Actions to be taken to ensure continued HRT supply meets demand

Head of the HRT Taskforce Madelaine McTernan presented key recommendations for future management of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supply in the UK.

The recommendations will inform the work of the UK-wide menopause Taskforce as Ms McTernan has returned to working full time as the director general of the Covid-19 vaccine Taskforce as preparation for the autumn booster campaign ramps up.

These recommendations are part of a wider work to support menopausal women’s access to healthcare. Improving access to HRT forms part of the government’s wider commitment to tackle the gender health gap.

Minister for Women’s Health Maria Caulfield said: “We are taking steps across the board to tackle the gender health gap and ensure women can access the health and care services they need – including access to HRT.

“I thank Madelaine and her team and I look forward to taking forward her recommendations as part of the ongoing work of the departments.”

Ms McTernan’s recommendations come after the Women’s Health Strategy, published earlier this year. 

Access to HRT has improved following actions to increase supply and manage demand including issuing serious shortage protocols on HRT products to limit dispensing to three months’ supply and allow specified alternative products to be supplied if necessary.

Ms McTernan said: “I am pleased to see the situation with HRT supply is improving across the country. I want to thank suppliers and manufacturers for their engagement and positive action to tackle this serious issue.

“I have presented my key learnings on how the department can continue to manage HRT supply and work with industry as it continue efforts to meet rising demand.”

The government has also taken action to reduce costs of HRT. The creation of a prepayment certificate will mean women can access HRT on a month-by-month basis if needed, easing pressure on supply, paying a one-off charge equivalent to two single prescriptions charges for all their HRT prescriptions for a year. 

The Menopause Taskforce, which meets every two months, will continue to tackle issues surrounding the menopause, including increasing access to treatment and ending the taboos and stigmas that still surround conversations about the menopause, including in the workplace.