The introduction of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Ireland has been hailed as a groundbreaking development for menopausal women
The move will offer relief from symptoms that many have endured in silence over the years.
Advocacy groups and campaigners have said this initiative is a vital step in addressing the healthcare needs of women during menopause.
The hope is that this will significantly improve their quality of life.
This new measure is part of a broader €35 million women’s healthcare package announced in the Budget and is set to be implemented in January 2025.
Under the plan, the State will cover the cost of HRT treatments, like patches and other medications, which could save women as much as €840 per year.
Loretta Dignam, CEO of The Menopause Hub, has said she is in strong support of the initiative, and that it has the potential to be a lifeline for many women.
“Offering free HRT to women will give relief to thousands in Ireland struggling with symptoms like anxiety, hot flushes, and insomnia,” Dignam said.Â
She went on to say that this is not just a healthcare issue, it’s also an economic one, as many women have been forced to pay for expensive monthly products for most of their lives.
Many women have been spending between €30 and €70 per month on treatments, and this new policy will finally ease that financial burden.
“At last, women can improve their daily lives without worrying about the cost,” Dignam added.
Dignam then called for further action on women’s health. She proposed the introduction of free mid-life health checks for women aged 45 to 64, which could diagnose conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis at an early stage.
She said that detecting these health issues sooner would not only benefit women, but could also save the State millions by reducing the need for expensive treatments for advanced conditions.
From January 2025, all women who are using HRT treatments will receive their medication free of charge.
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