HRT shortages cause headaches for doctors

Doctors say that Pharmac is refusing to accept its created a problem by mishandling supplies of 50 microgram Estradot patches, a Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopause, by not notifying doctors that doses were about to run out. Women who've relied on the HRT patches are now forced to use alternatives until Pharmac can restock pharmacies. On its website the drug-buying agency says it expects stock to be available again by late July. In the meantime its sourced limited supplies of an alternative patch - Climara. But doctors say trying to reorganise prescriptions is proving to be a nightmare. And they warn that changing or suddenly stopping medication can cause a lot of anxiety. Kathryn speaks with Endocrinologist Dr Stella Milsom and Professor Beverly Lawton, Director of the Centre for Women's Health Research at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.