Contraception and UKMEC
Revise LARC effectiveness, combined-pill contraindications, migraine with aura, smoking over 35, hypertension, BMI, drug interactions and emergency contraception.
MRCGP AKT women's health revision
Women's health questions often test practical GP decisions: whether contraception is safe, whether bleeding needs investigation, when HRT is appropriate, and which breast or pelvic symptoms need suspected-cancer referral.
Quick answer
For AKT women's health, prioritise contraception and UKMEC, emergency contraception, menopause and HRT, abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, breast lumps, PCOS, endometriosis, cervical screening and ovarian or endometrial cancer red flags.
What to revise first
Menopause and HRT
Know clinical diagnosis, vasomotor symptoms, urogenital symptoms, HRT options, progesterone need with a uterus, bleeding on HRT and contraception overlap.
Abnormal bleeding
Separate heavy menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, post-coital bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. The key AKT skill is knowing when to investigate or refer.
Breast symptoms
Revise breast lumps, nipple change, skin change, mastalgia, mastitis, gynaecomastia and when suspected-cancer referral is needed.
PCOS and endometriosis
Cover cycle disturbance, hyperandrogenism, subfertility, metabolic risk, cyclical pelvic pain, dyspareunia and empirical primary-care management.
Ovarian and endometrial cancer signals
Pay attention to persistent bloating, early satiety, pelvic mass, new IBS-type symptoms over 50, postmenopausal bleeding and unexplained weight loss.
Red flags to recognise quickly
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Persistent intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding
- Unexplained breast lump, nipple change or skin tethering
- Persistent abdominal distension, bloating, early satiety or pelvic mass
- New IBS-type symptoms in a woman over 50
- Severe pelvic pain, fever, pregnancy possibility or haemodynamic concern
Why this area catches candidates out
The stem often gives age, bleeding pattern, contraception, pregnancy possibility or breast symptoms for a reason. Before choosing treatment, decide whether the scenario is safe for primary-care management or needs investigation, urgent referral or safety-netting.
AKT women's health FAQ
Is women's health tested in the MRCGP AKT?
Yes. Women's health appears through gynaecology, breast health, maternity and reproductive health. Common AKT areas include contraception, menopause, HRT, abnormal bleeding, breast symptoms, PCOS, endometriosis and cancer recognition.
What women's health topics should I revise for the AKT?
Prioritise contraception and UKMEC, emergency contraception, menopause and HRT, abnormal uterine bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, breast lumps, cervical screening, PCOS, endometriosis and ovarian or endometrial cancer red flags.
How does HRT come up in AKT questions?
HRT questions often test menopause diagnosis, benefits and risks, whether progesterone is needed, bleeding while taking HRT, contraception overlap and when symptoms or bleeding need investigation.
What contraception facts are high yield for the AKT?
Know LARC duration and effectiveness, copper IUD emergency contraception, levonorgestrel and ulipristal windows, combined-pill contraindications and UKMEC risk categories.
Official sources
This is revision guidance, not official RCGP advice. Check current RCGP, NICE CKS and BNF guidance for clinical decisions. Last reviewed June 2026.
October sitting
Oct 26
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days
Keep moving, even on tired days.
Questions, mocks and explanations are free. Your first 2 hours of AKT audio are free. Full 4-month audio access is £79.