I can’t get my HRT, again – this second UK shortage wasn’t supposed to happen | Rose George

The government claims that supply issues have been tackled, but menopausal women know this is far from the truth

I remember the first Great HRT Shortage. The menopause removes hormones; HRT replaces them, up to a point. For six years now twice a week, I have applied two oestrogen patches – Estradot, manufactured by Novartis – to my abdomen. Every night I take 100mg of micronised progesterone. This is meant to stabilise the upheaval that the menopause causes, which has included, so far, profound depression, panic, anxiety, weeping, tinnitus, peeling skin, posterior-tibial tendonitis and bloating, increased clumsiness, impaired memory and brain fog. Upheaval? I’m a different woman now.

I know that HRT is not a lifestyle choice but a lifesaver. Women in England and Wales between the ages of 50 and 55, or prime menopause age, had the highest rates of suicide in 2021, and if you have ever sat in your car sobbing, or wondered how it was possible to feel so bleak and numb and still be living, then you will understand that awful figure.

Rose George is the author of Nine Pints: A journey through the miraculous, mysterious world of blood

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/twxsUh8