Stella, we are proud to take another step forward in our commitment to advancing women’s health in South Africa.”