A menopause expert has warned that free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and mid-life health checks for all women between 45 and 64 could save millions in healthcare.
The chief executive of The Menopause Hub, Loretta Dignam, has argued that earlier diagnoses of cardiovascular and bone-health issues caused by menopause would lower the number of visits to GPs and hospitals by women.
In recent years, the Government has introduced aspects of free healthcare to women, namely by extending the free contraception scheme to all women between the ages of 17 and 35.
Ms Dignam stated that she welcomed the recent extension, but argued that the Government should also provide free prescriptions for those suffering from perimenopause and menopause. In particular, she insisted that the Government should include free mid-life medical and Dexa bone density scans in this year’s Budget.
According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), at least €4.1m would be needed to make HRT free for women who already undergo it through the state schemes.
Ms Dignam noted that she believes older women in perimenopause and menopause tend to spend more of their income than men on contraception aids, such as the IUD. They can also end up spending up to €70 a month on HRT, if they do not have access to a medical card.
“Offering free HRT and mid-life health checks to women as part of the budget breaks 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,” Ms Dignam explained.
“Menopause, and the decline in hormone oestrogen primarily, contributes to cardiovascular and bone health issues, which are costly for the State. The free contraception scheme is fantastic and takes the cost worry away for so many women, but women on the other side of the spectrum, those who no longer need contraception, need to be supported too,” she added.
