Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue relating to women's health. I acknowledge all the work the Leader has done in this area and that of the Minister for Health, who has taken action in many areas. I raise the issue of the cost of hormone replacement therapy, HRT. In the past, there were many disproven theories that HRT was not suitable for women and could cause breast cancer. Thankfully, we know from recent research that is not the case. Many have found it a lifesaver. A number of women have contacted me in recent weeks on symptoms they went through during perimenopause and menopause, particularly working women. They spoke of the brain fog, lack of energy and of not having the support of GPs. They educated themselves as to what they could do. One lady went to the Menopause Hub and found it excellent. They have been prescribed different medications. Some are reasonable enough but one lady is on four types of medication and faces a significant cost every month. It is about €150. This lady was happy to be on the medication because, as she said, she is 52 and a number of years ago she was thinking of giving up her full-time job because she could not cope. She feels, and I agree, that we need to support the costs of that medication. I ask that we have a debate with the Minister for Health on supporting the medical costs of the menopause.