For months there has been a shortage in Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT patch medication, causing discomfort and distress for those suffering from symptoms of menopause. The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has just released an update on the ongoing situation surrounding the shortage - the wait will continue. So we spoke to a chemist and sought the advice of a naturopath to discuss alternative solutions.

The TGA has reported, “Pharmaceutical company Sandoz has notified us of shortages of estradiol and combination estradiol/norethisterone transdermal patch products. These medicines are used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the management of perimenopause and menopause.”

Together with the discontinuation of the Climara brand of patches in late 2023, the scarcity in supply has been exacerbated.

Patches are a popular form of medication as it is a simple method of dosing that provides a more steady supply of estrogen and has reduced risk of some side effects. 

The TGA has acknowledged the problems coming from the shortage and says, “We understand the importance of a reliable supply of these medicines for the patients who use them, and we appreciate the concern and frustration these shortages have caused.”

Pharmacists are also frustrated at the unreliability of the supply, but they can do little about it. Following are the dates that supply is estimated to return:  

The TGA have sourced alternative products that can be substituted, “To help with supply, we have approved access to overseas-registered versions of Estradot.” However, this option is not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

Kyle Wood from Southside Chempro confirmed, “We have been able to source some alternative brands from manufacturers. Some of them were German-branded products that are roughly equivalent to some of the ones that have been short. But there are some where there aren't any comparable alternatives.

(Kyle says that this alternative is approx. $25 per month)

“The TGA is trying to do the best they can, but it's impossible to know exactly when stocks will be in proper supply again. Quite often, they could say that it's a couple of days from now, or it could be tomorrow and then all of a sudden, it will be updated to be next month.

“Because the different products have a variety of dosages and different progesterone and estrogen analogues, it's not something that we can just easily switch over. Doctors need to prescribe the correct alternative product to use.”

Jo Mulcahy from Northern Rivers Naturopath, told us about a couple of other ways of finding relief. By visiting your local naturopath, “you can have your symptoms assessed and target them with remedies. Probably a range of creams and / or herbs dependant on what you are having trouble with.” 

Fundies have naturopaths on site, and are seeing the effects of women coming to them for relief. However, even natural remedies are having a hard time keeping stocked on the shelves. Jo says, “What's happening is our industry is compensating for the lack of HRT around and now the natural remedy industry can’t keep up. So we're making a cream here that's imitating one of the popular ones that was selling and is now out of stock.”

The other way to go about your health is with a specialised naturopathic check-up. Jo specialises in epigenetics - the study of how your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. She explained the process where your DNA is read, and the naturopath makes recommendations based on what works with your genetic makeup.

Jo explains, “With menopause some people will suffer more than others. The reasoning behind that would be able to be shown in a genetics test. Estrogen can act quite differently on your system, from person to person.”

Naturopaths offer a range of consultative methods, and it is a good idea to find one that offers a path to health that you are comfortable with. If DNA testing appeals to you, you can contact Jo Mulcahy on 0423 815 650 for more information and a consultation.