Women warned against self medicating during HRT shortage

Women have been warned against self-medicating as HRT shortages affect supplies of two menopause treatment patch brands across the UK.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has confirmed ongoing supply problems affecting Estradot transdermal patches and a more recent disruption involving FemSeven Conti patches, both used to manage menopause symptoms.

The disruptions have been linked to manufacturing or distribution delays. Women unable to obtain their usual medication have been advised to seek professional advice about alternatives.

Paul Irvine, a pharmacy manager in Belfast, said women often become comfortable with a particular HRT brand and may experience difficulties when switching treatments.

“When they are short and they like to try alternatives, they may suffer side effects or it might just not work as well,” he said.

“So it is important for us as pharmacists that we are there to guide people and offer them alternatives and the correct advice.”

Dr Ursula Mason, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland, said finding a replacement could cause anxiety for patients whose existing treatment was working well.

“Patients can be assured that the protocol in place only allows a substitution for exactly the same active ingredient at the same dose.”

She advised women experiencing side effects or inadequate symptom control after switching medication to contact their GP about other treatment options.

The Department of Health said serious shortage protocols (SSPs) for Estradot transdermal patches are currently in place until 8 January 2027.

Under these arrangements, pharmacists can supply an alternative product without a new prescription, provided it contains the same active ingredient at the same dose and the patient agrees.

Healthcare professionals have been issued guidance on affected products and available alternatives.

Roisin Hillman, co-founder of Menopause Together, Northern Ireland’s first menopause support charity, said the continuing shortages were frustrating women who had found treatments that worked for them.

Some women forced to switch brands had reported side effects, including itchy skin or patches failing to stay in place.

Hillman said the shortages had been an issue for years and advised women to ask their GP about longer-term prescriptions to help manage potential supply gaps.

She also warned against sharing prescribed medication.

“Please do not share HRT with other women because what is prescribed to you may not suit someone else so it is very important that you go back to your GP.”

Hillman said many women experienced fear and anxiety over shortages because their HRT helped manage several aspects of daily life, including their mental health.

The Department of Health advised patients unable to obtain their prescribed medication, or concerned about alternatives, to consult a healthcare professional about their treatment options.