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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be made available from pharmacies without requiring a prescription for the first time.
The outcome will be dependent on the results of a consultation launched the UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, which wants to reclassify vaginal oestrogen tablets as a pharmacy medicine.
Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets (estradiol) are inserted into the vagina rather than taken orally, and work to relieve symptoms such as dryness, soreness, burning, itching and painful intercourse.
The tablets are for women who are aged 50 or older who have not had a period for at least one year. Should the product be reclassified, pharmacists will have access to training materials and a checklist to enable them to identify women who can be supplied with this medicine safely.
The first time such a change has been considered
The MHRA are asking GPs, pharmacists and members of the public for their views on whether this product should become a pharmacy medicine and available over the counter, without a prescription.
The regulator notes that: “This is the first time such a change has been considered, making it important that women’s and the public’s views are heard.”
Dr Laura Squire, Chief Healthcare Quality and Access Officer at the MHRA, said: “Every response we receive will be vital in helping us gain a better picture of whether people think this form of vaginal HRT should be available over the counter.
“The menopause can cause unpleasant symptoms and HRT-based medications form an important part of alleviating them. This is why it’s so important for us to hear what women think about this possible reclassification.
“We want to hear from as many people, health care professionals and women’s groups as possible.”
The majority of menopausal women experience symptoms which can have a negative impact on everyday life
With millions of women in the UK going through the menopause every year and the majority experiencing some symptoms that can be severe and have a negative impact on everyday life, Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield, says it is important that women can access HRT easily “to reduce the impact of the menopause on their lives.”
“As a woman and a nurse, I know how challenging the symptoms of the menopause can be. In the Women’s Health Strategy call for evidence, women across the country were clear – menopause support is a key issue which we need to do more to address,” she said.
To achieve this, Ms Caufield says the government will continue to address the issue through the Menopause Taskforce and the Women’s Health Strategy, as well as working with campaigners and stakeholders to “support women as [best] they can.”
Details about the consultation, including how to take part can be found here.