Impact of women’s health PBS listings revealed

More than 610,000 Australians have saved $62 million on women’s health medications since they were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) last year, according to Federal Government data.
 
An endometriosis medication, three menopausal hormone therapies, new contraception pills and the contraceptive vaginal ring were among the women’s medicines added to the PBS in March 2025.
 
Now, new data shows that in the first nine months of the subsidies, to 30 November 2025, more than 1.7 million scripts had been filled for the medications.
 
Those with endometriosis had the greatest savings, with more than 6000 accessing PBS-priced treatments, each saving $668 on average for a total of more than $4 million.
 
Additionally, more than 275,200 women obtained oral contraceptives, with a total saving of almost $19.5 million, and 340,000 women got 1.25 million scripts for menopausal hormone therapy, saving almost $19.5 million.
 
From 1 July 2025, GPs also had access to Medicare Benefits Schedule items for menopause and perimenopause health assessments, with more than 61,000 women receiving those items in the first five months.
 
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the Government’s focus remains on ‘giving women more choice, lower costs and better access to services and treatments’.
 
‘All Australian women deserve to have their health issues taken seriously and given the priority they deserve,’ he said. 
 
The PBS listings were part of the Australian Government’s women’s health package announced in the 2025–26 Federal Budget.
 
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contraception contraceptive endometriosis hormone replacement therapy menopausal hormone therapy menopause MHT PBS perimenopause reproductive health women’s health