HRT - what happened to the MN action regarding HRT not being available at present?

[JustMyName]

I saw something on here about MN contacting government regarding the fact that HRT patches aren't available at present, but there's been no update that I've seen. The situation is ludicrous. My gp and pharmacy have told me the patches I've been using, Evorel Conti, won't be available again, ever. How is this possible? I'm having to switch to tablets, which I was originally told you steer clear of due to migraines and also a higher risk of side effects. I could use a gel and tablets, but I tried these before and they didn't help as much as the patches, but the side effects were unpleasant.

Does anyone know the reason for them not being available? Gp and pharmacy either don't know or aren't saying.

I'm in need of some advice; I'm in my 4th month of pregnancy with my partner whom I have been with for 4 years.
We both have children from former relationships. He has two kids 6 and 11 (7 and 12 in the summer) and my son will shortly be 17.
So we are expecting a baby together, after going through a horrendous and painful miscarriage last summer.
Our baby is due in July and this evening late while we were in bed, my partner shared with me that he is at a loss what to do.
He's not sure when to go on holiday to Portugual with his kids (he is Portugese, and his family and friends live out there). He tends to go every year to see them.
This year, he is planning to go to a different part of Portugal with his kids in the Spring. I was invited, but was anxious with the pregnancy and the previous miscarriage so decided not to book the flights last autumn when he did.
Additionally his mum and dad (Portuguese) are going with him on this holiday in the Spring, and his mum plans to visit him/us at Easter in the UK.
Anyway, so this evening in bed he says he's not sure when he will go in holiday, but agrees he wont go in June or July (baby due in July). But suggests to go in August, and gets upset at my response asking him not to, as I will have just had the baby, and would like support from him.
He asks if I will go to Portugal when baby just 4 weeks old, which I say no to.
I suggested he go earlier, but he responds that I am always wanting support, and will expect support from him in May (when I suggests he goes) and thus preventing him from seeing his family. He also questions me that I expect him to stick around for 3 whole weeks in the summer holidays, as he feels it is unfair to his children. He says I am selfish and not recognising the needs of his kids (he gets very protective of them).
Am I being selfish?
Out relationship has been (and continues to be) rocky during my pregnancy. He has threatened 2 or 3 times that he will leave/separate with me, and has said some really nasty things to me (which he says he regrets the next day). I dont feel that I have a say in the matter, when he asked my opinion and I shared it, he became cross with me because he didn't like my answer.
I am so fed up with his attitude. It feels like he just cares about him and his kids, and my needs dont come into the equation.
Suggestions, opinions greatly welcome..

@Anne21e I think you've posted in the wrong place. I would start a new thread of your own in Chat or Relationships.

@JustMyName I saw my GP last week & I was on Evorel Conti. I've been put on oestrogen patches plus progesterone tablets (I take those for 12 days). I'm not keen on this as I am really not good at remembering to take meds - I have reminders set for all others, but it's not possible to have repeat reminders without me inputting the bloody things manually! I know I'll fuck this up.

I'd be interested to know what the outcome of MN involvement was too.

Thanks Queen. My gp did also say I could do that, but said, if you're having to take a tablet anyway, might as well just take one tablet ... not sure if oestrogen patches are safer than the tablet. I'm fed up of the fact we're being fobbed off here though. As if it's not important. I've never felt so awful in my life as when I hit the menopause. The patches help me function. I'm dreading having to change to something different, which might cause side effects.

Nobody needs HRT.

Anne, LTB.
What your post has to do with dodgy hormone replacement I do not know.

BlueRussian I beg to differ actually. I tried various alternative therapies, before you tell me that works, and they made no difference at all. We are all different, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for others.

I suffered extreme anxiety, insomnia, aches and pains, extreme discomfort, headaches, forgetfulness, brain fog to the extent I couldn't drive, wasn't able to function, plus the usual hot flushes and night sweats. HRT has made a huge difference to my quality of life and I do not want to go back to feeling like that.

It seems really weird that there’s no clear news on why there’s a shortage, it’s worrying?

@JustMyName my GP says increased risks associated with oestrogen in tablet form so want to keep me on patches. I'm really fucked off too with these changes.

@Bluerussian - with respect - that's bollocks.

@QueenOfOversharing ive just started NHS HRT on the gel and progesterone pills I will take part of the month. I spent ages trying to set up diary on iPhone, best approach I could think off (which requires setting up 28 entries but then you're done), is I did each day of Cycle so Day 1 - gel only, and set it on a 28 day repeat. Do that for each day it only took about half an hour. Once you've set one up the reminders are saved for the next entry so no too bad?

I haven't had period for 6 months and went to GP with reasons why I want this type. I have to wait for some of the pills but hopefully can get them...he did say once I'm on it they hopefully can get it, but not all types, I think it depends what you have?

@BackInAtLast

That makes sense how you've done it. I need to sit down & concentrate!

I didn't have any issue with the progesterone pills (Utrogestan) - even the oestrogen only patch seems ok. But what a nuisance, isn't it??

I had no period for 7 months, then really heavy periods. I thought that was the end of them, but no.

Hope your combo works for you!

I found this information, albeit on the DM website.

@JustMyName interesting & there seems to be several factors at play. And perhaps worsening after Brexit. Great 😒