HRT Shortages UK October 2026: Affected Patches & Alternatives

If you've been told that your usual HRT patches are unavailable, you're certainly not the only one. Supply problems are affecting some menopause treatments across the UK, leaving women unsure whether they can continue their medication or need to change to something else.

For anyone who has finally found an HRT treatment that works, the thought of changing it can be frustrating. Particularly if it has taken time to get the dose right.

The good news is that most HRT treatments remain available, and there are alternatives for many of the products currently affected.

Which HRT patches are affected by the UK shortages?

On 22 October 2026, HRT shortages were raised in the House of Lords. The government confirmed that three HRT products were currently affected by supply difficulties, but said that most of the approximately 70 HRT products available in the UK remained in good supply.

The supply notices currently affecting some commonly prescribed patches include:

FemSeven Conti patches

FemSeven Conti, which contains estradiol and levonorgestrel, is currently out of stock, with supplies expected to return in late November 2026.

This is a continuous combined HRT patch, generally used by women who are postmenopausal and need both oestrogen and a progestogen.

Estradot patches

Supply difficulties are also affecting Estradot patches in the following strengths:

• Estradot 25 micrograms
• Estradot 50 micrograms
• Estradot 75 micrograms
• Estradot 100 micrograms

The government has extended the Serious Shortage Protocols covering these strengths until 8 January 2027. This allows eligible prescriptions to be dispensed using specified alternative patches where appropriate.

That date is the end of the current shortage protocols, not necessarily the date when Estradot will be fully available again.

What can you use instead of FemSeven Conti?

There are other combined HRT patches available, including Evorel Conti and certain Estradot Conti preparations.

However, these aren't identical to FemSeven Conti.

Although they provide both oestrogen and a progestogen, they contain different progestogens and may deliver different hormone doses. Their application schedules can also differ.

For that reason, changing from FemSeven Conti should involve a review of your current treatment, symptoms and medical history.

Your GP or prescribing clinician can help determine which alternative is most appropriate.

What are the alternatives to Estradot patches?

If your usual Estradot strength isn't available, Evorel and Estraderm MX patches may be suitable alternatives.

Under the current Serious Shortage Protocols, the following substitutions may be permitted for eligible patients:


These alternatives contain estradiol, but patches can differ in size, adhesive, application instructions and how they feel on the skin.

Some women find one brand more comfortable or better tolerated than another.

It's also important to remember that oestrogen-only patches do not provide the progestogen protection required by most women who still have a uterus. If your existing HRT includes a separate progesterone or progestogen treatment, this will need to be considered when reviewing your prescription.

Please don't change the number of patches you use or combine different strengths without advice from your prescriber.

I've finally found an HRT that works. Will changing brands affect my symptoms?

Not necessarily.

Many women change between equivalent estradiol preparations without significant problems. However, some notice differences in symptom control, skin irritation or how well a patch stays attached.

If you do need to change, it's sensible to keep an eye on symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance and vaginal bleeding.

A change in brand doesn't automatically mean your treatment has become less effective. Equally, if symptoms return or you develop troublesome side effects, you shouldn't feel you simply have to put up with them.

Your treatment may need reviewing.

Should you stop HRT while waiting for your usual patches?

We wouldn't recommend stopping effective HRT simply because your usual brand is temporarily unavailable without first discussing alternatives.

For some women, stopping or interrupting treatment can lead to the return of symptoms that were previously well controlled.

If you're running low, contact your pharmacy or prescriber before your current supply runs out. They may be able to check availability or arrange a clinically suitable alternative.

Avoid sharing patches, cutting them unless specifically advised that your preparation permits this, or using old prescriptions without checking their suitability.

If you experience new or unexpected vaginal bleeding, particularly persistent or heavy bleeding, seek clinical advice rather than assuming it is simply due to a change in HRT.

Can you switch from HRT patches to a gel or spray?

Yes, this may be an option for some women.

Estradiol is available in several forms, including patches, gels and sprays. If a particular patch is repeatedly difficult to obtain, your clinician may discuss whether another transdermal preparation would suit you better.

However, doses aren't always directly interchangeable between products. A clinical review is important to establish an appropriate starting dose and assess your response.

The aim should be to keep your menopause symptoms controlled using a treatment that is safe, suitable and practical for you.

How Pharmulous can help

At Pharmulous, we believe menopause treatment should be individualised. Finding the right HRT can take time, and once you've established a treatment that works, continuity matters.

Our GP-led approach focuses on reviewing your symptoms, medical history and treatment needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

If your current HRT is unavailable, a clinician can assess whether an alternative formulation or dose may be suitable. Any change should take account of your existing treatment, potential risks and the need for appropriate endometrial protection.

We also recognise that menopause care doesn't end when a prescription is issued. Ongoing review is important, particularly when symptoms change or treatment needs adjusting.

If you're experiencing difficulties obtaining your usual HRT or would like your menopause treatment reviewed, contact the Pharmulous clinical team to discuss the options available.

References

1. UK Parliament. Hormone Replacement Therapy: Product Shortage. House of Lords Hansard, 22 October 2026.
2. Department of Health and Social Care, reported by Community Pharmacy England. Medicine Supply Notification: FemSeven Conti, 12 October 2026.
3. Community Pharmacy England. Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot patches further extended, 2 October 2026.
4. NHS Business Services Authority. Serious Shortage Protocols: Current Active SSPs.
5. NICE Guideline NG23. Menopause: Identification and Management.