EmpowerHER: A Pharmacist Led Service for Women’s Health Concerns for Menstrual Disorders, Pregnancy, and Menopause in Australia

Abstract

EmpowerHER is a proposed pharmacist-led service designed to address critical gaps in women's healthcare within Australian community pharmacies. While pharmacists have expanded their scope to include services such as vaccinations and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, chronic hormonal and reproductive conditions (such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and menopause) remain underserved. EmpowerHER aims to provide structured, evidence-based consultations focused on menstrual, reproductive, pregnancy, and menopause-related concerns. The service includes private 30-minute sessions, telehealth options, and follow-up care, with pharmacists trained in women’s health and equipped to offer education, screening, and referrals. By leveraging pharmacists’ accessibility and integrating preventive care into pharmacy practice, EmpowerHER promotes timely, affordable, and patient-centred support. The initiative aligns with national health priorities and professional standards, offering a scalable model that enhances the pharmacist’s clinical role and contributes to health equity. EmpowerHER represents a paradigm shift in pharmacy practice, positioning pharmacists as frontline providers of holistic women’s healthcare.