HRT alert setup
Track your exact HRT product
HRT shortages often affect one strength or formulation while others remain available. Check the exact product page and track it if brand, dose or route continuity matters for your treatment plan.
If you have already run out, an emergency supply is usually faster than ringing round. Pharmacists cannot make an emergency supply of Schedule 1, 2 or 3 controlled drugs, such as ADHD stimulants, whoever asks (phenobarbital for epilepsy is the only exception): you need a new prescription, from your prescriber or through NHS 111. If you are still looking, check the national shortage status before you travel.
Get an emergency supply → Check stock & shortage status →Quick Status: All HRT Products
Current Shortages by Product Type
Estradot Patches
Estradot 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg & 100mcg patches
Serious ShortageNHSBSA SSPSSP079–SSP082 are in place for all four Estradot strengths (25, 50, 75 and 100 microgram) until 8 January 2027 (NHSBSA, amended 2 October 2026).
Estradot has been in recurring shortage since 2021. The key thing to know: Evorel and Estraderm MX patches contain the same active ingredient (estradiol) in the same doses. They are clinically equivalent. The protocols ask pharmacists to talk to you about possible side effects of the alternative patch, such as breakthrough bleeding, irritation caused by wearing an alternative patch, or patches coming off or not adhering properly. If side effects persist, go back to your prescriber.
Progynova TS — Being Discontinued
Progynova TS 50mcg & 100mcg patches — DISCONTINUED
DiscontinuedDHSC MSNPermanently discontinued from late December 2025 (50mcg) and February 2026 (100mcg). This is not a temporary shortage.
Oestrogel
Oestrogel Pump-Pack 0.06% gel
No current official shortageHistoric SSPMediWatch's latest official data does not show Oestrogel Pump-Pack as a current active shortage.
Sandrena Gel
Sandrena 0.5mg & 1mg gel sachets
No current official shortageHistoric SSPMediWatch's latest official data does not show Sandrena gel as a current active shortage.
Utrogestan (Progesterone)
Utrogestan 100mg capsules
No active SSPNHSBSA SSPNHSBSA's active SSP table does not currently list Utrogestan. The historic Utrogestan SSP056 expired in 2023.
If you take Utrogestan as part of combined HRT, do not simply stop the progesterone part — this increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Speak to your GP urgently about alternatives.
Ovestin Cream
Ovestin 1mg cream (estriol 0.1%)
No current official shortageHistoric SSPNo Ovestin SSP is active. The Ovestin® SSPs (SSP020, SSP024 and SSP025) ran in 2022 and ended on 30 November 2022 (NHSBSA), and there is no current DHSC notice for Ovestin in our data (checked 15 October 2026). Ovestin is a topical estriol cream used for vaginal dryness and urogenital symptoms.
What's Actually Available Right Now
There is no active DHSC notice or SSP for Evorel, Estraderm MX, FemSeven, Elleste Solo/Duet or Femoston in our data (checked 15 October 2026). FemSeven Conti® (the combined patch) is different: DHSC MSN/2026/048 says FemSeven Conti® patches “are out of stock until late-November 2026.” No notice does not guarantee that your local pharmacy has stock.
Understanding HRT Types
- Transdermal patches (Estradot, Evorel, FemSeven) — deliver estradiol through the skin. Lower VTE risk than tablets.
- Topical gels (Oestrogel, Sandrena) — applied daily to the skin. Same safety profile as patches.
- Oral tablets (Elleste, Femoston, Premique) — taken daily. Convenient but slightly higher VTE risk.
- Vaginal preparations (Ovestin cream, Vagifem) — for local urogenital symptoms only. Not systemic HRT.
- Progesterone (Utrogestan) — needed alongside oestrogen if you have a uterus. Can also be provided by Mirena coil.
What to Do If Your HRT Is Affected
- Don't stop HRT abruptly — this can trigger a return of menopausal symptoms.
- Ask your pharmacist about SSP alternatives — if you use Estradot®, your pharmacist can supply Evorel® or Estraderm® MX patches of the same strength under SSP079–SSP082.
- Try different pharmacies. Independent pharmacies sometimes have stock when chains don't.
- Consider a different delivery method. If patches are unavailable, gels or tablets may work.
- Don't stockpile — order your normal monthly supply.
Further Reading
- HRT shortage UK — latest updates and timeline
- HRT shortage timeline from 2022 to 2026
- What to do when your prescription is out of stock
- Completely run out? How NHS 111 and pharmacists arrange an emergency supply
Related Condition Pages
Last checked: 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC.