Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure hormone replacement therapy suppliers can meet the current level of demand for those medications.

There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products available in the United Kingdom and most remain in good supply. Due to a range of factors including an increase in demand, there have been supply issues with a limited number of products. However, alternatives to those experiencing supply issues are available.

On 5 May 2022, the Department met with suppliers, wholesalers and representatives from community pharmacy, including those affected by shortages, to discuss HRT availability. The Department is regularly engaging with suppliers to expedite resupply dates of the disrupted HRT products and with other suppliers to source alternatives and prevent future shortages. The HRT Supply Taskforce is working with the sector on measures to ensure the efficient use of current stock and increase supply in the immediate future and the long term.