Health minister thanks Sun readers ahead of major change to women's health payments tomorrow | The Sun

WOMEN'S Health Minister Maria Caulfield thanked Sun readers ahead of tomorrow's historic rollout of single prescription charges for HRT drugs.

In a major win for The Sun's Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign, millions of women will now save £205 a year on HRT.

In place of repeat prescriptions, a "game changing" one-off charge of £18.70 will grant access to a 12-month supply.

Hailing The Sun for campaigning to slash costs, Women's Health Strategy Minister Maria Caulfield said: “I am extremely grateful to the Sun for its work on Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign, and to its readers for their continued support.

“We know every woman is different and may benefit from different treatments for the symptoms of menopause.

"HRT is the main treatment for menopause and price should not be a barrier to accessing it."

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HRT is a treatment which uses oestrogen and progesterone to relieve menopausal symptoms.

The menopause can be a tough time for women, with symptoms generally starting from the mid-40s and lasting years on end.

The experience can range from person to person – while some lucky few will have no problems with the "transition", others will feel symptoms so debilitating that it changes their life.

Those who are struggling may benefit from HRT, which is used to relieve the symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and night sweats.

In fact, many women say that it changed their life.

But, due to misinformation spanning decades, many women may fear using HRT, and doctors can be reluctant to prescribe it.

Ms Caulfield said: “Women have often felt embarrassed and ashamed to talk about their menopause experience, particularly at work, but it is vital to break down these barriers and help other women get the support they need.