Superdrug has announced the launch of the UK’s first perimenopause health screen service on the high street. It will support those experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and erratic menstrual flow, which are often not considered to be serious.

The service is an in-clinic blood test conducted by Superdrug nurses, which looks at key hormonal levels.

Caris Newson, head of healthcare services at Superdrug, commented: “Our perimenopause health screen service makes it as convenient as possible for people to get professional advice, consider strategies to manage their symptoms or pursue treatment options which could significantly improve their quality of life.”

The test will also examine reproductive hormones, minerals, cardiovascular health and thyroid profile. Reproductive hormones can affect health by increasing risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis – a heart condition weakening bones making them more likely to break.

In addition, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D levels are also checked by the team of nurses, as these can worsen menopausal-related symptoms.

Perimenopause is the stage approaching menopause during which the hormones begin changing. Approximately 13 million in the UK are either peri- or post-menopausal, with perimenopause symptoms sometimes lasting as long as 15 years.

New data from London Medical Laboratory’s allergy tests indicate 40% of UK children have allergies and up to 80% of children with two allergic parents may develop them at some point.

The study also suggests that one in ten UK children may suffer from potentially severe food allergies. It says that parents must learn to spot early symptoms and keep their schools informed.

There are numerous symptoms that parents should be mindful of, as it may indicate that their child has developed an allergy. These include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, watering eyes, an itching or tingling in the mouth, hives or a red rash.

The leading testing expert, Dr Quinton Fivelman at London Medical Laboratory, commented: “Looking at the results of our allergy tests, one in ten children may have a specific food allergy – notably higher than Allergy UK’s one in twelve figure. Most significantly, our data also shows a potential link between children with allergies and those children’s parents also having an allergy.”

The study is the UK’s most comprehensive allergy test, analysing 295 allergens, including well-known potential food allergens, such as nuts, shellfish and eggs. It also includes common foods less likely to trigger allergies but still known allergens, such as strawberries, mustard, carrots and avocado.