Record number of Suffolk patients prescribed HRT as demand soars

The big picture: The surge in local prescriptions mirrors a national trend, with HRT use more than doubling across England as awareness of menopause treatment grows.

By the numbers:

• 55,726 patients received HRT in Suffolk and north east Essex in 2023-24
• Local prescriptions cost £4.5m - more than triple the £1.3m spent in 2016-17
• Around 324,000 individual prescriptions were issued locally
• Nationally, 2.6 million patients received HRT treatment

Yes, but: Despite the increase, only 18% of women aged 45-59 receive HRT on the NHS, dropping to just 10% in the most deprived areas.

Why it matters: HRT can significantly improve quality of life for those experiencing menopause symptoms like anxiety, insomnia and hot flushes by replacing hormones that naturally decline during menopause.

Between the lines: Access to treatment varies significantly across England, with patients in wealthier areas more than twice as likely to receive HRT compared to the most deprived regions.

The cost factor: While the NHS spends about £100m annually on HRT nationwide, local menopause expert Melissa Neisler Dickinson points out this represents just 0.44% of the estimated £23bn cost of treating conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia in aging women.

What they're saying: Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women's health, said the rise "reflects the sharp increase in menopause awareness" but acknowledged "there is more work to do to increase awareness and reduce inequalities in access."

Melissa, who's also the founder of the Menopause Vitamin Company, added that despite positive steps like the HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate, "there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all women have the education and support from healthcare professionals."

What's next: The NHS is rolling out women's health hubs to provide additional community care and tools to help patients manage symptoms.