Where are my HRT patches?
Photo: Woman & Home
The shortage of HRT patches reported in the news this week is a cause of concern for many menopausal women. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the British Menopause Society (BMS) have said that there are ‘ongoing supply issues’ due to manufacturing delays and shortages but it’s unclear exactly what is causing the problem.
It’s complicated.
In 2018, a European pharmacists body suggested that both the Falsified Medicines Directive (changes in legislation introduced earlier this year to improve patient safety) and Brexit could contribute to an increase in medicines shortages. The DHSC has warned of ‘significant disruption’ following a no-deal. Whatever side of the debate you’re on – any disruption to the supply of essential medicines is a worrying prospect. While the lack of availability of HRT patches is not life-threatening, it is crucial to the quality of life and wellbeing of a good deal of women. Earlier this week the BMS published guidance on the matter together with a handy update on product availability.
As a menopausal woman I really don’t need anything else to make me feel hot under the collar, but over the last six months I’ve been experiencing problems obtaining my Evorel Conti HRT patches (impacted by an increase in demand according to the British Menopause Society). My local pharmacist has recommended making an appointment to see my doctor to discuss alternatives. In the past, this in itself has added to my frustration – but now I know which doctor has the Menopause Knowledge (and to be honest is generally more helpful and understanding), I’m hoping that my appointment will not be followed by a day chasing around local pharmacies trying to get my hands on HRT. Several friends are experiencing supply issues, too, ‘A few of us who use the same patches are having problems acquiring them,’ said one friend, ‘Someone suggested that we should sub each other; create a swap shop of available patches. It’s a good idea. But my best advice is to get your repeat prescription in really early.’
Another friend believes there would be a national outcry if the medicine shortages related to men’s health, ‘Let’s face it, no one thinks it’s an important issue. If there was a Viagra shortage, there would be mass panic!’ And this is why we need to continue the conversation around menopause, keep on raising awareness, break the taboo. As well as supporting each other by sharing advice and information. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says that approximately one million women in the UK use HRT to treat menopausal symptoms. That’s quite a number of angry women, the prime minister might not want to mess with…
There’s a feature on the BBC website with interesting case studies, including a couple of transgender women and a 38-year-old with a chromosomal condition, all reliant on HRT. The BMS recommends the Menopause Matters website, and has published these contact details for further enquiries:
Please contact the British Menopause Society by telephone, 01628 890 199, email [email protected].
Discussion (29 Comments)
Tina says:
Alyson, thank you! I love the diversity and range of topics you write about – every single post feels relevant and enriching to me – thank you today for being so matter-of-fact about the menopause and the challenges we all face.
Christian P. says:
You have my complete sympathy, Alyson. Given the power of the pharmaceutical industry, it’s hard to imagine there’s a supply problem. It sounds more like distribution. Have you looked into black cohosh supplements? It’s an herb that helps many with the menopausal hot flushes. Evening primrose oil is another supplement that is said to ease discomfort. Perhaps you could interview a naturopathic specialist for suggestions.
Please pardon the daft comments regarding supply and distribution above. A more careful re-reading if your post and an article in today’s Wall Street Journal thoroughly revealed my ignorance. Best wishes for s speedy resolution.
Wenche says:
Sorry,but personally I’ve tried everything.Only HRT helps,(and that’s the only thing who scientifically is proved helps)so far 7 hot years for me…Last year Norway had the same problem with shortages and delivery problems at pharmacies..Lasted for months and I felt desperate.Driving to pharmacies and stocking up hrtAnd it’s not only hrt,next was shortages of another medicine..So I wouldn’t blame Brexit for the shortage,Norway isn’t in EU (!)
maudie says:
Whilst I completely agree that it is an outrage that there should be a supply shortage of HRT and that thousands of women rely on it to get through the most difficult and unseen periods of their lives I am more concerned about the anticipated general shortage of essential medications. I was unable to take HRT due to two heart attacks at 54. (Plummeting oestrogen immediately kicked in heart problems!). Consequently, like millions of others, I rely on a raft of medications to keep my heart and multiple stents going. My husband requires a constant supply of thyroxine to keep his thyroid functioning. There is a growing and very real concern that, as well as HRT, soon shortages of other essential medical supplies could potentially be able to ‘cull’ vast swathes of the population. I, for one, at 61 do not feel ready to pop my clogs just yet. The NHS is unable to care for the patients that it has at the moment and so a dramatic increase in inpatients would spell disaster (as in death) for thousands.
