![\"Pharmacist](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/SEI_316862860-7067.jpg\")
\n\t\tWomen in the UK are currently facing an HRT shortage (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tWomen in the UK are currently facing an HRT shortage (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Women<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0have\u00a0been\u00a0warned\u00a0that\u00a0shortages of Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT)\u00a0could\u00a0continue\u00a0for\u00a0weeks.<\/p>\n Around two million women in England<\/a> aged 40 and above regularly rely on HRT to manage symptoms triggered by menopause<\/a>, according to the NHS<\/a>.<\/p>\n It works to replace or top up falling levels of hormones \u2013 primarily oestrogen and progesterone \u2013 and is vital for women contending with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings, anxiety<\/a>, and vaginal dryness.<\/p>\n In the UK alone, there are over 70 different types of HRT products available \u2013 ranging from skin patches, sprays, gels, creams, pessaries, and intrauterine systems.<\/p>\n Most women tend to try out a few different kinds, ultimately settling on the method they find the most effective.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\tLook beyond the headlines\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get a curated list of the most important stories of the weekend every Sunday from our weekend editor Jess Austin.<\/p>\n Look beyond the headlines with exclusive articles, emotive interviews and must-read explainers from our expert team of reporters across news, lifestyle and entertainment.<\/p>\n Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n But in a recent statement shared by The Department of Health and Social Care, officials revealed that there are a number of HRT products currently out of stock \u2013 with FemSeven Conti patches and Estradot patches flagged as two of the medications most affected by the supply issue.<\/p>\n Experts emphasise that it\u2019s crucial the government take action before women begin seeking out alternative solutions \u2013 potentially putting their health at risk in the process.<\/p>\n Which HRT products are affected by the supply issues?<\/p>\n According to multiple reports, two\u00a0major\u00a0HRT\u00a0patch\u00a0brands, Estradot and FemSeven Conti,\u00a0are\u00a0currently\u00a0experiencing\u00a0the\u00a0worst\u00a0disruption.<\/p>\n While\u00a0pharmacies\u00a0are\u00a0hopeful\u00a0that\u00a0FemSeven\u00a0Conti\u00a0patches\u00a0will\u00a0be\u00a0back\u00a0on\u00a0shelves\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0end\u00a0of\u00a0November,\u00a0access\u00a0to\u00a0Estradot\u00a0is\u00a0expected\u00a0to\u00a0remain\u00a0limited\u00a0until\u00a0January\u00a02027.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n To try and minimise impact, the Department of Health has approved for Estradot to be put under serious shortage protocols (SSPs) \u2013 emergency regulatory measures in the UK that allow pharmacists to supply specified alternative medicines without needing to contact the original prescriber.<\/p>\n \t\t Dr Louise Newson<\/a>, physician and hormone specialist, tells Metro that the Estradot shortage is indeed very \u2018worrying\u2019.<\/p>\n \u2018For many women hormones are an essential treatment that helps ease symptoms and protect their long-term health, so it\u2019s worrying that women are still struggling to get their HRT.\u2019<\/p>\n As\u00a0experts\u00a0point\u00a0out,\u00a0this\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0time\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0has\u00a0faced\u00a0HRT\u00a0shortages.\u00a0In\u00a0fact,\u00a0supply\u00a0chain\u00a0disruption\u00a0driven\u00a0by\u00a0surging\u00a0consumer\u00a0demand\u00a0has\u00a0been\u00a0an\u00a0issue\u00a0since\u00a02024.<\/p>\n \u2018Manufacturers and the government need to work together on a lasting solution,\u2019 Dr Louise shares. \u2018No woman should have to ring round pharmacies to find her medicine.\u2019<\/p>\n What to do if your HRT is in short supply<\/p>\n If you find yourself running low on your medication, Dr Louise shares the following guidance:<\/p>\n Don\u2019t stop your treatment. Keep using your current supply while you investigate options<\/p>\n Order repeat prescriptions early, but avoid stockpiling, as this can make shortages worse<\/p>\n Ask your pharmacist whether an SSP covers your product and what alternatives they can offer<\/p>\n Talk to your clinician about switching to a similar product, such as another brand of patch or an estradiol gel. Absorption varies between products, so your dose may need adjusting.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t borrow from friends or buy online, as you may not get the right product<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ever concerned about your treatment, the best step forward is always to consult a professional.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSymptoms of menopause can include, but aren’t limited to:\t\t\t<\/p>\n Palpitations\u00a0 If you\u2019re concerned about any of these symptoms<\/a>, speak to your doctor.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/SEI_316862991-96f0.jpg\")
\n\t\tHRT can provide an essential lifeline for people who\u2019re struggling with receptive symptoms triggered by menopause (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Pharmacist](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/SEI_307978492-8f4b.jpg\")
\n\t\tExperts have urged the government to be more proactive to avoid future shortages (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\nChest pain\u00a0
\nBreast tenderness\u00a0
\nItchy skin\u00a0
\nDry skin\u00a0
\nRosacea\u00a0
\nAcne\u00a0
\nThin skin\u00a0
\nCollagen loss\u00a0
\nCrying\u00a0
\nBrain fog\u00a0
\nMemory loss\u00a0
\nPoor concentration\u00a0
\nWord finding difficulty\u00a0
\nAnxiety\u00a0
\nLow mood\u00a0
\nWorsening PMS\u00a0
\nAnger\/rage
\nIrritability\u00a0
\nHeadache\u00a0
\nMigraines\u00a0
\nJoint pain\u00a0
\nJoint stiffness\u00a0
\nVaginal dryness\u00a0
\nVaginal discharge\u00a0
\nVulval itch\u00a0
\nPerineal itch\u00a0
\nVulval\/vaginal electric shocks\u00a0
\nIncrease in thrush\u00a0
\nIncrease in BV\u00a0
\nPoor libido\u00a0
\nHigh libido\u00a0
\nWeight gain\u00a0
\nScalp hair loss\u00a0
\nUnwanted hair growth\u00a0
\nUrinary infections\u00a0
\nUrinary incontinence\u00a0
\nUrinary urgency\u00a0
\nNocturia (getting up at night)\u00a0
\nSexual dysfunction\u00a0
\nChest tightness
\nConstipation\u00a0
\nGastric reflux\u00a0
\nFatigue\u00a0
\nNight sweats\u00a0
\nHot flushes\u00a0
\nCold flushes\u00a0
\nPeriod increased frequency\u00a0
\nPeriods decreased frequency\u00a0
\nHeavier periods\u00a0
\nMuscle loss\u00a0
\nTinnitus\u00a0
\nDry eyes\u00a0
\nWatery eyes\u00a0
\nBurning mouth\u00a0
\nGum disease\u00a0
\nFoot pain\u00a0
\nFrozen shoulder\u00a0
\nInsomnia\u00a0
\nHistamine sensitivity\u00a0
\nNew allergy\u00a0
\nBody\u00a0odour\u00a0change\u00a0<\/p>\n
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