Bloody HRT shortages still !

[667TheNeighbourOfTheBeast]

Just want to have a rant about this as I can’t believe this is still F-ing going on. I was given 6 months Estrodot patches and just running out now and been told they are not available. So have to use Evorelle which last time I had trouble absorbing.
I know many others are in a similar position. Ffs though thought that someone had been appointed in the government to sort this out. I’m also furious that because it’s something that affects women it’s not deemed important and has been going on this long! I’m pretty sure if there were Viagra shortages it would be sorted asap !

I have had to come off hrt and have boxes and boxes of patches and progesterone tablets. If I took to a pharmacy presumably they would just throw away?

I’m on sequil conti/50 I’ve not noticed any issues with ordering.

That sort of patch has been out of stock off and on for years.
It's nothing to do with the government- it seems to be a global supply /manufacturing issue from what's showing online.
They are out of stock to early July.

Are you able to consider other types- either patches , gel or spray?

My GP advised me to use the gel when I first went on HRT, rather than patches because of the stock problems and supply gaps.

You could try Estraderm MX. I eventually got given this last time (I am severely allergic to Evorel) . I find them fine - possibly not absorbed quite as well. Even those were in short supply, mind!

@JinglingSpringbells I am just waiting on the meno clinic nurse getting back to me with suggestions. I’ve been given Evorelle 50mcg so need to use 4 of these.
I wasn’t aware of a spray. Does the gel have to be used every day?
@Workingonthehighway yes I think they will just throw the patches away as they can’t put them back into stock. Such a waste

I Wonder though what the issue is specifically with Estradot or is it an issue with all oestrogen only patches ? British menopause society has stopped giving updates now.

Gel has to applied daily , yes.
Spray's called Lenzetto and it's been around for some time so your nurse should know of it.

If the BMS has stopped giving updates, you can do an online search and there is info for pharmacies. I found info for you on a 'Community Pharmacy' website where it said a shortage to 5 July.

Is that right- you're using 4 x 50mcg patches- 200mcg dose?
That's very high.

Hi thank you for the info. Yes that’s correct 200mcg this is due to my not absorbing oestrogen properly and was prescribed by the menopause consultant. My blood level is 479 so not that high. When I tried to drop the patches down to 150mg symptoms were terrible and blood levels were approx 200. Tbh I don’t even think that all the symptoms are fully controlled as I still get face, neck and chest flushing but I am much better than I was.