All you need to know about the free HRT scheme for women as 87% of pharmacies sign up
The HSE reveals the risks, the process and debunk a little known fact about the new medicine...
Free Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been rolled out across 87% of pharmacy's so far in Ireland from June 1 2025.
According to the HSE website, 1657 pharmacy's are registered in Ireland to avail of the free HRT scheme.
HRT is a medicine-based treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause and perimenopause and comes in the form of tablets, skin patches, gels, sprays, vaginal creams or pessaries.
You need a Drugs Payment Scheme card if you do not already have one to get the free scheme.
HRT balances and replaces the hormones that your body no longer produces in the same way because of perimenopause and menopause, according to the HSE.
It helps relieve most menopausal symptoms, such as:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness
Reduced sex drive
Many of these symptoms pass in a few years, but they can be unpleasant.
Taking HRT can relieve symptoms for many women.
HRT can also help reduce the risk of:
Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) - this is more common after menopause and certain types of heart diseases - if you start it before you are 60 years of age
Some types of HRT can slightly increase your risk of certain serious problems, such as blood clots and breast cancer. But the benefits outweigh the risks for most women, the HSE said.
How the process works:
You'll usually start on a low dose and it may take a few weeks to feel that the treatment is working. You might also have some side effects.
Your GP will normally advise you to stay on the treatment for at least 3 months.
After 3 months, if you feel that the treatment is not working, your GP may change your dose or the type of HRT you're taking.
Your GP may recommend alternatives to HRT if you:
Have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer
Have had blood clots
Have untreated high blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT
Have liver disease
Are pregnant
Learn about the risks of HRT before starting treatment.
The HSE has confirmed that yes, it is still possible to get pregnant while on HRT.
If you do not want to get pregnant, you should use contraception until 2 years after your last period if you're under 50 or for 1 year after the age of 50.
If you do get pregnant while on HRT, contact your local GP.
To find out if your local pharmacy has HRT available, you can search the name of it through the link here.