Menopause can result in many difficult symptoms for women, from insomnia and anxiety to brain fog and migraines. That is why many will be relieved to hear they could soon access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at a reduced price.
The government revealed those who need it will be given a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) from April 1st 2023.
This will mean they can get a year’s worth of HRT for the same cost of two single prescriptions, costing them less than £20. This could save them hundreds of pounds a year, enabling more people to access the medication they need.
Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said this will help around 400,000 women across the UK, adding: “This is another step in our drive to improve support for millions of women experiencing the menopause, delivering on our Women’s Health Strategy.”
The PPC, which lasts for 12 months, can be used for a range of different HRT items, including tablets, patches and topical creams. There is no limit on how many prescriptions can be purchased with the PCC until it runs out.
Women can get hold of their PPC from registered pharmacies. They simply have to show a digital or paper copy of their certificate when getting their HRT treatments and tick that they are exempt from paying for their medication on the prescription.
Maria Caufield, Minister for Women, said this is a “huge moment for improving women’s health in this country”.
Currently, 15 per cent of women between the ages of 45 and 64 in England have prescriptions for HRT treatments. This figure is continually increasing, having risen from 11 per cent over the last two years.
Chief executive officer of Wellbeing of Women Janet Lindsay noted: “HRT is a first line treatment for women who may need help with managing menopause symptoms which can be debilitating. Improving access to HRT, by reducing the prescription costs, is absolutely the right thing to do and will help to empower women during this life stage.”
Many women have to endure challenging symptoms of the menopause, which can affect them both physically and mentally. These include changes to mood, low self-esteem and memory difficulties, and heart palpitations, muscle joints, skin alterations, vaginal dryness and pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, and reduced sex drive.
In fact, a recent report conducted by the Fawcett Society together with Channel 4, revealed one in ten menopausal females have quit their jobs due to the severity of their symptoms.
Four thousand women between 45 and 55 were surveyed as part of the Menopause and the Workplace study, which also showed 14 per cent have cut their hours and eight per cent have avoided applying for promotions, People Management reported.
Nearly half (44 per cent) thought their competency at work has been affected by the menopause. Despite this, 41 per cent said their symptoms have been treated as a joke by colleagues.
Before seeking HRT treatment, it is important to find out whether you are menopausal or not by booking a hormone test at our Weybridge pharmacy.