A treatment to help reduce the symptoms of menopause will now be sold without a prescription in the UK.
The high street chain, Boots announced it will sell a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the first time over the counter as well as also having an online purchase option.
HRT is a medication which contains female hormones and helps to replace the oestrogen which the body stops making during menopause.
Among its many other benefits, HRT is said to help reduce hot flashes and vaginal discomfort synonymous with menopause.
The new streamline access comes after the medicines watchdog gave the green light.
What is HRT?
HRT is the replacement of female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone in women to control symptoms of the menopause.
These hormones are released from the ovaries and can impact changes in the body’s cycle which controls periods, moods and a sense of wellbeing and health.
Oestrogen is also very important to maintain strong, healthy bones and help prevent osteoporosis.
After menopause, vaginal atrophy occurs which is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
Previous research has shown that HRT eliminates the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in 75% of cases.
How to now get HRT?
Boots will be offering Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets for £29.99 for 24 tablets.
The drug will be available for women aged over 50 who have not had a period in at least a year.
Women will need to have a consultation with a pharmacist before purchasing the treatment with an online consultation option in place too.
The new streamline process is said to be a “huge step forward” by experts.
How do I discuss my symptoms with a pharmacist?
“Many women may feel uncomfortable talking about sensitive issues such as vaginal atrophy and the menopause in a public setting rather than their doctor’s office,” says Amanda Savage, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and trusted advisor to Kegel8.
She continued: “But rest assured, pharmacists have been offered training to identify who needs the tablets and to make women feel at ease when discussing this issue.
“Every pharmacy has qualified healthcare professional to discuss your medical needs and will handle them sensitively and confidentially.
“Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends and you do not need an appointment.”
For those concerned about discussing their sensitive matters, a private consultation room is also available
Who is not suitable for HRT?
People who should avoid the drug include those who:
- Have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer
- Have a history of blood clots
- Have untreated high blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT
- Have liver disease
- Are pregnant
“It's still possible to get pregnant while taking HRT, so you should use contraception until two years after your last period if you're under 50, or for one year after the age of 50,” explains the NHS.
Dr Paula Briggs, Chair, British Menopause Society said: “The BMS welcomes the introduction of this product which is likely to improve women’s access to treatment.
“Estradiol vaginal tablets have been available on prescription for over 30 years and have a wealth of efficacy and safety data.
“Urogenital atrophy is one of the most common challenges women face after the menopause and this reclassification means they can now access a low dose vaginal oestrogen which treats the underlying cause of vaginal atrophy, at their local pharmacy.”
For the first time ever in the UK, postmenopausal women will be able to access a low dose Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) product from their local pharmacies without prescription, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced.
MHRA added that after a safety review, HRT will be available for both menopausal and post-menopausal women.
The decision to sell the vaginal drug over the counter follows a review which included the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, and the British Menopause Society.
“This is a landmark reclassification for the millions of women in the UK who are going through the menopause and experience severe symptoms that negatively impact their everyday life,” said Dr Laura Squire, chief healthcare quality and access officer at the MHRA.
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