Shortages hit Estradot and FemSeven Conti HRT patches across the UK
The Department of Health has confirmed supply disruption of Estradot and FemSeven Conti HRT patches. Pharmacists and doctors advise women to seek same-dose alternatives through a GP or pharmacist and not to self-medicate or share HRT.
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The story, neutrally told
Centre · 1The Department of Health has confirmed supply disruptions affecting two HRT patch brands, Estradot transdermal and FemSeven Conti, which it said face manufacturing or distribution delays. BBC NewsN “The affected products include Estradot transdermal and FemSeven Conti, both of which are currently facing manufacturing or distribution delays.” Read at BBC News ↗ Centre · 1The department described ongoing issues with Estradot patches and a more recent disruption to FemSeven Conti, and said communications on suitable alternatives had been sent to healthcare professionals. BBC NewsN “including ongoing issues with Estradot transdermal patches and a more recent disruption affecting FemSeven Conti patches.” Read at BBC News ↗ Centre · 1Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot patches are in place until 8 January 2027, letting pharmacists supply alternatives without a new prescription where the patient agrees. BBC NewsN “permitting pharmacists to supply alternative products to patients without the need for a new prescription, where the patient has agreed to this.” Read at BBC News ↗
Left · 1The Guardian, citing a medicine supply notification issued this week, reported that FemSeven Conti is out of stock until late November and that Estradot shortages are not expected to end until January. The GuardianLC “FemSeven Conti patches are out of stock and are expected to remain so until late November.”“the situation is not expected to end until January.” Read at The Guardian ↗ Left · 1Estradot shortages date back to December 2024 according to the NHS Business Services Authority, and the National Pharmacy Association's Sehar Shahid called them the second longest running individual medicine shortage in the UK. The GuardianLC “The shortages of some products began in December 2024, according to NHSBSA.”“shortages of Estradot being the second longest running individual medicine shortage in the UK” Read at The Guardian ↗ Left · 1Almost 2 million women in England aged 40 and over were prescribed HRT in 2025-26, and menopause specialist Paula Briggs expects further shortages because use is rising by more than 10% a year. The GuardianLC “almost 2 million women in England aged 40 and above were prescribed HRT for menopause symptoms in 2025-26”“because year on year we’re seeing a more than 10% increase in use” Read at The Guardian ↗
Left · 1For FemSeven Conti, the notification lists Evorel Conti, Estradot Conti 30/95 and Estradot Conti 40/130 as alternatives; these use a different progestogen, norethisterone, and are changed twice a week rather than once. The GuardianLC “alternaive patches include Evorel Conti, Estradot Conti 30/95 and Estradot Conti 40/130.” Read at The Guardian ↗ Mixed · 2Briggs said keeping the same estradiol dose is what matters and that the different progestogen should not harm symptom control, while the Royal College of GPs Northern Ireland chair Dr Ursula Mason said substitutions only allow the same active ingredient at the same dose. The GuardianLC “keeping the same dose of estradiol was the important aspect.” Read at The Guardian ↗ BBC NewsN “the protocol in place only allows a substitution for exactly the same active ingredient at the same dose.” Read at BBC News ↗ Mixed · 2Pharmacists and charities warned women not to self-medicate, share HRT, cut patches or leave them on longer than prescribed, and to consult a GP or pharmacist; Menopause Together's Roisin Hillman said some who switched brands reported itchy skin or patches falling off. BBC NewsN “Please do not share HRT with other women because what is prescribed to you may not suit someone else”“reported side effects like itchy skin or patches falling off.” Read at BBC News ↗ The GuardianLC “cautioned against leaving a patch on for longer than prescribed, cutting patches up or borrowing HRT treatments from others.” Read at The Guardian ↗
Left · 1Shahid urged the government to act, saying the new secretary of state should convene a taskforce covering the whole supply chain. The GuardianLC “The new secretary of state should convene a taskforce to fully grasp this issue, bringing together all aspects of the supply chain” Read at The Guardian ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- Explainer-style guide on which products are affected and what women can do, with expert quotes and calls for government action.
- Emphasis
- Duration of shortages, rising demand, clinical reassurance on like-for-like alternatives, and a call for a taskforce.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not report the Department's own statement or the Northern Ireland pharmacy perspective.
- For example
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“The new secretary of state should convene a taskforce to fully grasp this issue, bringing together all aspects of the supply chain” — The Guardian
Centre1 outlet
- Framing
- Public-health warning led by the Department of Health's confirmation, with Northern Ireland pharmacy, GP and charity voices urging women not to self-medicate.
- Emphasis
- Official statement, shortage protocol dates, anxiety and side effects from switching brands.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Gives no expected end dates for FemSeven Conti or specific alternatives, and no data on prevalence of HRT use.
- For example
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“Women have been warned against self-medicating to manage menopause symptoms amid a shortage of some Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medications.” — BBC News
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- Estradot and FemSeven Conti HRT patches are in short supply in the UK.
- Women should speak to a GP or pharmacist about alternatives and not share HRT.
Department of Health and Social Care organisation
Says it is aware of supply disruptions across the UK, has told healthcare professionals about alternatives, and that shortage protocols let pharmacists substitute Estradot patches until 8 January 2027.
“Communications have been issued to healthcare professionals regarding the products affected” — BBC News
Left1 article
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UK HRT shortages: which products are affected and what to do about it?
Sympathetic Practical explainer stressing the long-running nature of the shortages and including a call for government action.
Centre1 article
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Warning to women amid shortages of some HRT products
Neutral Reports the official confirmation and local professionals' advice to women to seek guidance rather than self-medicate.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 15 Oct 00:01 First BBC NewsN Warning to women amid shortages of some HRT products
- 15 Oct 18:45 +18h 45m The GuardianLC UK HRT shortages: which products are affected and what to do about it?
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.
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