Women warned not to self-medicate amid ‘worrying’ HRT supply shortages

Women in the UK are currently facing an HRT shortage (Picture: Getty Images) Women in the UK have been warned that shortages of Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) could continue for weeks. Around two million women in England aged 40 and above regularly rely on HRT to manage symptoms triggered by menopause, according to the NHS. It works to replace or top up falling levels of hormones – primarily oestrogen and progesterone – and is vital for women contending with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, and vaginal dryness. In the UK alone, there are over 70 different types of HRT products available – ranging from skin patches, sprays, gels, creams, pessaries, and intrauterine systems. Most women tend to try out a few different kinds, ultimately settling on the method they find the most effective. HRT can provide an essential lifeline for people who’re struggling with receptive symptoms triggered by menopause (Picture: Getty Images) Look beyond the headlines Get a curated list of the most important stories of the weekend every Sunday from our weekend editor Jess Austin. Look beyond the headlines with exclusive articles, emotive interviews and must-read explainers from our expert team of reporters across news, lifestyle and entertainment. Sign up here. 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 – with FemSeven Conti patches and Estradot patches flagged as two of the medications most affected by the supply issue. Experts emphasise that it’s crucial the government take action before women begin seeking out alternative solutions – potentially putting their health at risk in the process. Which HRT products are affected by the supply issues? According to multiple reports, two major HRT patch brands, Estradot and FemSeven Conti, are currently experiencing the worst disruption. While pharmacies are hopeful that FemSeven Conti patches will be back on shelves by the end of November, access to Estradot is expected to remain limited until January 2027. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. To try and minimise impact, the Department of Health has approved for Estradot to be put under serious shortage protocols (SSPs) – emergency regulatory measures in the UK that allow pharmacists to supply specified alternative medicines without needing to contact the original prescriber. Experts have urged the government to be more proactive to avoid future shortages (Picture: Getty Images) Dr Louise Newson, physician and hormone specialist, tells Metro that the Estradot shortage is indeed very ‘worrying’. ‘For many women hormones are an essential treatment that helps ease symptoms and protect their long-term health, so it’s worrying that women are still struggling to get their HRT.’ As experts point out, this isn’t the first time the UK has faced HRT shortages. In fact, supply chain disruption driven by surging consumer demand has been an issue since 2024. ‘Manufacturers and the government need to work together on a lasting solution,’ Dr Louise shares. ‘No woman should have to ring round pharmacies to find her medicine.’ What to do if your HRT is in short supply If you find yourself running low on your medication, Dr Louise shares the following guidance: Don’t stop your treatment. Keep using your current supply while you investigate options Order repeat prescriptions early, but avoid stockpiling, as this can make shortages worse Ask your pharmacist whether an SSP covers your product and what alternatives they can offer 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. Don’t borrow from friends or buy online, as you may not get the right product Deals of the Day See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in If you’re ever concerned about your treatment, the best step forward is always to consult a professional. Symptoms of menopause can include, but aren't limited to: Palpitations Chest pain Breast tenderness Itchy skin Dry skin Rosacea Acne Thin skin Collagen loss Crying Brain fog Memory loss Poor concentration Word finding difficulty Anxiety Low mood Worsening PMS Anger/rage Irritability Headache Migraines Joint pain Joint stiffness Vaginal dryness Vaginal discharge Vulval itch Perineal itch Vulval/vaginal electric shocks Increase in thrush Increase in BV Poor libido High libido Weight gain Scalp hair loss Unwanted hair growth Urinary infections Urinary incontinence Urinary urgency Nocturia (getting up at night) Sexual dysfunction Chest tightness Constipation Gastric reflux Fatigue Night sweats Hot flushes Cold flushes Period increased frequency Periods decreased frequency Heavier periods Muscle loss Tinnitus Dry eyes Watery eyes Burning mouth Gum disease Foot pain Frozen shoulder Insomnia Histamine sensitivity New allergy Body odour change If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor. 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