Women are being left unable to sleep or work competently because of the shortages of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products used to treat symptoms of the menopause, the former cabinet minister, Caroline Nokes, has said.
Millions of women go through the menopause every year, with many experiencing symptoms that can be severe, such as low mood, anxiety, hot flushes and difficulty sleeping, and have a negative impact on everyday life. The number of prescriptions for HRT in England has doubled in the last five years to more than 500,000 a month.
But the rise in prescriptions has come amid several years of HRT shortages, with pharmacists often unable to fulfil prescriptions. Shortages have been blamed on manufacturing and supply issues, and have been exacerbated by the growing numbers of women seeking the products.
Speaking in the Commons on Thursday, Nokes, chair of the women and equalities committee, called for an urgent debate on the issue to ensure women “can get the supplies that we need”.
“Pharmacies in Romsey and Southampton North have completely run out, which leaves women of a certain age – and before my honourable friend from North Dorset makes a comment … yes, I declare an interest – without access to the oestrogen gel, which enables us to sleep and to work competently.
“Please, will the leader of the house arrange for a debate in this place following on from the brilliant debate by the right honourable lady for Swansea East to make sure that pharmacies are working hand in glove with the DHSC so that we can get the supplies that we need?”
Mark Spencer, the Commons leader, said: “I can say the Department of Health and Social Care is aware of the supply issues that are affecting a limited number of HRT products. However, most HRT products, including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues, are available.
“The government is working closely with suppliers and stakeholders to resolve these issues as quickly as possible, and to ensure the NHS is informed on a regular basis.”
In October, the government announced that the cost of repeat prescriptions for HRT would be significantly reduced in England.
In the Commons on Thursday, Labour MP Nick Smith asked Spencer why there was “no date yet for the HRT prescription changes in England”. Spencer said it was “something the health secretary is looking at, at this moment in time”.
Symptoms of the menopause and a lack of support force some women to take time off work and even leave their jobs, according to research. A poll of 3,800 women in the UK conducted last year found most felt the menopause or the months and years leading up to it – the perimenopause – had had a huge impact on their careers.
The survey for menopause medic Dr Louise Newson, who runs the not-for-profit Newson Health Research And Education, found 99% of women felt their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms had led to a negative impact on their careers. More than a third described the impact as significant.
About 59% took time off work due to their symptoms, with 18% off more than eight weeks. Reasons for taking time off included reduced efficiency (45%), poor quality of work (26%) and poor concentration (7%).
Half of those who took at least eight weeks off work resigned or took early retirement. Three in five (60%) women said their workplace offered no menopause support.
