Medication shortage leaves female over-60s desperate

Australian women have been left fuming after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced there is a shortage in supply of oestrogen patches across the country.

Oestrogen patches are often prescribed for women going through menopause to help relieve symptoms of hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and aches and pains.

The TGA says “manufacturing” issues mean two of the most popular patches, Estradot and Estalis, are currently unavailable.

Oestrogen tablets are still available, but can cause blood clots in menopausal women.

Tris Raouf, 75, told The Sydney Morning Herald she has been using the hormone replacement drug for 20 years and relies on it to relieve daily pain.

“This is devastating for many, many women,” she said. “In some cases it literally keeps them alive and in others greatly improves their quality of life.

“If it was Viagra, it would have been solved overnight and there would be one heck of a stink.

“They think we are funny old chooks, but I’m virtually dead without it.”

A Health Department spokeswoman told SMH that 63,972 women had been issued a prescription for at least one of these oestrogen brands in the last financial year.

However, it is believed the figure could be higher including private prescription.

Do you rely on this medication? Have you used it in the past?