Better Menopause Support For Women In The UK

The government is to roll out easier access to menopause support to around 400,000 women in the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced in a new press release. A new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will enable women to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for less than £20 per year.

HRT is designed to replace the hormones that women naturally begin to lose during the menopause, which typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55. The menopause can cause unwanted symptoms for several years before it starts, and may carry on afterwards. 

The main symptoms include hot flushes, anxiety, mood swings, and brain fog, according to the NHS. Sometimes, these may be accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, weight gain, dry skin, and a low libido. This can affect a woman’s career, relationships, and overall quality of life. 

Anyone struggling with menopausal symptoms is advised to consult their GP. Certain lifestyle changes may help, such as eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and practising meditation or yoga to help boost relaxation and promote good mental health. 

HRT is regarded as an effective treatment, and has been in widespread use since the 1990s after becoming available on the NHS. It is designed to gradually top up the oestrogen levels in the body, and can be taken in tablet form, or via skin patches, implants, or a gel or spray applied directly to the skin. 

The new PPC will enable women to have a year’s worth of access to HRT for the price of two single prescription charges, which is currently £18.70.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “This new certificate will make HRT more accessible than ever before – helping around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds a year. This is another step in our drive to improve support for millions of women experiencing the menopause, delivering on our Women’s Health Strategy.”

Minister for Women, Maria Caufield, said: “Around three-quarters of women will experience menopause symptoms, with a quarter experiencing severe symptoms – which can seriously impact their quality of life. 

She added: “Reducing the cost of HRT is a huge moment for improving women’s health in this country, and I am proud to be announcing this momentous step forward. In our Women’s Health Strategy, we made menopause a top priority. By making HRT more accessible, we’re delivering on our commitment to women.”

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.”

She added: “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 recommendation for HRT was made by the HRT Taskforce, as the number of women relying on the medication to help them function at their best is increasing. 

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