HRT for Free? Yes Please! Ireland Takes a Monumental Step Forward in Menopause Support
Imagine this: you're standing in a pharmacy on a rainy Tuesday, prescription in hand, bracing for the usual dent in your bank account and the pharmacist says, “That’ll be zero euro today.”
No, you haven’t time-travelled to some utopian future. From 1 June 2025, this is real life for women in Ireland. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) will be completely free at the point of dispensing in participating pharmacies and that includes the dispensing fee, too. All you need is a DPS (Drugs Payment Scheme) card. This is for every woman.
It’s not just policy. It’s progress. And quite frankly, about time.
What’s the Big Deal About HRT?
HRT replaces the hormones that naturally decline during menopause, typically oestrogen, sometimes joined by progesterone and testosterone. It’s often prescribed to potentially relieve symptoms like:
Hot flushes
Sleep disturbances
Mood swings and anxiety
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Joint pain and brain fog
For many women, HRT is life-changing. But until now, it’s come at a cost - literally!
In Ireland, HRT was often tangled up in GP visits, private prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses. It left many women wondering: Do I really want to feel better... if it’s going to cost €40+ a month?
This new government scheme removes that barrier. Whether you’re a CEO, a carer, or somewhere in between, you now have access to medically supported menopause care with zero checkout guilt or added financial worries.
A Sign of the Times: Progress in Women’s Health in Ireland
This didn’t happen overnight. The Irish government has been slowly but steadily climbing the ladder of menopause support:
2022: The first ever National Menopause Awareness Campaign
2022-2023: The launch of the Women’s Health Action Plan
2025: HRT - Free for all women
It’s clear: the tide is turning. Menopause is finally getting the attention and the respect it deserves.
But Let’s Be Honest: HRT Isn’t for Everyone
Yes, this is a huge win. But no, HRT isn’t the magic bullet for every woman.
Some can’t take it for medical reasons. Others simply don’t want to. And that’s OK. Every woman’s menopause journey is different, and so is what support looks like.
It’s essential to speak with a GP or menopause specialist before starting (or stopping) HRT. What works for your sister or your friend might not be right for you and that’s not failure. It’s biology.
No matter what your choice is, beyond HRT there are so many ways you can show up to support your body and make the transition of menopause a little easier on you.
How the Hello Mimi Method Complements HRT
A study by the NIH highlights that lifestyle improvements, including diet, movement, and stress management, can significantly enhance the benefits of HRT during menopause. While HRT offers vital symptom relief, pairing it with simple daily habits can amplify its effectiveness and contribute to long-term well-being.
This is where our unique Hello Mimi Method comes in.
Our method is designed to support your body through every phase of menopause, whether you’re taking HRT or not, by building a foundation of wellness that works in harmony with your hormones. We focus on four key pillars:
Nourishing food to stabilise blood sugar, support digestion, and aid hormone metabolism
Gentle movement to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support detox pathways
Stress regulation to lower cortisol and improve sleep, mood, and metabolic function
Mindset and emotional support to help you feel more like you again - clear, confident, and connected
Think of HRT as the spark and lifestyle as the steady flame that keeps everything burning smoothly. With Hello Mimi, you don’t have to choose between medical and natural support. You get both, working together for your best possible health.
This Is Bigger Than a Prescription
This shift isn’t just about oestrogen patches and progesterone gels. It’s about women being heard. Respected. Seen.
For too long, menopause has been whispered about in corners. Dismissed in GP surgeries. Mocked in sitcoms. Now? It’s on the national agenda, where it belongs. This policy tells every woman in Ireland: Your experience is valid. Your symptoms matter. You deserve to feel good.
And we’re here to walk beside you through it with guidance, practical tools and compassion.
Ready to Reset? Here’s How to Start
Whether you’re using HRT, considering it, or going the natural route, your body is asking for support.
Our 7-Day Menopause Reset is the perfect way to pause, reboot, and feel like yourself again. With nourishing meals, gentle practices, and mindset shifts, it gives you the tools to reset your energy, your habits, and your hormones.
Join the Reset now: 7-day Menopause Reset
Or come chat with us in the Facebook group: Mind, Body & Menopause | Powered by Hello Mimi
Let’s rewrite the menopause story - together.
Disclaimer:
At Hello Mimi, we’re here to support and empower you with education, encouragement, and practical tools but we’re not a substitute for personalised medical advice. The information in this blog is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, or supplements especially if you're managing a condition or taking medication.