What is the current situation with supply? HRT can help relieve most menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve symptoms by replacing hormones that are at a lower level as women approach the menopause. Women are having to deal with a shortage in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplies amid rising demand for such treatment. The findings are set to be highlighted in a new documentary presented by Davina McCall, who has raised awareness about her own battle with the menopause. They said taking HRT as soon as menopausal symptoms begin can protect against these changes.
The researchers, from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and the University of Arizona, spotted the changes after examining brain scans from 161 women aged 40 to 65 and comparing them against 125 men of the same age. They believe changes in the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, are behind hot flushes, while a drop in oestrogen interferes with energy levels in the brain, which could cause brain fog. It comes as scientists today urged women to take HRT treatments to protect against menopause-related brain changes.Ī team of US researchers found menopause - when women stop having periods and oestrogen levels decline - 'reshapes the brain' by reducing grey matter and affecting blood flood. Labour MP Carolyn Harris, co-chairman of the UK menopause taskforce, told The Mail last week that it was ‘exploitative of women’. There is no suggestion these online pharmacies, registered with the Care Quality Commission, are handing out unsafe medicine. The Independent Pharmacy prices a three-month supply of Estradot and Sandrena – an Oestrogel alternative – at £75 each.
is selling one month's worth of Estradot patches for £32, although women can normally get a three-month supply for £9.35 on the NHS. Pharmacy Planet is rationing its sales of Oestrogel to one-month batches due to 'limited stock', but at £42 each.Īlternatives to Oestrogel have also taken a hit as women switch to different medication until stocks are replenished. Prices vary wildly, however, with Oxford Online Pharmacy selling the same product for £49.99. There has been a big increase in women seeking HRT, with an estimated 538,000 prescriptions issued in December, compared with 238,000 in January 2017.Īs a postcode lottery means many are looking online for HRT, some online pharmacies have also been found to be selling a three-month supply of Oestrogel for £80. Those who have prescriptions longer than three months will not have to pay an extra charge. The move, which affects Oestrogel, as well as Ovestin cream and Premique low-dose tablets, is the first to address supply issues since the appointment of HRT tsar Madelaine McTernan. MailOnline found the products online on Friday - the same day the Government announced a ration on some HRT products to a three-month supply. One still had a prescription slip on the packaging and the seller claimed they had received a 'duplicate order'. There are fears some women could be priced out of crucial treatments just as the cost-of-living crisis bites.
One seller, based in Uxbridge, London, charged £40 for one month's supply, and £5.55 for postage. Another seller from Bristol listed the same 80gram pump for £39.99 and £4.99 for delivery. MailOnline found three eBay listings for Oestrogel, a drug which is used by around 30,000 women in the UK and is particularly low in stock. It came as a US study published today indicated the menopause can physically 'reshape the brain' - sometimes irreversibly. Shortages and poor planning mean thousands have been unable to get drugs to help ease menopause symptoms such as low mood, brain fog and hot flushes. MPs have warned desperate women are being 'exploited' after it emerged over the weekend private pharmacies are also hiking up their prices. The most popular type of oestrogen gel was selling for £40 on the online marketplace last week - quadruple the NHS prescription charge of £9.35.
British sellers are charging up to four times the NHS price for HRT medication on eBay as they cash in on a national shortage, MailOnline can reveal.