A
nationwide survey that canvassed over 2000 hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) users has proven how critical
hormones are to general health, productivity, and mental
wellness.
Almost 2300 women, alongside a small number
(1%) of other HRT users, filled out an online survey in June
and July. Led by Hawke’s Bay GP, Dr Samantha Newman, the
group responsible for the survey say they were frustrated at
the lack of action taken by Pharmac, who had failed to plan
for ongoing HRT patch shortages, leaving New Zealanders
without vital medication and not knowing where to turn.
“It was important someone listen to our people who were
struggling and that their experiences were documented,
validated and shared,” Dr Newman says. “The survey has
gifted us new knowledge, proof that HRT is not a lifestyle
choice but an essential and life-giving medication, and the
perspective to prioritise hormonal health.”
Newman,
who runs clinics for women facing perimenopause and
menopause, along with other women’s health concerns, says
despite hearing worrying stories daily from patients
desperate to find the medicines they need, even she was
surprised at the results.
“The survey – which we
think is the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand –
drew responses from people who feared for their jobs, their
relationships and their lives. 95 percent had had difficulty
accessing their prescription. Almost all had experienced
worsening symptoms without access to HRT – 84 percent
reported a negative impact on their wellbeing, 65 percent
reported physical decline, and over half said their
relationships had been impacted.”
Many of the
experiences shared were heartbreaking, says Dr
Newman.
“I am feeling anxious and depressed,”
wrote one respondent, “and I find it hard to function.”
Another: “I am less capable at work, particularly in
stressful situations where I previously would have
thrived.”
And a third: “For me, the HRT is the
difference between a liveable and unliveable
life.”
Productivity has also been adversely
affected, with a third stating that the shortages have
affected their ability to perform in their job. 20 percent
of teachers and another 20 percent of nurses surveyed have
had to skip work due to their worsening health. “And
that’s a huge issue for our country when – even when fully
staffed to current levels – our hospitals, medical
facilities and schools are stretched,” notes Dr
Newman.
Other interesting findings were reduced
reliance on other medications, such as pain or anxiety
medications, when HRT was prescribed. “This excites me as
it is what I see every day. And now I have some statistics
to back up my experience. There are many health concerns
that don’t tick the traditional ‘menopause’ box, but
actually are impacted by hormones. We need more research in
this area to ensure women access the right medication for
their diagnosis.”
HRT patch shortages have placed
users under significant financial strain as they spend more
money on travelling to alternative pharmacies searching for
medication, switching to unfunded medications or paying for
additional medical appointments. Over half of respondents
had shelled out for extra prescriptions during the
shortages.
One user described the lack of medication,
information and support as “shocking and frightening. It’s
as dangerous as heart medication or stroke prevention
medication not being available,” and Dr Newman says the
comment is typical of the confusion and concern hormone
users have felt since the shortages began. “Many expressed
anger that the government had not predicted the shortage and
responded sooner. A common theme was that this neglect from
Pharmac would not happen with a medicine that primarily
treats men,” she says.
She also notes the toll the
shortages have taken on users who have tried almost
everything to keep themselves well.
“Many have
resorted to DIY solutions because they are not able to
access the medication they need. This includes lowering
doses and borrowing from others. One person wrote that they
felt like a drug dealer, having to ask others to share their
patches, or paying people online to get their
supply.”
Pharmac recently opened consultation on a
proposal to fund an estrogen gel, news that Dr Newman
wholeheartedly supports. “Women have the highest rates of
suicide in mid-life, and finding ways to get them the
medication they require is of utmost
importance.”
Newman recently developed and delivered
an education session for primary care providers on issues
related to HRT and the shortage of medicines. The full day
online course was attended by more than 400,
“demonstrating there is an eagerness within the medical
profession to understand hormones and support our wāhine”
she says.
Following the training day, Dr Newman says
she was increasingly questioned by patients, pharmacists and
healthcare professionals about how to navigate the patch
shortages. “So I spent every evening one week, plus my
weekend, developing an advice leaflet. It was arranged at
short notice due to the lack of support given at a
government level to primary care around these particular
issues – there’s such demand and it shouldn’t really
be an exhausted GP who is taking on this role on top of a
fulltime job!”
Now, she’s hoping insights from the
HRT users survey, which will be presented to government
health officials, will help spearhead change. “I feel if
policy makers more deeply understand how life-giving
estrogen is, it will become obvious that this isn’t just
about hot flushes. It’s not a supplement or a lifestyle
choice. It’s vital medication and continued access needs
to be a
priority.”
© Scoop Media
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
Discussion about this post