Women in wealthy areas are twice as likely to get access to HRT, official data shows

Menopause specialists have said women struggling with debilitating hot flushes, sleepless nights and insomnia were too often short-changed if they were not prepared to fight for access to therapy.

NHS figures show the number of women prescribed HRT has risen by 29 per cent in a year, with 2.34 patients receiving the therapy in 2022/23, up from 1.8m in 2021/22.

The number of items prescribed has risen by 47 per cent over the period, amid rising awareness of different combinations of therapy. 

Shortages of HRT while demand rose saw several products rationed in recent years, with some women turning to a black market in desperation, and bartering and swapping medicines on social media groups, as supply failed to keep up with demand.

The NHS prescribing data is contained in a report by Theramex UK and Ireland, a pharmaceutical company which specialises in women’s health.

‘Many still having to fight to get treatment’

Tina Backhouse, the company’s general manager, said:  “It is not right that women face a cruel lottery for essential care.” 

“Over the past five years demand for Hormone Replacement Therapy has soared. Unfortunately, access has not met demand and too many women are still having to fight to get the treatment they need.

“All women should expect to be able to choose when it comes to their menopause treatment whether HRT is the right option for them or not. Whilst HRT may not be suitable for every woman, for others, without HRT they will struggle to live well, hold down their job or manage their daily life.”

Highlighting the lottery in access, she said: “Menopause is still too often seen as an issue for white, middle-class women; due to deeply ingrained cultural and sometimes language barriers, women’s access to basic care is defined not by their need but by the community they live in.”

Janet Lindsay, chief executive officer of the charity Wellbeing of Women, said: “While HRT is not right for everyone, women deserve the opportunity to receive whichever form of support is best for them. Crucially, women need access to facts not fearmongering when it comes to HRT, so that they can make the right decision for them.”