HRT shortages continue to be a source of distress to women. This is partially a consequence of increased awareness and prescribing of HRT. Despite steps being taken to rectify shortages, things do take time, and it is important to seek medical advice if you are struggling to get your HRT.
Currently, there should be enough stock of body, identical progesterone and oestrogen gel. The current shortages are much more around Estradot (a particular brand of oestradiol patch) in the strength of 37.5µg and 100µg.
This is a particularly frustrating situation for the women on these doses as there isn’t a readily available equivalent of 37.5µg, and many women tolerate this particular brand well.
Given the situation, it’s crucial you don’t stop your HRT, and there are alternatives that can be trialled and often will suffice to bridge the gap of the shortage. There are oestrogen patches, gel, spray and tablets.
There has been a serious shortage protocol, that is being monitored for Estradot 100 µg patches and this is advising Pharmacists on what action to take. It is best to seek advice, so your prescriber can consider using equivalent preparations to what you are currently using so that you can continue to have a provision of your HRT for your well-being and health.
