Menopause Campaign has criticized the postcode lottery for HRT, saying women in some affluent areas may have better access to the therapy.
NHS prescribing data shows Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as well as Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire, have better supplies of HRT, which helps some menopausal women who suffer from symptoms such as low mood, hot flashes, anxiety and sleep problems.
In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, care for women aged 45 to 60 is three times higher than in north-east London, which has the lowest rates in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, according to analysis by the Daily Telegraph (SUBS – please save and explains everything). England shows statistics from Telegraph analysis).
The analysis found that six of the ten areas with the highest prescribing rates are in the south west of England, with rates also high in Suffolk and north east Essex, Sussex, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Surrey.
Five of the ten areas with the lowest prescription rates are now in London, and rates are low in the Swartland, Birmingham and Solihull, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, West Yorkshire and the North East and North Cumbria.
NHS prescribing data shows that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire have better HRT coverage (stock image)
Dr Louise Newson, a GP and menopause specialist campaigning for better access to HRT, said: “The majority of perimenopausal and menopausal women are currently not receiving hormones, which is wrong and also barbaric – this postcode lottery” come” to evidence-based treatment must change.
“Many women find it easier to be prescribed antidepressants than HRT, with antidepressant use among women in England around twice that of men, and many women being offered it for common menopausal symptoms such as depression and anxiety, but not antidepressants. “. an initial treatment.
“Women from more privileged backgrounds can often more easily acquire the knowledge to ask their GP for HRT.”
“This may also help explain the higher rates in some wealthier areas, but we need better and more appropriate education to reach everyone as women often do not always experience symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, brain fog, memory problems, sleep and joint problems not. take note.” Pain can be caused by falling hormone levels.
Carolyn Harris, Labor MP for Swansea and leader of the all-party group on menopause, told the Mail: “We are already concerned that women on lower incomes do not have the time or opportunity to learn about the symptoms of menopause and their treatment for notify.” it can cause. Work for her through the media, or take the time to find out by meeting friends for coffee, as middle-class women are more likely to do.
“This problem is exacerbated when lower HST rates are required in lower-income areas, and the large zip code lottery that naturally exists must end.”
“We need national, not local, HRT prescriptions, and we also need prescribers who can administer a wider range of medications so there are no shortages.”
“It’s too important for rates to vary depending on where you live in the country.”
More than 464,000 prepayment certificates have been issued for HST prescriptions since the launch in April (stock photo)
The national shortage of HRT led to an email campaign last year calling for more women to be informed about the symptoms and treatment options.
NHS data analysis, covering the 12 months to September 2023, shows a wider gap in care between the richest and poorest areas compared to just over a year ago.
Haitham Hamada, from the British Menopause Society, said: “Women should not be disadvantaged because of their geographical location or background, and all women should have access to menopause-related advice, support and treatment when needed.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We have put women’s health at the top of the agenda by publishing a women’s health strategy for England, appointing the first women’s health ambassador and taking action to increase provision and the cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).’
Since its launch in April, more than 464,000 HST Prepayment Certificates have been issued, enabling women to save money through a single payment for 12 months of HST.
An NHS spokesperson said: “To ensure women have the most appropriate options to choose from, all GPs are required to follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidelines when using HRT and other prescribe treatments.”
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
