Lack of HRT meds sparks fears of‘suicidal thoughts’
A West Lothian woman has described how she experienced “suicidal thoughts” before being prescribed HRT and spoke of her fears over a shortage of some types of the drug.
Shortages of the medicine used to treat the symptoms of menopause, have been so severe some women have been forced to travel hundreds of miles in search of it.
Around a million women in the UK rely on HRT.
Marion Swarbrick (47), from West Lothian, said she experienced suicidal thoughts before being prescribed HRT and is concerned how she will cope if she’s no longer able to get the medicine. But with just a week’s supply left she visited a Boots store, only to be told it was unavailable.
She said: “I’m really worried about not being able to get HRT as menopause also affects moods.
“Without HRT I will become an irrational monster going between laughing, crying, suicidal and angry. “It will also bring back hot flushes. “Women will die from this if it’s not sorted out.
“I’ve also got CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) and my mental health has been awful lately. I really don’t want to have the menopause mood swings return to add to my mental health.”
HRT is a treatment designed to relieve symptoms of the menopause and the shortage has seen some desperate women turning to the black market.
Some pharmaceutical companies have blamed the problem on increased demand.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also caused issues, the British Menopause Society has previously said.
Anyone who is struggling with their mental health can contact The Samaritans on 116123 or email jo@ samaritans.org