Cllr Ward seeks free HRT for women

“ACCESS to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) should be free for all women experiencing menopause.” So said local councillor Ben Ward as he called on the government to make the therapies freely available in Budget 2025.

HRT replaces naturally-occurring female hormones that are at a low level in the body during perimenopause and menopause. It can help to relieve symptoms, including hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings and joint pain. Taking HRT can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Cllr Ward said it was an issue he encountered at the doors during his local election campaign and one that with “momentum and public pressure can achieve a positive result for the women of Ireland”.

“Currently, HRT is free for medical card users, but not for all women. The cost of this prescription can range from €30 to €70 a month, which is a huge cost that only affects women. This is an inequality within our system.”