Menopause Hormone Therapy Demand Surges, Triggering New Zealand Rationing as 4 in 10 UK Medical Schools Lack Training
Updated
Updated · 1News · Jun 12
Menopause Hormone Therapy Demand Surges, Triggering New Zealand Rationing as 4 in 10 UK Medical Schools Lack Training
1 articles · Updated · 1News · Jun 12
Summary
New Zealand’s Pharmac has temporarily rationed menopause hormone therapy after demand for body-identical estrogen patches, gels and progesterone capsules outpaced manufacturers’ supply.
18-year follow-up data from the Women’s Health Initiative and newer studies have rebuilt confidence in MHT, while more open discussion of menopause has pushed more women to seek treatment.
Current guidance now supports symptom-relief dosing tailored to the individual, with MHT also considered a first-line option to prevent menopause-related bone loss.
4 in 10 UK medical schools still lack mandatory menopause teaching, and many US obstetrics and gynaecology programs also lack modules, leaving some clinicians undertrained to prescribe and manage MHT.
New Zealand’s 2023 women’s health strategy prioritised menopause support, but researchers say the country still lacks local data on MHT use, patient needs and outcomes for contemporary regimens.