Current HRT Availability — February 2026
The situation has improved markedly from the crisis of 2022-2023, but pockets of unavailability remain:
| Product | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Oestrogel | Gel | ✅ Widely available |
| Evorel patches | Patch | ⚠️ Some sizes limited |
| Elleste Solo/Duet | Tablet | ✅ Available |
| Utrogestan | Capsule | ⚠️ Intermittent issues |
| Lenzetto | Spray | ✅ Available |
| Bijuve | Combination | ✅ Available |
| Femoston | Tablet | ✅ Most strengths available |
| Premique | Tablet | ⚠️ Being discontinued |
Why Do HRT Shortages Keep Happening?
Demand Has Tripled
HRT prescriptions in England have more than tripled since 2017, driven by increased awareness of menopause symptoms and their treatability. Celebrity campaigns, documentaries, and the establishment of NHS menopause clinics have all contributed to more women seeking treatment — which is a positive public health outcome, but one that manufacturers weren't prepared for.
Limited Manufacturing Sites
Many HRT products are manufactured at a small number of facilities worldwide. Oestradiol patches, for example, are produced by only a handful of companies globally. Transdermal manufacturing (patches) is technically complex and requires specialised equipment that takes years to install and validate.
Regulatory Pathway for New Suppliers
Even when demand is clear, bringing new HRT products to the UK market takes 2-3 years due to MHRA licensing requirements. This regulatory lag means supply can't quickly respond to demand spikes.
Raw Material Constraints
Bioidentical oestradiol — the active ingredient in most modern HRT — is derived from plant sources (typically yams or soy). The purification process is complex, and the number of API manufacturers is limited.
What Changed Since the 2022 Crisis?
The government's response to the 2022 HRT crisis included several measures that have improved the situation:
- HRT Prepayment Certificate: Introduced in April 2023, allowing women to pay £18.70 per year (now £8.35 following further subsidy) for unlimited HRT prescriptions
- Madeline McTernan appointed as HRT Supply Tsar: A dedicated role to coordinate between manufacturers, wholesalers, and the NHS
- New suppliers licensed: Additional HRT products have received MHRA approval, diversifying supply
- Serious Shortage Protocols: SSPs for HRT products allow pharmacists to substitute between brands without a new prescription
- Manufacturer commitments: Companies like Theramex and Besins Healthcare have invested in expanding production capacity
What to Do If You Can't Get Your HRT
Check Multiple Pharmacies
Stock varies significantly between pharmacies. Use our pharmacy finder to identify options near you. Independent pharmacies sometimes have access to different wholesalers than chains.
Ask About Equivalent Products
Many HRT products have therapeutic equivalents. For example:
- If Evorel patches are unavailable, Estradot or FemSeven patches may be alternatives
- If oestrogen gel is unavailable in one brand, generic oestradiol gel may be in stock
- Your GP can switch you between delivery methods (patch to gel, gel to spray) if needed
Contact Your GP or Menopause Clinic
Menopause specialists can advise on clinically appropriate alternatives. If you're using a specific combination of HRT, they can suggest equivalent regimens using whatever products are available.
Use Online Pharmacies
Regulated online pharmacies sometimes have stock that high-street pharmacies don't. Ensure any online pharmacy you use is registered with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council). Compare online vs high street pharmacies →
Don't Stop Suddenly
The Bigger Picture: HRT Access in the UK
The HRT shortage highlighted broader issues with women's healthcare in the UK. The crisis led to positive changes including:
- Greater recognition of menopause as a workplace issue, with many employers now offering menopause policies
- Improved GP training on menopause management
- The establishment of more NHS menopause clinics
- Better prescribing data allowing more accurate demand forecasting
- Cross-party political support for improved access to HRT
While shortages remain frustrating, the trend is positive. Most HRT products are now available most of the time, and the infrastructure to prevent future crises is being built.
Track Your HRT Availability
MedWatch monitors HRT supply using official DHSC and manufacturer data. Sign up for free alerts to be notified the moment your specific HRT product is affected by supply issues.
Related Resources
HRT Shortage Timeline
Month-by-month tracking of availability
Medicine Out of Stock Guide
General steps when any medication is unavailable
Your Rights When Medicine Is Unavailable
Know what you're entitled to
Page last updated: 7 February 2026. Data checked daily.