Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

hormone replacement therapy

    'Very few pharmacists' will sign up for free HRT scheme 'because €5 dispensing fee is too little'
    The Irish Pharmacy Union has asked for a €6.50 fee to be provided to make the scheme viable for pharmacists.
    One pharmacist said the €5 dispensing fee that the Government has proposed is "the same fee that was introduced 17 years ago".
    Another pharmacist said that if she were to sign up for the scheme, "I would have to let my staff go, and I can't do that".
    She said she does not know a single pharmacist that has signed up to the scheme "because they know they can't".
    Free HRT will be available for all women from 1 June, as govt commits to covering dispensing costs
    podcast image
    What’s happening with the rollout of free HRT?
    19m
    'I’m done with all this fannying about with something that was promised to us over six months ago'
    We asked our readers to tell us how the delayed HRT scheme and supply shortages has affected them. Here’s what they said.
    Some women told The Journal that they have to ration their HRT patches because of the cost per month.
    One woman said the free HRT scheme was one of the reasons she voted for the Government. "I now feel foolish for believing them," she said.
    Supply issues are also impacting women, with one woman travelling abroad to try and source the HRT patch that she is prescribed.
    Have you been affected by the delayed free HRT scheme? We want to hear from you
    'I presume this is free?' Confusion over when women will get long-awaited free HRT from pharmacies
    A scheme that would see the State cover the cost of the drug was due to be rolled out in January, but it has yet to be implemented.
    Pharmacists said there was “zero consultation” with the sector before the measure was announced as part of Budget 2025.
    One pharmacist said the scheme is "a missed opportunity to get equality" in hormonal care for women of all ages.
    Meanwhile, the clinical lead of the Rotunda's menopause clinic said supply shortages in some HRT products are currently "a much bigger issue" than cost.
    Delay in rollout of free HRT scheme criticised as 'slap in the face for thousands of women'
    Free IVF scheme criteria expanded and free HRT to be provided for menopause
    Dr Caoimhe Hartley: 'We hear about menopause but perimenopause can be just as disruptive'
    Dr Caoimhe Hartley
    Call for zero VAT rate to be applied to HRT for women in menopause
    A shortage of menopause drugs in Ireland is causing 'inconvenience and distress' for women
Load More Stories