Access to HRT for those experiencing menopause might be getting easier as the first meeting of the UK Menopause Taskforce takes place.
Ministers and senior clinicians from across the UK's four nations have gathered to improve menopause support.
As the first order of business a consultation has been launched into the reclassification of low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product Gina.
Through this reclassification Gina would become available as an over-the-counter medicine allowing easier access to menopause treatment.
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Millions go through menopause every year with symptoms ranging from mild to severe cases of low mood, anxiety, hot flushes, and difficulty sleeping.
This will be the first time HRT has been considered for sale over the counter and without a prescription.
The task force hopes to continue to tackle issues surrounding menopause, as well as access to treatment, such as ending the taboos and stigmas that still surround conversations about menopause, including in the workplace.
Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan said: "I’m pleased to be working across the four nations on an issue which affects so many people.
"Women's individual experience of menopause may differ but we must ensure the same high standards of care are available to everyone. HRT has been available for free in Wales since 2007.
"We are determined to improve women’s health services and have set up the Women’s Health Implementation Group to work with women and healthcare professionals to do just this."
UK Government minister for women’s health and co-chair of the UK Menopause Taskforce Maria Caulfield said: "For too long women have gone unsupported and unheard when it comes to specific women’s health issues. This is especially true when it comes to the understanding of and treatment for the menopause.
"This must change. The UK Menopause Taskforce is another stride forward in delivering real change for women across the UK, breaking down taboos and ensuring better access to treatment and support.
"I look forward to working closely with my colleagues across all four nations as we drive forward the women’s health agenda to tackle the gender health gap ahead of the publication of our Women’s Health Strategy later this year."
Their list of objectives to ensure UK coordination are as follows:
- ensure clinical evidence underpins all aspects of menopause work;
- look across all the recommendations made to government on the menopause, accelerating the delivery of menopause-related programmes of work across the UK;
- identify areas of mutual interest and collaboration, share best practice, and take forward actions where it is appropriate to take a joint approach across nations;
- increase understanding of and encourage open conversations about the menopause among the general public within healthcare settings and in workplaces, and;
- work closely with external stakeholders and raise awareness of the menopause in the workplace by encouraging open conversations.
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