MNHQ here: have you had difficulty obtaining HRT?

[RhiannonEMumsnet]

Hi there,

We know that many Mumsnet users have experienced problems obtaining HRT when they want/need it, and we’d like to get a sense of the scale of the issue to inform our campaigning work.

We’d really appreciate it if you could let us know (via the poll on this thread) if you’ve had a problem getting HRT when you wanted or needed it in the last year. It could be that you struggled to get a prescription from your GP - or to get an appointment to see them in the first place! Or any other obstacle that you encountered.

If you’d like to share a bit more about your experience then please do post on the thread - we’d love to hear from you.

Thanks,
MNHQ

@BigButtons Norethisterone is the progesterone in Evorel Conti patches, and is the reason I use those patches, although the dose isn't really strong enough for me (only 50mcg of estrogen).

Thanks- I will mention that when I try again to get the meds changed. Very useful!

I experienced a supply problem with Utrogestan last year. Knowing that there had been some shortages, I ordered my repeat prescription in good time, when I still had six weeks worth of it left. Five weeks later, my pharmacy (an online one) said it was still awaiting supplies, so I asked my GP for an emergency prescription and managed to find a local pharmacy who could dispense it. I was given eight weeks supply.

In the meantime, my original prescription was still active with the online pharmacy and they confirmed it was awaiting fulfilment when stocks were replenished.

Seven weeks later the original prescription had still not been supplied, so once again I had to get an emergency prescription and trawl around to find a pharmacy that had stock.

Finally, two days after I had picked up the emergency supply, my online pharmacy emailed to say that my original prescription (issued 12 weeks previously) had been fulfilled and they were posting it to me!

I had a hysterectomy, but kept ovaries 4.5yrs ago and started oestrogen only hrt 1.5yrs ago. I've had an absolute nightmare with it. It helps but I still get nightsweats regularly but every time I've tried to increase I get severe stomach cramps. GPs advice was to increase but take painkillers!! Was referred to meno clinic Apr last year, still waiting. Told it would be April this year as long as the list doesn't get longer. In the meantime I'm now showing signs of oestrogen dominance. If I'd known it would be this long I would've just gone private a year ago!

Can't get Estradot for love nor money. Ridiculous situation where I have Estradot and utrogestan on the same prescription so because they gave me the utrogestan I have to get a NEW prescription for the Estradot or rather whatever they are going to give me instead because there isn't any Estradot. I'm very sensitive to not taking it so I'm in a state of complete agitation. And completely pussed off by the system.

Getting prescribed was relatively easy, a decent phone consultation then pop in for blood pressure and weight then prescribed.

Last year there was a shortage of the gel I was using but the pharmacy and GP worked together to get an alternative. I've liked the patches I got instead and have stayed on them.

Started to feel less well and the GP arranged tests and confirmed I needed a bit more so currently waiting for an appointment to adjust my prescription.

Really happy about the process and feel that HRT makes a real positive impact

I recently asked to try an alternative to utrogestan. I know I can tolerate norithisterone. When I went to pick up the prescription the pharmacy told me they couldn’t get it for love nor money. I had to go back to the dr and ask for an alternative which I have no idea if I will be able to tolerate.
it is shocking.

I've had no problem getting tablets/patches of oestrogen and progesterone, but GP won't prescribe testosterone although I've asked for it twice, even invoking the magic 'libido' symptom. I'm fobbed off.

No it has been good plus I recently took up the certificate after the pharmacy suggested it

My private consultant told me that it's never prescribed on the NHS. That was a couple of years ago so it may have changed but I have only ever got it privately.