Extortionate GP fees for menopause specific appointments are acting as a barrier to women seeking access to the government’s free HRT scheme, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore said:
“In Ireland, 51 per cent of the population will go through menopause during their lives. While some women can get by without treatment, many others rely on HRT products to ease their symptoms.
“The eventual rollout of free HRT was a very welcome initiative. However, to access the scheme, you must first visit a GP, with many practices now introducing menopause specific appointments.
“I have heard of women having to pay up to €225 for a menopause appointment, which is outrageous.
“The argument being put forward by GPs is that menopause consultations can be complex and take longer. However, this is acting as a financial barrier to women wishing to avail of free HRT and is undermining the benefits of the scheme.
“Women don’t only face such injustice and inequality when it comes to healthcare. Higher costs across a range of products aimed at women, including razors, deodorants, sanitary pads and shampoos, effectively amount to a pink tax. This is an area that deserves wider scrutiny from a consumer protection perspective and is something I will be further raising with the government.”
February 25, 2026