Medics launch NHS menopause review amid drug shortages

HEALTH chiefs to review menopause advice in the wake of hormone replacement therapy shortages.

The NHS regulator is set to investigate the health effects of HRT for middle-aged women and the benefits of counselling.

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It comes as women and medical professionals, including our own Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign, are calling for a spotlight on symptoms and better ways to help patients.

dr Gail Allsopp of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said: “We recognize the impact that menopause can have and the need for updated guidance.

“We are working flat out on this update to ensure it can be implemented as soon as possible.”

Ministers began rationing certain hormone drugs in April as pharmacies ran out, leaving menopausal women drug-free.

Pharmacists have been given additional powers to swap out-of-print drugs for similar ones to help ease the crisis.

Many who go through menopause experience negative effects such as anxiety, depression, hot flashes, night sweats, and problems in the bedroom.

NICE experts will examine new evidence about HRT and other therapies to see if doctors can better manage menopause.

They expect to release a new policy for physicians in August next year.

Health Secretary Maria Caulfield said: “Most women experience menopausal symptoms, some of which can be very serious.

“It is critical that these can be managed effectively so that women can get on with their lives.”