Health crisis unfolds as thousands of Aussies struggle to access this medication
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Amid our bustling lives, where health often takes a backseat to the day-to-day demands, a silent crisis could affect thousands of Australian women.
Concerns are rising as a shortage of a key treatment option threatens to leave individuals without the support they need during a challenging stage of life.
The situation is fueling frustration, as many feel that their well-being is being overlooked during a time when adequate care is crucial.
We understand the importance of maintaining health and well-being, especially as we age.
The current shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches is more than just an inconvenience; it's a serious women's health issue that demands immediate attention and action.
HRT patches are a lifeline for many women going through menopause, providing relief from debilitating symptoms such as hot flashes, brain fog, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, and depression.
These symptoms can severely impact the quality of life, which is dire for some.
An investigation by A Current Affair has revealed the extraordinary lengths to which women will secure these essential medications.
Some are using friends' prescriptions, cutting patches in half, or even leaving them on beyond the prescribed duration.
This is unsafe and indicative of the desperation many are feeling.
Trudy Wendt, a resident of Queensland, exemplified the struggle many women face.
‘I've spent hours calling different pharmacies. Sometimes I'm told, 'Yes, our pharmacy in Brisbane somewhere will have it', but by the time you get there, they no longer have them in stock,’ she said.
‘It causes a lot of anxiety.’
Shelly Horton, a writer and advocate for women's health, has been vocal about her own experiences with peri-menopause and the current HRT shortage.
‘Women are really mad,’ she emphasised.
‘This is not a luxury. When you lose your estrogen, you are losing vital parts for your bones, your brain and your heart. This is what we're replacing. It is not a beauty thing. It is actually saving women's lives.’
Horton's advocacy has resonated with many women exasperated by Australia's supply challenges.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised doctors to avoid prescribing the patches to new patients and has given pharmacists special provisions to supply alternatives.
However, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) does not always cover these alternatives, potentially doubling some women's costs.
The Australian Medical Association President, Dr Danielle McMullen, acknowledged the frustrations and encouraged women not to suffer in silence.
She pointed out that there are options available and that pharmacists can source alternatives from overseas, though this may involve additional costs and new prescriptions.
The TGA has attributed the shortage to manufacturing issues and a surge in demand, a problem that is being felt internationally.
Efforts are being made to minimise the impact on patients, but the shortage of most varieties of Estradot, for example, is expected to last until the end of the year.
A recent senate inquiry into menopause and peri-menopause made 22 legislative recommendations, including encouraging drug companies to manufacture patches in Australia.
However, the TGA has stated that they cannot compel manufacturers to do so.
This crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of our healthcare system and the need for robust solutions to ensure that essential medications are accessible to all who need them.
It's a call to action for better support and awareness around women's health issues.
Members, if you or someone you know is affected by the HRT patch shortage, we urge you to speak with your healthcare provider about alternative treatments and to reach out to support networks.
Your health is too important to be left to chance.
In other news, menopause hormone therapy, especially oestrogen alone, may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease if started within ten years of menopause.
The 'critical window hypothesis' proposes that beginning oestrogen-based MHT early during the menopause transition could provide neuroprotective benefits. You can read more about it here.
How has the HRT shortage impacted you or your loved ones? What steps have you taken to manage your health during this crisis? Your stories and insights can help others feel less alone and more empowered to seek the help they need.
Concerns are rising as a shortage of a key treatment option threatens to leave individuals without the support they need during a challenging stage of life.
The situation is fueling frustration, as many feel that their well-being is being overlooked during a time when adequate care is crucial.
We understand the importance of maintaining health and well-being, especially as we age.
The current shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches is more than just an inconvenience; it's a serious women's health issue that demands immediate attention and action.
HRT patches are a lifeline for many women going through menopause, providing relief from debilitating symptoms such as hot flashes, brain fog, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, and depression.
Australian women are facing a health crisis due to a national shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) transdermal patches. Credit: MStudioImages / iStock
These symptoms can severely impact the quality of life, which is dire for some.
An investigation by A Current Affair has revealed the extraordinary lengths to which women will secure these essential medications.
Some are using friends' prescriptions, cutting patches in half, or even leaving them on beyond the prescribed duration.
This is unsafe and indicative of the desperation many are feeling.
Trudy Wendt, a resident of Queensland, exemplified the struggle many women face.
‘I've spent hours calling different pharmacies. Sometimes I'm told, 'Yes, our pharmacy in Brisbane somewhere will have it', but by the time you get there, they no longer have them in stock,’ she said.
‘It causes a lot of anxiety.’
Shelly Horton, a writer and advocate for women's health, has been vocal about her own experiences with peri-menopause and the current HRT shortage.
‘Women are really mad,’ she emphasised.
‘This is not a luxury. When you lose your estrogen, you are losing vital parts for your bones, your brain and your heart. This is what we're replacing. It is not a beauty thing. It is actually saving women's lives.’
Horton's advocacy has resonated with many women exasperated by Australia's supply challenges.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised doctors to avoid prescribing the patches to new patients and has given pharmacists special provisions to supply alternatives.
However, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) does not always cover these alternatives, potentially doubling some women's costs.
The Australian Medical Association President, Dr Danielle McMullen, acknowledged the frustrations and encouraged women not to suffer in silence.
She pointed out that there are options available and that pharmacists can source alternatives from overseas, though this may involve additional costs and new prescriptions.
The TGA has attributed the shortage to manufacturing issues and a surge in demand, a problem that is being felt internationally.
Efforts are being made to minimise the impact on patients, but the shortage of most varieties of Estradot, for example, is expected to last until the end of the year.
A recent senate inquiry into menopause and peri-menopause made 22 legislative recommendations, including encouraging drug companies to manufacture patches in Australia.
However, the TGA has stated that they cannot compel manufacturers to do so.
This crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of our healthcare system and the need for robust solutions to ensure that essential medications are accessible to all who need them.
It's a call to action for better support and awareness around women's health issues.
Members, if you or someone you know is affected by the HRT patch shortage, we urge you to speak with your healthcare provider about alternative treatments and to reach out to support networks.
Your health is too important to be left to chance.
In other news, menopause hormone therapy, especially oestrogen alone, may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease if started within ten years of menopause.
The 'critical window hypothesis' proposes that beginning oestrogen-based MHT early during the menopause transition could provide neuroprotective benefits. You can read more about it here.
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