On Saturday, March 1, menopausal medications Estrogel Pro, Estrogel, and Prometrium were made available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Before the medications were listed under the PBS, more than 100,000 women were paying around $650 a year.
Now, pension and concession cardholders will pay $7.70 a month, or for general patients, up to $31.60 a month.
Menopause occurs naturally when women's menstruation cycles stop and their reproductive hormones lessen.
Research shows that more than two-thirds of Australian women aged 45-64 who have reached menopause have struggled with menopausal symptoms.
One in four women also experience severe or prolonged menopausal symptoms that affect their quality of life and may require treatment.
The menopause medications help replace the lost hormones and reduce symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Health agencies are also placing a greater focus on perimenopause education, which can affect women aged 45 to 55.
Building on the success of its first two courses on the subject, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network will offer course three of the free Perimenopause Online Education Program.
This three session program is designed to support your journey through perimenopause, with expert guidance on healthy eating, physical activity and exercise, and general wellbeing.
Registration is open now and closes on April 28.
Sessions will be held on Monday evenings in May.
Go to https://physiofamily.au1.cliniko.com/bookings to register, and for more information email melissa@physiofamily.net.au.
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