What you need to know if you are struggling to source Utrogestan.
If you or anyone you know is on HRT, (Hormone replacement therapy) chances are you will be aware of the severe shortages currently of Utrogestan, a commonly used progesterone in combined HRT.
So frustrating has the situation become that we have even heard of women giving up trying to source it entirely, whilst continuing with the oestrogen part of their HRT (patches, gels or pills).
Dr Jacqui Tuckey, consultant gynaechologist
Dr Jacqui Tuckey, Winchester GP’s consultant gynaecologist, and head of our menopause support service feels it’s really important to understand why the progesterone is prescribed, the risks of not taking it, and what you can do if your pharmacist’s cupboard is completely bare...
Why do we take progesterone as part of HRT?
In terms of managing the troublesome symptoms of the menopause, the oestrogen component of your HRT really is the heroine. But that doesn’t mean that progesterone is not important. We take it because it protects the lining of the womb from becoming overly thickened and irregular, and ultimately to protect you from cancer.
Symptoms wise, the worst you are likely to notice from a lack of utrogestan, in the short term at least, is an altered bleeding pattern, or a return to a bleed if you did not have one at all. However this does not mean that you can do without it – it’s doing a long term protective job, so read on for our tips.
So what are your options?
1) Perservere: Supplies of utrogestan are sporadic, with supply dribbling through in unpredictable ways. Therefore it’s well worth being best friends with your local pharmacists, and if you are passing any on your travels, definitely pop in on the off chance- you might just get lucky.
2) Use an alternative: Don’t panic - there are alternatives to utrogestan that a suitably qualified practitioner can prescribe- so do book in to speak to your prescriber, or if this is not possible, simply book in with one of our friendly team who can talk you through your options and prescribe accordingly. Please don’t let yourself go more than a few weeks without progesterone without getting medical advice.
What about ‘alternative’ sources of utrogestan
We are aware that some patients have sourced medications from overseas when on holiday from countries, such as Spain, where utrogestan can be bought over the counter. Whilst we cannot vouch for this method, if you are considering it, we would strongly suggest that you
a) source your medication in person (no obscure overseas postal services),
b) use a verifiably legitimate high street pharmacy.
c) Insist on speaking to the on-site pharamacist and take the packet for your current medication with you so that you can verify that you are purchasing exactly the same formulation
Wishing you well,
Winchester GP 😊