A new report has revealed significant gaps in menopause care across the UK, with 9.3 million women describing their experience as “negative” or “bad”. Released by Platinum Spas during Menopause Awareness Month and ahead of World Menopause Day on 18th October 2025, the State of Menopause Report surveyed 1,001 women navigating perimenopause or menopause. The findings point to a widespread sense of being dismissed or underserved by current NHS services and a growing appetite for more holistic treatment options.
Women call for more personalised care
According to the survey, 62% of respondents described their menopause journey as negative, reflecting challenges faced by a large portion of the 15 million UK women currently perimenopausal or menopausal, as noted by NHS data. While awareness of menopause has improved, with 77% of women recognising greater public understanding compared to a decade ago, 35% said they felt dismissed by their GP when raising symptoms.
The report also found that 69% of women now acknowledge menopause’s impact on overall health, and 67% believe there is better recognition of its combined physical and mental effects. But the study concludes that increased awareness has not translated into adequate support.
Holistic treatments gain ground
In response to gaps in medical care, 32% of women are turning to complementary therapies such as supplements, exercise, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture to manage symptoms, while 59% said they were aware of these options. A further 72% believe doctors should prescribe holistic or lifestyle-based treatments alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with nearly half of respondents viewing current NHS treatment plans as insufficient.
Sarah Gilbertson, a qualified therapeutic coach for women in midlife and founder of FlourishWell Coaching, highlighted the complexity of menopause. “Awareness is improving, but many women still think they have to just get on with it. We need care that considers the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause. Often this period of life coincides with children leaving home, caring for ageing parents, or other major life changes. So it’s not just about hormones, it’s about navigating multiple transitions at once. When women are given space to understand what’s happening and choose what genuinely helps them, this stage of life can become less about coping and more about moving forward with confidence.”
Linking lifestyle and well-being
The report’s release coincides with this year’s World Menopause Day theme of Lifestyle Medicine, which emphasises the importance of non-medical interventions for improving quality of life. Gilbertson said, “Women need a range of options, both medical and holistic, so they can decide what’s right for them. It’s about choice and flexibility, not a one-size-fits-all plan. The most helpful therapies are the ones women enjoy and feel they can sustain. Yoga, Pilates, and breathwork support the body and mind. Weight training builds strength and protects bone health. Journalling or mindfulness brings clarity. And hydrotherapy, from hot tubs to warm baths, can ease muscle tension and offer much-needed calm.”
A call for NHS reform
Despite progress in awareness, the report suggests that systemic change is still needed to ensure effective menopause support. Women are increasingly calling for NHS reforms that integrate holistic therapies into standard treatment plans, enabling greater choice and continuity of care. With nearly half of respondents questioning the adequacy of current NHS services, the demand for more inclusive and personalised menopause care is growing across the UK.
