Don't sweat it

HORMONE replacement therapy has long been a source of relief to women going through the menopause. But with demand doubling in the last five years, stocks are running low.

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That is causing anxiety for thousands of people who count on HRT to keep hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and mood swings under control.

The British Menopause Society (thebms.org.uk) says more than 75 per cent of women, usually in their late 40s or early 50s, have menopausal symptoms, and an increasing number are taking HRT to help deal with it.

One manufacturer of a commonly used hormone replacement gel has reported supply problems. The BMS expects the shortage to be short term, but if you're struggling with a lack of medication, speak to your GP for advice.

According to the NHS, HRT “replaces the hormones that a woman's body no longer produces because of the menopause”. The two main types are oestrogen and progesterone - medication tends to be split into combined HRT (taking both hormones) and oestrogen-only HRT.