HRT SHORTAGES LEAVES WOMEN STRUGGLING AGAIN
UK women now face a repeat performance of 2022, with thousands of menopausal women being left, yet again, without their prescription Hormone Replacement Therapy medications.
2023 has started with a return of HRT supply shortages. At The Menopause Maze we have been flooded with feedback from women using HRT from across the UK being unable to access their medication from their pharmacies. And it's a clear example of the continuing postcode lottery for women's health in menopause.
This is having a huge impact on menopausal women, with many being plunged back into a cycle of severe symptoms that is resulting in them being unwell and unable to work.
The first HRT supply shortage scandal
Back in April 2022, when the original supply issue started to severely impact, Fiona McKay, CEO and founder of The Menopause Maze, was interviewed by ITV news and on the shortage of HRT for women in the UK and its effects on menopausal women in the workplace. Fiona described it as 'scandalous' shining a spotlight on the effect this was having on women, and the reasonable adjustments, information and communication employers should sharing and supplying to their menopausal staff and line managers.
Fiona also challenged the government not to depriortise menopausal women's health and act on its promise to fulfil The Women's Health Strategy.
HRT is not a lifestyle medicine
Having had a total abdominal hysterectomy and then entering into surgical menopause, Fiona knows first hand how critical this medicine is for women to function and live.
“If you had a kidney removed, you’d need essential medication to live and survive. So why is it any different for women who have had hysterectomies and their main hormone producing organs removed? It's essential that women get access to the right HRT they need for them at the right time. It's a necessary life medication for millions of women not a discretionary or lifestyle drug”
— Fiona McKay, CEO and Founder of The Menopause Maze
What are the government doing?
In April 2022, Fiona McKay said the Government's handling of the HRT supply crisis was 'scandalous'. The then Minister for Patient Safety & Primary Care, Maria Caulfied MP, came on the interview to defend the issue and stated that there was "for the more popular products tight supply because prescription demand had increased."
Watch the Fiona McKay speak to ITV news on the HRT supply shortages here.
Also note that Maria Caulfield, MP, is now The Minister for Women and The Minister for Mental Health and is in charge of the roll-out and implementation of the new HRT Pre-Payment Certificate due to come into effect on 1 April 2023. You learn more about how to apply for a year's worth of HRT for £18.70 if you reside in England here.
The Menopause Taskforce responsible for HRT shortages hasn't met since Boris Johnson was PM
The Menopause Task Force, responsible for tackling and solving the HRT supply shortages has not met since Boris Johnson was Prime Minister.
The Government have responded saying that a meeting is imminent and they are in contact with HRT suppliers and manufacturers on a daily basis.
But, there are STILL supply shortages and its having a devastating effect on keeping women well and working.
How the supply scandal affects working women
With menopausal women being the fastest growing demographic in the workplace, not being able to access essential medications is resulting in women being unable to perform, reducing hours and taking sick leave. It’s having huge effects on workplace well-being, the gender pay gap and our wider economy.
What can employers do?
I urge employers to be communicating with all their employees asking if they are suffering from lack of access to HRT and making at the very least reasonable adjustments. This is a critical communication requirement and a central aspect of understanding the impact this maybe having on women's wellbeing.
With over 1 million women in menopause already leaving the workforce if you are an employer are you part of the problem or actively taking part in the solutions?
Get the answers that women and workplaces need on our Let's Talk HRT live webinar.
How can The Menopause Maze help?
We help high performing and high profile women leaders to keep their careers
high-gear and employers retain their talent through all stages of menopause.
NOPAUSE!™ is a first-of its kind exclusive career coaching programme for high performing and senior women to ensure that there is NOPAUSE!™ to their careers as they move through menopause. This fast track online programme equips you with six proven and evidence based transition tools from our award-winning menopause research to equip you to maintain and maximise your career as you move through menopause.
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