Oh Maudie, I hear you. This uncertainty and impending chaos is a huge concern for everyone, particularly for people like yourself and your husband, people with life-threatening conditions who rely on essential medicines – some of which have a shelf-life and can’t be stockpiled.
Catriona says:
I fully sympathise with anyone fearing that their crucial, life dependent medication might not be available and I’m embarrassed to say, that if I’d read this article last year I’d of just thought that women needed just to get on with life in the absence of HRT. I was muddling through the menopause, 54 yrs, reasonably symptom free but increasingly exhausted. Then a new job in the New Year forced a tube commute. Oh my gosh, it’s not to dramatic to say that this proved impossible. My GP prescribed HRT in January, but she discounted the first four products she’d recommended because they’d all been added to a list of ‘unable to prescribe because of possible shortages due to an impending Brexit.’ So I was prescribed number 5 on the list. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Everol Conti has meant that I can teach again full time, travel on a busy tube, exercise every night and do things at the weekend. These patches aren’t just an add-on, they actually enable me to work and live healthily. Here’s hoping the situation is resolved swiftly for all of us who rely on them.
Hi Catriona. I agree and it is fair to say that at 54 – months’ before my heart attacks I was feeling hopeless at work. I truly believe that it was the menopause and nothing else at that stage. I was working as a special needs teacher and my memory was shot to pieces, I was bone achingly tired and felt that I could not cope with anything. The kids at school drained me, I had no energy left for my own three (adult) children, my house was a tip and I cried a lot! Emptying the dishwasher was a task that put me into a panic! So, yes you are still supporting the economy, working hard and fulfilling your role in society. I, on the other hand, no longer work (I am 61) due to heart problems and fibromyalgia (diagnosed a couple of years’ ago) and so feel a total drain on the flagging economy, mentally unfulfilled and 80 years’ old. You fight for those patches!
Sorry, meant to add, lovely patch photo under the title, but possibly misleading as I understand that HRT patches should be applied below the waist.
Oh I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right. (And obviously I am not putting mine on my upper arm!) I just used a photo from a Guardian feature on menopause, will update this. Thanks.
Cate says:
I had an appointment with my GP on Monday and this was one of the things we discussed. She said that different pharmacies have different suppliers so if you always use Boots try Lloyds or Tesco or Asda as they may well stock what you want. And also the previous comment about generic types of drugs rather than named brands will make it easier to find what you want. She also said if the chemist of your choice doesn’t have your specific brand, get them to call the surgery and tell them what they do have and then that can be prescribed
Georgina says:
Hi All
I understand the shortage of Elleste, oral HRT, is due to a manufacturing problem as the boxes are been changed, and the company underestimated the number needed. Ie not a Brexit problem. I wouldn’t have survived a new job without it .Mairi says:
I was told it was likely because a higher price price could be charged for Elleste elsewhere. My doctor switched me to another brand with identical ingredients in identical proportions, and the added bonus is that it comes in a neat wee wheel rather than a blister pack.
Mrs Tonia says:
I feel for all of you writing in about the shortages, current and anticipated, of necessary prescription medications. This is a very worrying aspect which had not been properly considered of the Brexit impasse.
The country grows more third world like by the day … Surely this isn’t what people voted for in 2016 ?!
Good luck to you all in procuring the medicines you depend on.Sara says:
I am not on HRT, following comments from two friends who both said that the symptoms simply get delayed by taking it. I decided that I would just grit my teeth and get on with it as it seemed unlikely that I’d be unable to take it forever. I cannot do other than sympathise with those experiencing the shortages but it also makes me more concerned about the possible/likely post Brexit scenario regarding medication of all types, especially as my husband needs a raft of heart meds to keep him in good health. What utter madness are we in for? I had better say no more on that one.
