The most effective strategy for getting oestrogen?

[MrsBagshot]

I'm due a new prescription next month. I used to use oestrogel, but my local pharmacy couldn't get any, so my GP issued a new prescription for sandrena instead. Now I hear there are shortages of sandrena as well.

My current process is that my GP sends my prescription direct to my local pharmacy - a small village place. My pharmacy says they've not had any oestrogen gels "for months" now and that it's highly unlikely they'll have them next month when I'll need it.

So I'm just wondering if any of you had any tips please? I'm thinking of either changing my prescription to be re-directed to a big online pharmacy like Pharmacy2U, or asking for a paper prescription for me to pick up and then I do the task of ringing around all the local pharmacies to see if anyone has any in stock. My worry with the latter is that those pharmacies will probably be prioritising existing prescriptions rather than a random who phones them.

Any other ideas please?

Would you consider oestrogen in tablet form? I take tablets and the medication works well.

@MrsBagshot A few days ago there was a government announcement via the HRT 'Tsar' that gives pharmacists the power to dispense a 'swap' - have you seen that news?

what this means is no more to-ing and fro-ing to your GP to ask for something else. The pharmacist will give you the best equivalent.

So if you use gel, they can give Oestrogel, Sandrena or Lezetto spray. Or if none available, an estrogen-only patch in the equivalent dose.

You can also use Boots Prescription Finder online to see if they have any - another poster mentioned this- and by using postcodes you can see stock. Don't just use your own postcode- be imaginative and try others nearby. But you'd need a paper copy of your prescription.

And....a statement from the manufacturer is saying things might be back to normal by the start of next month as they increase supply.

Oh that's great news! Thank you so much - I hadn't heard about the swap nor the news that supplies could be back to normal next month. What a relief!

Is the statement re new supplies in respect of oestrogel @JinglingHellsBells ? Thanks

Yes, it was from Besins, am sure it's still around online if you search. Try the BBC website and new laws for pharmacists,

This was headline news last week on all TV (mainstream) and in the press/ on radio.

ps

You can also find it on the gov.uk website about HRT shortages.

That won't include the announcement from Besins.

My pharmacy at GP was able to hand it over this week no problems after months of issues.