Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the availability of Hormone Replacement Therapies for the menopause (a) privately and (b) on the NHS; and what plans his Department has to ensure that NHS patients have access to the most recent innovations in treatment.

The Department is aware of supply issues affecting a limited number of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products. However, most products including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues, remain available. We are working with all suppliers of HRT medicines to maintain overall supply to patients in the United Kingdom and share regular updates with the National Health Service and the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guideline on the diagnosis and management of menopause includes recommendations on the use of HRT and is currently being updated. It is for clinicians to take decisions on the prescribing of HRT if appropriate, in discussion with patients and taking account of NICE guidance.