On the HRT front, I was perhaps fortunate, as my main symptom was the good old hot flush, which seems a carefully worded understatement/euphemism for what I experienced and am still doing, 17 years after starting the menopause! One of same friends told me the “good news”, that these do not actually go away….. and she was right. My husband is on hormone therapy for prostate cancer, so we now each have our own hot flushes to compare! At least we can truly empathise with one another.Karen Scott says:
I don’t understand the comment that if men experienced a drug shortage, there would be a huge outcry. Is that because menopausal women don’t make a strong statement about a shortage in their much-needed prescription? I’m left with the impression that it’s the 70’s, and women still haven’t learned to “raise a stink” about anything, like men do.
JoannieO says:
“My local pharmacist has recommended making an appointment to see my doctor to discuss alternatives. “Best advice yet, from an educated medical professional, and very post-menopausal woman.
Julia Begbie says:
Here in Spain you don’t need a prescription, you can buy over the counter. However based on my experience the shortage is Europe-wide, my pills are out of stock in Andalusia and I have yet to try at home in Sussex.
Julie Amer says:
My mum lives in Spain and has been trying to get Evorel Conti for me. They won’t sell it without a prescription!
Flora says:
I’m 73 when I was menopausal, at around 50, HRT was frowned on. I had no symptoms apart from erratic periods. I know many women suffer terribly but it is not always the case.
Linda Nowosielska says:
Could we not try to change society to treat menopausal women better? Some years ago I met , at a Diplomatic dinner , an American woman who was 34 and having an early menopause. She removed her jacket when she had a very obvious hot , wet flush. I asked her if she had considered HRT , and she replied that many doctors had suggested it but she felt strongly that it was a natural process and society needed be aware and act more supportively. She thought her youth made people less likely to dismiss her as “an old bag” , and engage in discussion . I admired her but when I started the menopause I gave in to the third doctor who recommended HRT. I was having an unpleasant time , including events such as a sudden huge gush of blood onto the carpet of the staircase in a hotel. I took HRT and entered madness , nasty mood swings , nasty behaviour. So I stopped. I have had a couple of very painful medical conditions which took years to diagnose , with the menopause I knew what caused it , and that I could gain strength from coping. I admire an older lady who ,was asked ,during a medical review , when she had the menopause ,replied she could not remember , and was made to feel uncomfortable.. After she wondered if she should have said she had spent some of her childhood in a concentration camp , which had informed her view of what was important to remember in life .
Jackie says:
Can any one please help I am 65 why is it that up to the age of 59 some Doctors will prescribe hrt.
What in the world happens when you get to 60 I still lack estrogen and progesterone so still suffer with all the symptoms of the lacking hormones irritable tired depressed no energy etc so why is there absolutely no hormone help at all when you reach 60 .
Does it mean we now have to pay lots of money for private help…….?
Would appreciate comments thanks JackieAnnika Olsson says:
Seems a Europwide problem… my doctor prescribed three different kinds hoping that one of them would be in supply, same problem with migraine spray. We blame it on the, to us new system,.
Ali says:
I’m assuming that HRT and other ‘everyday’ drugs (insulin, epilepsy, etc?) are manufactured abroad and so there are now shortages. If this is so then why doesn’t the NHS/government build factories to make these drugs ourselves? Just think; it could create employment; satisfy patient demand, and create a surplus to sell on at a profit to create an income stream for the NHS. This is what I’d do if I was in charge!!!
Lisa m Llewellyn says:
My friend has asked to use one of my hrt patches but they are not the same as the ones she has been prescribed. Is it safe to let her have one until she gets her prescription?
Hi Lisa, Obviously I’m not a doctor (!) and it’s best to seek medical advice on this, to find out what the safest option for your friend is.
Martine Large Leave a Reply
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Alyson, my pharmacist gave me this bit of advice earlier this year after supplies of my HRT tablet were in short supply.
He said to ask your GP to prescribe the generic named drug, then they can dispense any brand which fulfils the dosage and drugs detailed, rather than wait for the ‘named’ brand.
Hope this helps.