Out of stock
You may have seen on the news that in the UK there is a shortage of HRT. Around half a millions women in the UK use treatment for symptoms of the menopause.
Around half of the most commonly prescribed HRT products, which replace hormones including oestrogen that naturally decline during menopause, are out of stock.
This shortage is affecting over 200,000 women rely on to these treatments to help them cope with symptoms and function day to day.
Delays causing suffering
The Department for Health and Social Care said the shortage is due to “ongoing supply issues” due to “manufacturing delays”.
This shortage has been going on for several months and although GPs are instructed to prescribe alternatives, some patients are suffering.
One woman, Rachel, said her HRT went out of stock at the end of last year and she has struggled to find something as effective.
“In the meantime I have been tearful, angry, overwhelmed at work, tired and have struggled with some physical symptoms. I simply haven’t been me. I know none of it is life-threatening, but the impact on life, work and family is greater than I’d ever expected.”
Another woman, Joan said she has had unwanted side effects after being forced to try alternative HRT: “[I am] absolutely devastated. I cannot function without my medication. I lose concentration, confidence. I am sleep deprived and constantly anxious.”
HRT in Spain
Here in Spain, the use of HRT has not been welcomed as readily by women or GPS as in the UK. In fact, one study looked at the rate at which GPs prescribe HRT to menopausal women in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The findings were interesting, to say the least.
- Of those who saw a physician, approximately 80% received either HRT or another prescription treatment in 4 countries (Germany, France, the UK and Italy) nut only 69% in Spain.
- In Spain, the option of HRT was more often not raised (by the GP) than in the other countries.
- HRT use was highest in the UK, France and Germany and lowest in Spain.
10th European Congress on Menopause and Andropause May 2015 – Behaviors-Attitudes
Light at the end of the tunnel
At Medcare, however, Dr Hussain is a British GP with a special interest in women’s health and a diploma from the Royal College of Obs/Gyn. As such operates along NHS and NICE guidelines. Currently, there is no shortage of HRT in Spain and Dr Hussain will prescribe the treatment to women who will benefit from it, once other medical issues have been rules out.
Book your Menopause Check and have a consultation with the nurse to discuss your symptoms. She will take your blood pressure and your BMI is measured. A hormone profile blood test is done to check that your symptoms are in fact relating to the menopause. Then treatments can be discussed with you. The Menopause Check is 69 euros.
Call 966 860 258 or email doctors@medcarespain to book your appointment or for more information.
If you find this article interesting, you can subscribe to our newsletters and get up-to-date medical and beauty news and promotions.