The introduction of free Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for all women in Budget 2025 has been met with praise and relief
It has been a long time coming for women all over the country but the day has finally arrived.
The roll-out of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been hailed as a huge support for all menopausal Irish women who have struggled in silence with debilitating symptoms for too long.
The Budget measure is part of a €35million women’s healthcare package which will be introduced in January 2025 and see the State fund the cost of treatment such as patches and other medicines. It could save women up to €840 per year.
Speaking to Irish Country Magazine, Laura Dowling aka. Fabulous Pharmacist said: “This is a wonderful and historic day not just for the women in Ireland but all the people in the women’s lives. As we know, menopause does not just affect the woman, it effects everyone that she comes in contact with – her family, her partner, her children, her colleagues, her friends… A momentous and wonderful day and one that we welcome with open arms. It’s also vital to support this positive change by ensuring there are adequate stock levels to treat everyone who needs it at all times. But, a momentous and wonderful day and one that we welcome wholeheartedly.”
It’s also a huge win for women in the workplace who have been affected by crippling symptoms, according to CEO of The Menopause Hub, Loretta Dignam.
Speaking about the announcement, she said: “Offering free HRT to women will give relief to thousands of women in Ireland who are struggling to cope with a wide range of symptoms including anxiety, hot flushes and insomnia as a result of menopause.
“The measure, in Menopause Awareness Month, sends out a message of support to all those women and will hopefully help stop the menopause drain of skilled and valued women who feel they have to leave their jobs because of those symptoms.
“Free HRT will also relieve the economic burden for women, most of whom have been paying for monthly products since they hit puberty. At last they can now improve their daily lives without worrying about how they can afford between €30 and €70 a month.”
Ms Dignam said another progressive leap forward on women’s health could be taken if these supports are a forerunner to free mid-life health checks for women between the age of 45 and 64. These, she said, would diagnose bone and heart problems at an early stage, saving the State millions on treatment for advanced conditions such as osteoporosis.
Click here to read more about Budget 2025.
