Many women going through menopause use oestrogen patches, a menopausal hormone therapy/hormone replacement treatment (MHT/HRT) used to manage menopausal symptoms.
There has been a shortage of these products this year, including Estradot (oestrogen only) and Estalis (combined oestrogen and progestogen). Jean Hailes for Women's Health featured in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in a story in April about the shortage of oestrogen patches.
Supplies are now resuming. With questions still being raised about the shortage, however, we asked Jean Hailes Medical Director Dr Elizabeth Farrell and Jean Hailes endocrinologist Dr Sonia Davison for some further advice.
When are supplies expected to return to normal?
Novartis, a pharmaceutical company that supplies some oestrogen patches, advised Jean Hailes that its stock of Estradot and Estalis is now available.
What happens if my preferred product is still in short supply?
There are alternative MHT/HRT options available, including a topical gel or substituting with another patch, but it's best to make an appointment and talk to your health professional to work out what's appropriate for you.
I'm a health practitioner, where can I find reliable information on MHT/HRT products?
Women and health professionals can also visit the Department of Health website for more supply information. To learn more about menopause and managing menopausal symptoms, please visit the Jean Hailes Menopause webpages.
