The Department of Health and Social Care announced today that ‘around 400,000’ women in England will have access to cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopause support.
The cost cut is said to help women save ‘hundreds of pounds a year’, and allow for better access to HRT for those who suffer ‘negative symptoms’ of the menopause.
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Included in the update, Women’s Health Ambassador, Dame Lesley Regan, said: “The menopause is an inevitable stage in a woman’s life course. As a gynaecologist, I’ve witnessed first-hand the symptoms that women experience, which can have debilitating impacts on their daily lives.
“Making HRT more affordable will have a hugely beneficial impact on the lives of so many women. This prepayment certificate is a major step forward in prioritising the health and wellbeing of women.”
The government stated that the new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will be rolled out from 1 April 2023.
Following the announcement, Kathy Abernethy, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Menopause services at Peppy said: “We welcome the price cuts for HRT: cost should not be a prohibitor of women accessing the treatment they need. However, HRT is just one tool in the armoury for effectively supporting women through menopause.
“We know that while every woman will experience menopause, not all symptoms are the same – so providing a rounded support for women is really important.
“Employers can play a pivotal role in providing access to specialist support through workplace health and wellbeing benefits, offering women a route to getting the vital advice and help they need. This can include access to expert support and guidance on how to manage symptoms day to day, options for treatment and what’s right for them, as well as support for wider health and wellbeing. Support needs to be provided by human menopause specialists, and personalised for the individual’s specific needs.
“Today’s announcement is a good opportunity for employers to recognise the importance of their role in providing this support and start the conversation in their organisation.”
