Plans to introduce a State-funded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) scheme is a ‘vital step forward’ in supporting women battling menopause symptoms, an expert has said.
Loretta Dignam, CEO of The Menopause Hub, had called at in recent weeks for free HRT and midlife health checks for women to be included as part of October’s budget. It was confirmed recently that plans are being finalised by Government to fund the cost of HRT for women who need it. The prescribed medicine eases the most debilitating symptoms of menopause, including mood swings, night sweats and hot flushes. “This is a vital step forward in supporting the health of tens of thousands of menopausal women in Ireland,” said Ms Dignam.
“Since the foundation of The Menopause Hub, our key messages have centred around awareness, accessibility and affordability. “As someone who has been professionally advocating for free HRT for more than four years, I am thrilled with this announcement. “This also gives the State the opportunity to be thought leaders internationally, as we were with the workplace smoking ban and the plastic bag levy” “We look forward to the launch of this plan and hope to see it implemented in advance of the next budget to begin supporting women for generations to come.”
Latest census figures show the number of women in the menopausal age bracket of 45-64 in Ireland is now 651,846, with 418,989 of these still in employment, The Menopause Hub is Ireland’s first dedicated clinic devoted to treating menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, and has clinics in Mount Merrion, South Dublin, Santry, North Dublin and Ballincollig, Co. Cork. The clinics have treated more than 10,000 women since opening in 2019. Details of the publicly-funded HRT scheme are expected in the coming weeks.
