Pharmac says it is "actively managing supply issues" with two forms of funded Hormone Replacement Therapy used to help manage the symptoms of menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is most often used as a patch which sticks to the body, but can also be prescribed in a gel or a tablet form. The treatment is used to help manage the symptoms of menopause, replacing low levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
Obtaining enough HRT patches to meet demand has been an ongoing issue since 2023, when women were left "frustrated" by global shortages following the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the years since, Pharmac has successfully sought funding for alternative forms of HRT, including Estrogel branded oestradiol gel in 2025.
Pharmac's director of pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin told 1News that oestradiol patches (Estradot) and progesterone capsules (Utrogestan) continue to be "affected by global supply issues".
"This is because the factory that makes Estradot cannot make enough to keep up with global demand. While we are securing as much stock as the supplier can provide for New Zealand, supply remains tight and unpredictable," he explained.
He said Pharmac understood "how difficult and disruptive supply issues can be for people who rely on these medicines as part of their everyday wellbeing".
"We understand that continued access to these treatments are important for people, and uncertainty about supply can be difficult and disruptive. While we can’t prevent these supply issues from happening, we are doing everything we can to help people to access the treatment they need," he said.
However, he said there could be "a short period" where the 75mcg strength of Estradot would be unavailable.
"Pharmac is working closely with the supplier (Sandoz) to manage a supply issue affecting the 75mcg strength of Estradot patches. Other strengths of Estradot patches are not currently affected, but overall supply of Estradot remains fragile and vulnerable to further disruption. A shipment of more than two months' supply of the 75mcg strength of Estradot patches is due to arrive in New Zealand next week and is expected to ease immediate pressure.
"There is no supply issue affecting the alternative funded oestradiol patch, Estradiol TDP Mylan, and the supplier has confirmed it can meet demand."
He added that supply of progesterone capsules were also tight due to increased global demand, long manufacturing lead times, and a recent freight issue.
"To help maintain access for as many people as possible, wholesalers are carefully controlling the supply of progesterone to pharmacies, and from May 1 Pharmac will also temporarily remove three-monthly (all at once) dispensing for progesterone, meaning only one month will be dispensed at a time.
This was to ensure there was enough supply to go around until new shipments arrive, expected throughout May.
Since becoming aware of these issues, Martin said Pharmac had reached out to advocacy groups and pharmacists to understand their experiences and what support they may need.
He said other funded hormone treatments were also available, and people experiencing difficulty getting their patches should talk to their Health Care Professional about alternatives.
Alongside HRT, some also choose to make some lifestyle changes to potentially help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause during this transitional period.
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