Despite the numerous books and broadcasts on the issue, it must be recognized: at the doctor’s office, until now, menopause was often discussed at the margins, at the end of the consultation, due to lack of time. This should change. Since April 1, women can benefit from an appointment of approximately 45 minutes entirely devoted to this transition period. And yet few know it.
A blind spot in women’s health that finally has its medical time
This new system, taken from the parliamentary report submitted in spring 2025 by rheumatologist Stéphanie Rist (now Minister of Health), is aimed at all women aged 45 to 65. And wishes to fill a lack of information and a delay in care while nearly 17 million women are affected by menopause in France.
This new consultation is part of a broader desire by public authorities to structure a real prevention policy around menopause, which has long remained a secondary subject in the care pathway.
Who is affected by this consultation?
All women between 45 and 65 years old can request this appointment, whether they are already menopausal or simply in the transition phase. This can be carried out by a general practitioner, a gynecologist or a midwife, with full coverage by Social Security. No excess fees are permitted.
Each patient can use it once in this age group.
This broad opening, however, questions certain practitioners. Consulted, Dr Odile Bagot underlines in particular: “At 45-50 years old, we are often still in premenopause. We cannot always fully assess the quality of life linked to menopause at this stage.”
But in itself, the range remains wide so that everyone can request this appointment when they feel the need or have symptoms.
A global health check, well beyond the symptoms
But what does this new consultation cover? Much more than the appearance of hot flashes! Its goal is actually to address all of the impacts of menopause on health. And assess risk factors.
Finally talking about the daily life of a mature woman
The first questions are rather global. As Dr. Bagot explains: “We start with quality of life: sleep, mood, weight variations, pain, daily symptoms.” All topics can be covered without time constraints.
An essential focus on the heart
Cardiovascular risk constitutes another central axis of this consultation. Because with the decline in estrogen, women become more exposed to heart disease.
The doctor then assesses family history, lifestyle, blood pressure and cholesterol.
“What is especially important in this age group is to assess cardiovascular risk”insists the gynecologist.
Prevent osteoporosis
Another key point: bone health. The professional looks for factors of fragility (history, treatments, morphology, etc.) and can, if necessary, refer to a bone density examination.
Update screenings
This appointment is also an opportunity to check that the preventive examinations are up to date:
- Breast cancer screening;
- Cervical cancer screening.
Take stock of treatments
Finally, the question of hormonal treatment for menopause can be addressed in detail, with its benefits and risks.
How to make an appointment?
To benefit from this consultation, the process is simple. Simply:
- Contact your doctor or an authorized healthcare professional;
- Specify that this is a menopause consultation.
No advance payment is required.
A welcome step forward, but perfectible
While this consultation marks obvious progress, certain reservations remain. Dr Bagot points out practical limits in particular:
“It’s a good idea, but it could be better adjusted, particularly with regard to age and the conditions of implementation.”
Spending 45 minutes on a consultation remains difficult in a medical system already under pressure.
But this option could well help many women to finally talk about their experiences. By devoting time and resources to menopause, this measure is a game-changer. It allows us to approach without taboo a stage of life that is still too often minimized.