![\"Unhappy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4L7U84U_menopause_png.jpeg\")
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\nMore women are demanding better midlife health care.
\nPhoto: 123RF\n<\/p>\n
A gynaecologist and women’s health expert says Pharmac’s rationing of menopause drugs is reasonable from an equity perspective, given the global shortages.<\/p>\n
Progesterone capsules will now be dispensed on a monthly basis, instead of three-monthly.<\/p>\n
Auckland University associate professor Dr Michelle Wise said it’s a fair call from Pharmac.<\/p>\n
“It’s a response that makes sense from the perspective of equity, so it’s not like I can go down to my pharmacy and get a year’s worth, and someone else can’t get it at all.<\/p>\n
“I like the idea that it’s seemingly fair across wherever you are in the country, that you can at least get a month’s supply.”<\/p>\n
Wise said the global shortages are driven by more women requesting menopause hormone therapy and demanding better healthcare in mid-life.<\/p>\n
She said she’d expect the trend to continue and hopes regulators and suppliers around the world can keep up with the demand.<\/p>\n
Wise said there have been shortages of estradiol patches on and off since the pandemic.<\/p>\n
However, she believed New Zealand was facing shortages of progesterone capsules for the first time.<\/p>\n