Exclusive:Menopause: 'Perfect storm' causing ongoing HRT shortages in Scotland

This comes as a Scottish menopause support group branded the shortages “devastating”.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone when they fall to low levels when a person approaches menopause.

However, despite millions of women across the UK relying on HRT to manage their menopause symptoms, there has been a shortage of these medications for more than three years.

Community Pharmacy Scotland has various HRT products listed under its ‘serious shortage protocol’. This is a legislative framework to allow pharmacists to change a patient’s prescription without having to go back to the prescriber because there is a serious shortage.

Gordon Winter, policy and development officer at Community Pharmacy Scotland, said there is a “perfect storm” causing the HRT shortages, as there is a shortage of the raw materials and an increase in demand.

He said: “Celebrity conversations have led to more people consulting their GP for advice, and due to the increase in demand for HRT products, it will be a while before the market catches up.

“It is a perfect storm.”

He said medicine shortages are now commonplace amongst Scottish pharmacists, but they are well equipped to deal with any issues that arise.

Mr Winter added: “There are a lot of times when medicines run in short supply, but community pharmacy teams are very experienced at dealing with this.

“Sometimes patients will have no idea the lengths the team has gone to to get that medicine.

“Shortages happen frequently so it is just a normal day at the office - I wish it was a rarity, but it is part of the job now.”

Speaking to The Scotsman, Jacqui Dillon, co-founder of Menopause Warriors Scotland, said: “There has always been a shortage of HRT, in one way or another, since 2022.

“When Davina McCall’s show [‘Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause’] came out, the impact that had on general practice with everyone trying to access HRT was incredible.

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“There was a tsunami because everyone suddenly wanted it and it ran out very quickly, and we’ve never really recovered from that.”

Ms Dillon said changing medication at short notice can be debilitating for some women, as their menopause symptoms can return very quickly.

She said: “It is devastating when you have been on HRT and it is working for you. It is horrendous, because there is always a period for things to settle when you change medication.

“Women are running from pharmacy to pharmacy to get their patches and gels.”

The group believes the ongoing HRT shortages are partly down to the fact medication for women is not a priority for the healthcare system.

She said: “HRT is just not a priority, it doesn’t take a genius to work that one out.

“We are often told in the world of menopause that not everyone wants HRT, and not everyone does because it is a personal choice, but when you do want it there are all these obstacles.

“People say ‘it’s just hormones’, but they have no idea how devastating it can be.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The supply of medicines including HRT products, and any associated shortages, is a reserved matter for the UK.

“The Scottish Government continues to work with the UK Government to seek a lasting resolution to HRT supply issues, and to press them to work closely with the affected companies to address this as quickly as possible.

“Improving menopause care and support continues to be a priority for this government, and we want all women to have timely access to menopause support and services when required.

“Phase two of the women’s health plan, launched earlier this year, responds to the concerns of women across Scotland and includes focused action on menopause care.”