Great news! As of 1st April, a new pre-payment certificate for Hormone Replacement Therapy prescriptions has been introduced, which will save women hundreds of pounds a year.
Instead of paying for monthly prescriptions, women can now access up to a year's worth of HRT treatment by paying a one-off fee equivalent to two single prescriptions, currently priced at £18.70.
I am thrilled to hear about this development, as access to HRT has been a longstanding issue for many menopausal women in England.
Back in October 2021, the government pledged to cut the cost of repeat HRT prescriptions by introducing the prepayment certificate. This was unfortunately delayed, with the government saying in January 2023 that it’s “committed to reducing the cost of HRT” and that the certificate was still on its way.
So, the government's decision to introduce the prescription prepayment certificate is a step in the right direction.
I hope it will help reduce the many barriers that have made it difficult for women to access menopause treatment, including the cost of HRT.
However, it is disappointing that the certificate will not cover testosterone, which is recommended by NICE for low libido and is often reported by patients to help with other menopausal symptoms such as brain fog and low mood.
Nevertheless, the new certificate is a welcome change that will help improve access to HRT for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
The certificate will cover a range of HRT prescription items, including patches, tablets, and topical preparations.
It can be used for an unlimited amount of these treatments, and there will be no limit to how many times the certificate can be used during the 12-month validity period.
Here’s the full list of treatments covered by the certificate
It's worth noting that the HRT prescription prepayment certificate will only be available in England.
In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, all prescriptions, including HRT, are free.
If you're interested in applying for the certificate, you can do so in person at a registered pharmacy or through the NHS Business Services Authority.
A digital or paper copy will be made available, and once it's been approved, you can use it immediately on or after 1st April.
I'm excited about this development and hope it will make a real difference in women's lives.
For more information on HRT, including its benefits and how it works, check out the related content on our website.
Are you considering if HRT in the UK is the right choice for you? With numerous treatment options available for the perimenopause and menopause, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Keep reading for our guide on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a treatment that can help to alleviate menopause symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
We are delighted to have partnered with Stella to create The Latte Lounge+, an online menopause clinic which gives you direct access to online doctor’s appointments, prescriptions to your door, a personalised treatment plan, and so much more.
Katie speaks here to Dr Rachel Hines, a Menopause Specialist, GP and the Clinical Director of Menopause Services at Stella, about exactly how it works.
What’s wrong with me? I can’t figure it out. I go to sleep and wake up tired. I’m a mess emotionally. My husband just gave me a framed photo of our dinner menu from our wedding anniversary, and I burst into tears. I then turned around and bit his head off because he was breathing… Continue reading Perimenopausal and taking HRT
BBC broadcaster Kirsty Lang shares her experiences with breast cancer and how she arrived at her decision to resume taking HRT for her menopausal symptoms.
Expert oncologist Dr Bluming explains the benefits and the risks of HRT and the links with heart health, osteoporosis, alzheimers and breast cancer.
An interview on hormones and menopause with The Sunday Times' Postcards from Midlife. I was joined by my father, breast cancer Professor Michael Baum.
We sort fact from fiction in the 2019 Lancet report on risks of HRT with Professor Michael Baum - world expert in breast cancer treatment.
What are the golden rules for contraception and the menopause? What are your choices? Dr Philippa Kaye helps us understand.
Are you considering Hormone Replace Therapy (HRT) for your perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms? Our guide explains the prescription options available to you.
The oestrogen/breast cancer nexus is one such favoured hypothesis. The more a woman is exposed to oestrogen the greater the risk of breast cancer ergo the treatment of cancer requires depriving the woman of the oestrogen that is feeding the cancer. There is now a second rank theory that these concerns are amplified in the… Continue reading Oestrogen and Breast Cancer: Why some well-known facts aren’t facts
What are your options if you can't manage your menopause with HRT? What if HRT is something you decide isn't for you? Dr Louise Newson explains some options.
It’s about time doctors got up to date about the benefits of HRT that in my opinion far outweigh the harms.
Many women have never had HRT explained and feel confused about the different types of HRT and also about the benefits and risks of HRT. Dr Louise Newson explains.
Find a menopause specialist, download our symptom checker, tips on preparing for your GP visit and so much more.
Speak to the team at The Latte Lounge+ powered by Stella
Speak to us about how we can help you support employees affected by menopause symptoms.
The original home of The Latte Lounge - our private group of more than 25,000 women discussing all things midlife.
