Why is there a shortage of HRT in the UK?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) essentially replaces missing oestrogen during the menopause.

Though not all women going through menopause can take HRT, or want to – it was thought that around one million women in the UK were on HRT as of 2019, according to NICE.

But why is there a shortage of HRT right now? And what can those who take it do in the meantime?

Here’s what you need to know.

Why is there a shortage of HRT in the UK?

The main issue appears to be with a product called Oestrogel.

It’s a type of gel containing the hormone oestrogen, which is put straight onto the skin – hopefully easing any uncomfortable or distressing menopausal symptoms.

Oestrogel is only available with a prescription, and is supplied by manufacturer Besins Healthcare UK.

However, demand is currently outstripping supply across the country, which has caused a shortage.

The British Menopause Society (BMS) addressed the issue with Oestrogel in a statement posted April 26 – noting that there was currently ‘extraordinary demand’ for the product.

It read: ‘Besins have reported ongoing insufficient supplies of Oestrogel in the UK caused by the increased demand for HRT in the UK.

‘Besins have indicated they are receiving deliveries of this product on a regular basis, and acknowledge that the current supply is sometimes insufficient to meet the continuing extraordinary demand.

‘Besins have delivered significant volumes of Oestrogel into wholesalers recently, which is approaching double the amount supplied in the same period January to April last year.

‘The company is working to increase and expedite supplies to wholesalers and pharmacies across the country.’

What to do about the shortage of HRT

Anyone unable to get Oestrogel should consider ‘equivalent alternative HRT preparations’, adds the Society.

It suggests options such as ‘Sandrena gel (0.5mg or 1mg) or Lenzetto spray’ – the latter of which is an aerosol product, rather than a gel, but still contains oestrogen.

However, it’s important to speak to your GP or HRT prescriber to work out an appropriate alternative for you, so your treatment isn’t interrupted by the supply issue.

Royal College of GPs chair, Professor Martin Marshall, told The Guardian that the issue with the gel wasn’t occurring with other types of HRT, such as oral tablets.

He said: ‘We are hearing that the supply issue is specific to England, as there has been a big rise in the demand for oestrogen, particularly transdermal, we use.

‘There is not the same problem with the supply of some of the other oral preparations which are appropriate for many women in the UK and give good symptom relief.’

Is it safe to come off HRT?

Though alternative forms of HRT should be available during this current shortage, you might be wondering what happens when you stop HRT altogether.

The NHS recommends ‘gradually decreasing your dose’ of hormone replacement therapies – as this way you’re less likely to get your menopause symptoms back.

It’s not recommended that you suddenly stop taking any HRT you’ve been prescribed, as your menopause symptoms could return.

So if you’re thinking of stopping HRT for good, speak to your GP first.

Wondering about the length of time you’ve been taking HRT? The NHS says there’s no time limit for taking it, and recommends talking to your GP about how long you should be on.

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