Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust

On this page: Unfunded Medications Specialist Appointments & Extra GP Visits Travel Expenses Impact on Income & Career Limitations Other Financial Considerations Planning and Support References

Surgical menopause can bring about sudden and significant changes to a woman’s health. Alongside the physical and emotional challenges, many women face considerable financial pressures. Understanding and preparing for these financial impacts is an important part of navigating this life-changing experience.

Unfunded Medications

One of the most immediate financial concerns after surgical menopause is the cost of medications. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed to ease symptoms and protect against long-term risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. However, not all HRT options are funded.

Some women may not tolerate the funded options and need to pay out of pocket for alternatives like Vagifem, Estring or Intrarosa (local vaginal treatment), or Androfeme, a female testosterone cream. 

These expenses can add up quickly-especially if doses need to be adjusted regularly.

Women who cannot take HRT may need non-hormonal medications, supplements, or complementary therapies, which also may not be publicly funded or covered by insurance. These ongoing costs can place a heavy financial strain.

Specialist Appointments and Extra GP Visits

Managing surgical menopause often involves appointments with various healthcare providers, including:

• Menopause specialists
• Endocrinologists
• Gynaecologists
• Pelvic floor physiotherapists
• Psychotherapists or counsellors

While some services may be accessible through the public system with a referral, waitlists are often long, leading many women to seek private care. Additional GP appointments for symptom monitoring or medication adjustments further increase healthcare costs. These are not always fully covered, requiring women to pay privately in many cases.

Travel Expenses

Access to specialised care may require significant travel, particularly for those living in rural or remote areas. Expenses can include:

• Transport (private vehicle or public transit)
• Accommodation
• Lost income from time off work

These costs can accumulate quickly, particularly for ongoing or frequent visits.

National Travel Assistance (NTA) Scheme

The (NTA) Scheme, administered by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, supports patients who must travel long distances or frequently for specialist medical care. To be eligible, patients must be referred by one government-funded specialist to another. Eligibility depends on specific criteria, such as the distance travelled or the number of visits made. The scheme may cover:

• Private vehicle mileage
• Public transport fares
• Accommodation
• Costs for a support person

Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the appointment. Registration is coordinated via a hospital travel coordinator or specialist, and claims require completed forms and relevant receipts.

Impact on Income & Career Limitations

The physical and emotional effects of surgical menopause – such as fatigue, brain fog, or chronic pain – can reduce a woman’s ability to work. Some women may need to:

• Reduce their work hours
• Take extended leave
• Stop working altogether

This drop in income can coincide with rising medical costs, creating significant financial stress.

Women in physically demanding jobs or high-focus roles may need to change careers. This can involve retraining, lower earnings, or job instability. In some cases, disability support may be necessary – but this can be difficult to access and may not cover all essential costs.

Other Financial Considerations

Additional and unexpected expenses may include:

• Supplements and nutritional products
• Symptom management tools or comfort aids
• Higher health insurance premiums
• Increased dependence on partners or family members for financial support

These indirect costs can add to the overall burden and create a cycle of financial stress.

Planning & Support

Planning for the financial impact of surgical menopause can help ease the burden. Some practical steps include:

• Discussing affordable treatment options with your GP or specialist
• Asking about funding support through public health or charitable services
• Seeking help from a social worker or financial advisor
• Connecting with support groups or online communities for lived experience and advice

Taking a proactive approach can make a meaningful difference.

References

Health New Zealand, National Travel Assistance, [Updated: 20 Aug 2024].

[Updated: 30 Aug 2024].