HRT drug is reconsidered for Scotland

Amuch sought-after hormone replacement therapy for women in menopause is being reconsidered for use in Scotland.

Utrogestan is being invited for resubmission after Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) rejected the drug in 2009.

The call for the progesterone to be redistributed comes after the Channel 4 documentary, Sex, Mind and Menopause, explored the latest medical science on menopause.

This follows growing concerns of HRT shortages after the UK Government announced it was rationing supplies.

Kate Muir, producer of the Channel 4 documentary, said Utrogestan is the “best progesterone”.

Speaking on Good Morning Scotland, Ms Muir said: “For your hormone replacement therapy you need progesterone and estrogen.

“Utrogestan is body identical so it’s made from yams and it’s got the safest profile of any progestin in HRT at the moment.

“For years and years in Scotland, there was a big postcode lottery and in some other parts of England where you couldn’t get it.

“It was from 2009 that the SMC had said it was too expensive for the women of Scotland.”

“If that changes that will be fantastic for women.”

Utrogestan is better

tolerated by many women and has a lower risk of breast cancer compared to synthetic progestogens. However, that comes at an additional cost.

It was claimed that Utrogestan cost £18 more per year, per woman, than the next less expensive drug.

Currently the drug is not recommended by SMC and

therefore, it cannot be prescribed through a GP. However, it is understood some women are securing it through a private prescription.

Ms Muir said it makes a huge difference to not just hot flushes but also depression, anxiety and osteoporosis.

She recommended women research HRT and

take a note of the symptoms they are experiencing from menopause when visiting the GP.

“And if you’re armed with that, (the GPs) will look at that and say that makes sense to me too.

“So it’s really, really good to have a symptoms list and feel confident about asking for the best HRT for you.”

‘THE BEST’: Utrogestan will be resubmitted to the Scottish Medicines Consortium.