Norway to subsidize hormone therapy for menopause symptoms

The Norwegian Directorate of Medical Products (DMP) has announced that more women suffering from severe and long-lasting menopause symptoms will be able to receive hormone therapy via the blue prescription scheme. Starting December 1, 2026, the program will cover various forms of treatment, including tablets, gels, sprays, and patches.

The expansion is expected to benefit approximately 50,000 additional women. Eligible treatments will target specific symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy. To qualify, healthcare professionals must assess that the patient's quality of life is significantly reduced due to these symptoms.

Health and Care Minister Jan Christian Vestre expressed support for the decision, noting the effectiveness of hormone therapy for many women. The initiative follows a petition by the Sanitetskvinnene organization, which gathered over 92,000 signatures. The estimated annual cost to the Norwegian state is between 65.4 and 86.4 million NOK.