Women have been warned against self-medicating to manage menopause symptoms amid a shortage of some Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medications.

Pharmacist Paul Irvine said he understood that women “are concerned” but urged them to speak to their GP or local chemist who could advise them about alternatives.

The warning follows official confirmation from the Department of Health that supplies of two major HRT patch brands have been disrupted.

The affected products include Estradot transdermal and FemSeven Conti, both of which are currently facing manufacturing or distribution delays.

Irvine, a pharmacy manager in Belfast, said much of the time with HRT medications, women often become comfortable with a particular brand.

“When they are short and they like to try alternatives, they may suffer side effects or it might just not work as well,” he said.

“So it is important for us as pharmacists that we are there to guide people and offer them alternative and the correct advice.”

Dr Ursula Mason, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland, said finding a substitute “can cause real anxiety for patients”.

“This can be particularly so for HRT medication when a woman has found a preparation that works well for them,” she said.

“Patients can be assured that the protocol in place only allows a substitution for exactly the same active ingredient at the same dose.

“If a woman finds that for whatever reason the new formulation is not managing their symptoms or they are having side effects, it would be important that they contact their GP to discuss both their symptoms and the options available around suitable alternatives.”

The Department of Health said it was aware of “supply disruptions” affecting some HRT medications across the UK, including ongoing issues with Estradot transdermal patches and a more recent disruption affecting FemSeven Conti patches.

“Communications have been issued to healthcare professionals regarding the products affected, including advice on suitable alternatives that remain available,” it said.

It added: “Serious Shortage Protocol (SSPs) for Estradot transdermal patches are currently in place until 8 January 2027, permitting pharmacists to supply alternative products to patients without the need for a new prescription, where the patient has agreed to this.

“If patients cannot access their prescribed medication or have concerns about an alternative, they should speak to a healthcare professional for advice about their treatment options.”

Roisin Hillman, co-founder of Menopause Together, Northern Ireland’s first menopause support charity, noted some women forced to switch brands due to medication shortages have reported side effects like itchy skin or patches falling off.

She said that ongoing HRT patch shortages are deeply frustrating for women. Once they find a medication that works, it often falls in short supply.

“This is an issue going on for years,” she said advising women to request longer-term prescriptions from their GPs to stay ahead of supply gaps.

She also warned against sharing HRT with others.

“It is also really important that if you do have a shortage, and you can’t get your normal HRT, to make sure you go back to your doctor.

“Please do not share HRT with other women because what is prescribed to you may not suit someone else so it is very important that you go back to your GP,” she said.

“I know that when women have that fear and anxiety that the HRT they are on is helping so many aspects of their life and in particular a woman’s mental health.

“If she on HRT that works for her and then if she is not getting that HRT it can be really hard.”