A shortage of menopause management medication, HRT, has dominated the health headlines and worrying stories have emerged of patients going to extreme lengths to get hold of their medication. Some patients are purchasing what they are told is HRT on the black market, while others are sharing friend's prescriptions.
Doctor Mitra Dutt, a qualified GP since 2008 who now works for LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, warned patients against these dangerous means of fulfilling their prescriptions, saying: “With many women being affected by the HRT shortage, it’s easy to see why some have been tempted to share prescriptions with friends or family, or even find other means of buying their medication. However, I can’t stress enough how dangerous this is.
"When buying medicine online through an unregulated platform, there’s no certainty that the drug you think you’re buying is actually what it is. You may end up taking something completely different and this could be incredibly dangerous.
"Secondly, different people require different dosages and preparations. If you get this wrong, as well as being ineffective, the medication could be extremely dangerous to your health and cause very unpleasant side effects.
"A trained clinician will always consider your personal and family medical history when prescribing you a medication. For example, if you’ve had a personal history of breast cancer, you won’t be prescribed HRT.
"Plus, if you’re taking any other medications or over-the-counter treatments, there’s a risk they could react with HRT. Certain drugs cannot be prescribed in combination with HRT and it’s important to be aware of this.”
5 alternatives to HRT for menopause treatment
Dr Sameer Sanghvi has been a GP since 2015. On behalf of Online Doctor , he shares five alternative treatment options women with menopausal symptoms may like to discuss with their doctor.
It’s important to highlight that Dr Sanghvi stresses that women should always talk to their doctor before making any changes to their healthcare routines.
What is HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of many menopause treatment options . As women approach the menopause and hormone levels decrease, many experience symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive. HRT can be used to relieve such symptoms and may even prevent some debilitating diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease and bowel cancer.
Why is there a shortage?
The shortage is down to a mixture of complications including the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, and manufacturing and supply chain issues.
HRT comes in many forms including tablets, pessaries, implants and more. According to doctors and pharmacists, women that use gels and patches are having the most trouble getting hold of their prescriptions.
5 alternative menopause treatments
Tibolone
Tibolone produces similar effects to combined HRT, mimicing the effects of female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Taken in the form of a single tablet, tibolone is best for women experiencing hot flushes and low moods. One limitation is that this medication is only suitable for women whose periods stopped more than a year ago. It’s also worth noting that there is a small risk of breast cancer and strokes associated with this drug.
Clonidine
Clonidine is primarily prescribed for women living with hot flushes and low mood. Again, it comes in tablet form but, unlike tibolone, clonidine doesn’t affect your hormones and therefore doesn’t pose an increased risk of cancer or blood clots. In terms of drawbacks, studies have shown tibolone has limited results. Plus, it can cause unwanted side effects like drowsiness and a dry mouth.
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
For many women, vaginal dryness can be an issue after the menopause. If this is the case, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants which are applied topically can make everyday life, as well as sex, more comfortable.
Lifestyle changes
Maintaining a healthy mind and body with exercise and healthy eating is hugely important during and after the menopause to look after your mental health, prevent weight gain, and promote good sleep. You might also find choosing looser clothing and investing in cooler bedlinen or a fan can keep hot flushes and night sweats at bay. Many women also find spicy food and caffeine can trigger hot flushes. Staying away from these is also worth a try.
Herbal remedies
The problem with herbal remedies is that they can be difficult to take in the right doses. Plus, a lot of the claims surrounding them are unverified. You should always talk to a doctor before adding a herbal remedy into your healthcare routine as they can cause side effects and may react negatively with other treatments.
