HRT Patch Shortages Disrupt Menopause Care Into 2026
Ongoing shortages of Estradot and FemSeven Conti HRT patches are forcing nearly two million women in England to switch treatments.
Shortages of key Hormone Replacement Therapy patches, including Estradot and FemSeven Conti, are continuing to disrupt menopause care across the UK. The Department of Health has confirmed supply disruptions affecting these major brands, with some issues not expected to be resolved until January. Almost 2 million women in England aged 40 and above were prescribed HRT for menopause symptoms in 2025-26, according to the NHS Business Services Authority. Serious shortage protocols for Estradot transdermal patches are in place until January 2027, while FemSeven Conti patches are out of stock until late November. These shortages began in December 2024, with Estradot noted as the second longest-running individual medicine shortage in the country.
Risks of switching or self-managing HRT
Healthcare professionals are issuing strong warnings against altering patch use or sharing medication during these shortages. Paul Irvine, a pharmacy manager, explained that women often become comfortable with a specific brand. Switching to an alternative can lead to side effects or reduced effectiveness, causing real anxiety. Dr. Ursula Mason, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland, assured patients that protocols only allow substitution with the exact same active ingredient and dose. She stressed the importance of contacting a GP if a new formulation causes problems.
Roisin Hillman, co-founder of menopause support charity Menopause Together, said women forced to switch brands have reported issues like itchy skin or patches falling off. She warned against the dangerous practice of sharing HRT with others, as a prescription tailored for one person may not suit another. The fear of losing a treatment that significantly improves quality of life and mental health is a major concern for many. The Department of Health echoed that patients unable to access their prescribed medication should speak to a healthcare professional for advice on treatment options.
Expert advice and patient guidance
Experts advise a coordinated response to handle the ongoing disruption. Pharmacist Sobia Qasim cautioned against leaving a patch on longer than prescribed, cutting patches up, or borrowing treatments. Sehar Shahid of the National Pharmacy Association urged anyone experiencing disruption to speak to their clinician. Consultant Paula Briggs said shortages are likely to recur due to a more than 10% year-on-year increase in HRT use. Shahid has called for the government to convene a taskforce to address supply chain issues.
For women seeking alternatives, several options contain the same active ingredients. The Department of Health has issued communications to healthcare professionals detailing suitable alternatives that remain available.
It is important to note that women who have had a hysterectomy typically only require oestrogen-containing HRT. HRT can be administered in various forms, including gels, sprays, pills, creams, and intrauterine systems, not only patches. Roisin Hillman advised that a practical step women can take is to request longer-term prescriptions from their GPs to stay ahead of supply gaps.
