Update for women taking, or considering taking, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

I’m sure many of you have seen lots of information in the news regarding HRT shortages across the country, as well as a recent documentary on Channel 4 hosted by Davina McCall. This has caused a significant increase in demand in recent days for consultations at the surgery about these issues.

We would like you to consider the following:

1) If you are worried about running out of HRT, please do not contact the practice until you have 2 weeks remaining. This will ensure that we don’t unnecessarily disrupt supply chains

2) If you cannot obtain your HRT prescription due to stock shortages, please make contact via our online portal ( prescriptions) clearly stating what dose of medication you are taking (e.g. if you are taking an oestrogen gel pump – tell us how many pumps you are using). This will help us to make decisions for an appropriate alternative.

3) The government is limiting HRT prescriptions to 3 months maximum only to try to alleviate pressures on stock supply. Please do not ask us for quantities greater than 3 months supply. https://www.gov.uk/…/three-month-limit-for-three-hrt…

4) If you would like to discuss alternative HRT products or to start on HRT please put in a request on our online portal ( GP Requests) and we will endeavour to respond . Please note this will usually be within 5 working days or more.

Recommended websites

www.womens-health-concern.org The patient arm of the British Menopause Society, includes lots of useful factsheets.

menopausematters.co.uk   Founded by Dr Heather Currie, a past chair of the British Menopause Society. Provides evidence based information, access to a forum and a regular magazine for subscribers.

balance-menopause.com Dr Louise Newson’s website, full of information, videos and podcasts.

rockmymenopause.com  The patient arm of the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum, provides patient information leaflets.

daisynetwork.org  A charity for women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) ie menopause under the age of 40.

pms.org.uk A charity for women suffering from premenstrual syndromes.

theros.org.uk Information about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (weak bones that fracture easily).

eveappeal.org.uk A charity with a free gynaecological cancer information service.

Recommended Apps

Balance app A free app from Dr Newson (local somerset GP) where you can track your symptoms, access personalised expert content and download a health report for your GP (download from the App Store or Google Play).

Squeezy app A free NHS app supporting women with their pelvic floor muscle exercise programmes.

Recommended books

‘The Complete Guide to the Menopause’ by Dr Annice Mukherjee – written by an endocrinologist with many years experience of helping women with hormonal problems. It is full of evidence-based lifestyle advice and is a great resource for everyone, including those patients who can’t take HRT. Dr Mukherjee went through her own menopause at 41 after her breast cancer diagnosis.

‘Menopause’ and also ‘Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause’ by Dr Louise Newson – lots of information about symptoms, treatment, practical tips and lifestyle.

‘The Pelvic Floor Bible’ by Jane Simpson Continence Specialist – advice on how to prevent and cure continence problems at every stage of life.

There are now many other books about managing the menopause, these are just a  just mentioned a few of them.