Get a grip woman!

greent

HRT supply issues have been an absolute nightmare for almost 3 years now - before I was told to not get it any more I was recommended by pharmacy staff to ask to change to gel (I was just on oestrogen patches) as there is no supply issues with that - patches are virtually non existent (I only got on with one sort, so changes of type of patch/ brand were no good for me) and I think some tablet supplies are struggling too

Suffolk_lass

Thanks @greent
Mine is the gel. Issue is, the other part that balances the Oestrogel is an IUD. Without the gel, it will need yet more medical intervention if I am to change. Off to look

greent

Darn it - looks like supply issues could be hitting gel as possibly people move over (My patch was an unpopular brand and high dose so supply was ok for quite a while until it started becoming the substitute for more popular brands) Pesky hormones!

boxofpaws

If HRT was needed by men, do you think there would be a shortage? 

Suffolk_lass

@boxofpaws
Personally I think that the change to Government policy to allow women to receive a one year prescription in one prescription (charge) is behind the shortage of gel - it's another example of poor policy consultation.

Just like advertising that GP surgeries would be open weekends and evenings without actually surveying GPs to see if they were willing - hence the high cost of emergency GP providers to fill those gaps now costs the NHS double for 1/4 of the services and lots of GPs said that's it, enough, and left/retired/emigrated.

So much for "What-if, what-if, what-if..." scenarios that policy makers are supposed to test and cost before making changes to quieten successful media campaigns implement new policy.

@greent I found this link to the British Menopause Society update on HRT Supply shortages dated 22nd January 2022

Hopefully they are right and the increase in supply will address this.

greent

Hopefully so, SL - although there have been hrt supply issues of one sort or another since at least early/ mid 2019. Our GP won't let you have a year's prescription but will reissue them at 3 monthly intervals without any query/ consultation of any sort for at least 18 months (even pre covid) - just means more expense for most people!

Suffolk_lass

I think I shall ask my Doctor's surgery to issue me with a paper prescription so I can try walk-in pharmacies in a different wholesaler's group and see if I can track some down. I can see it in stock for a private prescription

debtfreeoneday

Having had menopause troubles for a year or so now i feel for you. Whilst in not on any HRT, it’s a whole new world and one I wasn’t particularly educated about im ashamed to say. My DD tells me im going through puberty backwards.  Hope you get some of the meds soon x

Suffolk_lass

On your advice @themadvix we have taken out a basic pet policy (accident and injury only) for pup only (not cat) with £2m third party liability insurance and legal advice included - Tosco Bank for £68.pp for the year. Thanks for the nudge on @edinburgher's diary

themadvix

Blimey, thanks SL, I'm glad my comment helped. I only know about it because it amuses me that we can't be held responsible for destruction done by our cats, just dogs! It seems sensible (although given what you've said about the size of your pup, I think it would be hard pushed to cause too much injury!).