What is HRT?

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing the hormones that decline naturally as women age. Common forms of HRT include tablets, patches, gels, and vaginal treatments.

HRT helps improve:

Who is Eligible for Free HRT in Ireland?

Under the new HSE scheme launched in June 2025, women with a valid prescription from their GP and are either registed for the Drug Payment Scheme or hold a medical card are entitled to selected HRT products for free. The scheme includes commonly prescribed treatments such as:

• Oestrogen-only patches and gels

• Combined HRT tablets and patches

• Vaginal oestrogen creams and rings

Free HRT Scheme Available at Healthwave

As of 1st June 2025, many HRT products are free to patients in Ireland.

Drugs Payment Scheme Regisation

In order to access free HRT, you must be registered for the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) and provide the pharmacy with your DPS number.

This is usually your PPS number with an extra letter at the end.

We can set you up with an emergency DPS number if you haven’t done so yet, you will need to go online to complete the application within 3 months.

Medical Card holders

You will still need to register for a DPS number

What you’ll pay

Once you have a DPS number, any HRT products covered on the Free HRT scheme will be supplied at no cost to you.

If you have a medical card, you won’t be charged to GMS levy for Free HRT products.

Only non-HRT medications will be charged.

HRT Products Covered Under the Free Scheme

The list of products provided by the HSE is not definitive and is subject to change. Inclusion or omission of any product on this list does not constitute confirmation of its status.

Types of HRT Available

HRT Patches

HRT patches are worn on the skin and deliver a continuous dose of oestrogen, with or without progestogen. They are typically applied to the lower abdomen, buttocks, or thigh and replaced once or twice weekly. Patches bypass the digestive system and are included in the free HRT scheme in Ireland for eligible patients.

HRT Tablets

HRT tablets are taken orally, usually once a day. They may contain oestrogen alone or a combination of oestrogen and progestogen, depending on individual treatment needs. Different strengths and combinations are available to suit various stages of the menopause.

HRT Gels

HRT gels are applied to clean, dry skin – typically on the arms or legs. The gel is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and provides a measured dose of oestrogen. Application frequency and dosage may vary based on the product prescribed.

Vaginal HRT

Vaginal HRT includes creams, pessaries, and rings that deliver low doses of oestrogen directly to the vaginal area. These products are used to relieve local symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort. They act locally and are usually prescribed separately from systemic HRT.

HRT Benefits

The benefits of HRT go beyond just managing menopause symptoms. It helps reduce hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, while also improving sleep, mood, and quality of life. Long-term, it can also protect against osteoporosis and support bone strength. With the introduction of free HRT in Ireland, now is a great time to speak to your doctor to decide if it’s right for you.

HRT Side Effects

Like all medicines, HRT can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some of the most common side effects include breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and bloating which are often mild and temporary. 

If you are concerned about any side effects, it’s important to speak to a qualified medical professional.

HRT Delivered to Your Door

Once we receive your prescription, our pharmacists dispense and ship your HRT within 1 – 2 working days. Every order is sent in discreet packaging so only you know what’s inside.

Your prescription

To start using Healthwave for prescriptions we’ll need your prescription sent to us. Prescriptions can now be sent electronically by your hospital, GP or online doctor.

Doctors and pharmacies now use a system called Healthmail to exchange prescriptions digitally.

Our Healthmail address is healthwave.dundrum@healthmail.ie

Creating your order

If you have a prescription with us, the quickest way to place an order is to use our digital assistant. The assistant will collect your details for our pharmacists to review. Our pharmacists will contact you and arrange delivery. You will then receive a payment link where you can securely pay online.

Nationwide Delivery

We deliver to all addresses in The Republic of Ireland, to both home and work/office locations. Once we have your prescription from your GP, your medications will be checked by our pharmacists and dispatched for delivery in 1-2 days. We cannot ship prescription medications outside of Ireland due to regulations.

Discrete Packaging

All of our medication orders are sent in discreet packaging without any Healthwave branding on the outside. We use double walled cardboard boxes to protect your medications as well as specialised cold-chain packaging for fridge items.

Pharmacists at hand

With Healthwave, you have your very own personal pharmacist in your pocket. If you need any help or advice on your medications, our team of pharmacists is available by phone call, text message and email whenever you need.

Help & Support