In this edition
- New Information Sheet: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) discontinuation and shortages October 2024
- World Menopause Day 2024
- Promoting oral healthcare among women in perimenopause/menopause: A mixed methods study to inform intervention strategies
Health Professionals - join AMS for Members-only content
- Menopause Matters
- Comparing the efficacy of fezolinetant with hormone and non-hormone therapies for treatment of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause
- European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) Newsletter
In this edition
New Information Sheet: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
We are pleased to present an update of the Vulvovaginal symptoms after menopause now titled Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause written by the wonderful Dr Terri Foran. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition in Australia. An understanding of both the aetiology of this common condition and the range of effective treatment options available can assist clinicians to improve the quality of life of older woman.
Dr Christina Jang
Coordinator, AMS Information and Fact Sheets
See the information sheet Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) discontinuation and shortages October 2024
Australia
Patch Shortages
There are a number of MHTs that are currently unavailable. Please note that the TGA has approved some unregistered products under Section 19A and some substitute doses are currently in supply in Australia. Pharmacists are encouraged to contact suppliers Medsurge Healthcare Pty Ltd on 1300 788 261 for orders of Estramon and Sandoz on 1800 726 369 for orders of Estradiol Transdermal System.
Oestradiol patches
| |
Expected supply due
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Alternative supply under Section 19A
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|
Dose
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Estradot
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Estraderm
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Estramon
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Estradiol Transdermal System
|
|
25 mcg
|
20 Jan 2025
|
24 Nov 2024
|
Available
|
|
|
37.5 mcg
|
20 Jan 2025
|
|
Available
|
20 Jan 2025
|
|
50 mcg
|
20 Jan 2025
|
24 Nov 2024
|
Available
|
20 Jan 2025
|
|
75 mcg
|
20 Jan 2025
|
11 Nov 2024
|
Available
|
20 Jan 2025
|
|
100 mcg
|
20 Jan 2025
|
25 Nov 2024
|
Available
|
20 Jan 2025
|
Combined patches
|
Dose
|
Estalis Sequi
|
Estalis Conti
|
|
50/140
|
Available
|
Available
|
|
50/250
|
Available
|
28 Nov 2024
|
All doses of Climara have been deleted from the market and there will be a reduction in supply until supply is exhausted.
The AMS Guide to MHT Doses (Australia only) provides a guideline to approximately equivalent doses of the different MHT/HRT products in Australia.
New Zealand
As at 17th September 2024, patch availability is provided below.
|
Dose
|
Estradot
|
Viatris
|
Estraderm MX
|
|
25mcg
|
Low
|
Available
|
Available
|
|
50mcg
|
Low
|
Available
|
|
|
75mcg
|
Low
|
Available
|
|
|
100mcg
|
Low
|
Available
|
|
More information can be found here
The AMS Guide to MHT Doses (New Zealand only) provides a guideline to approximately equivalent doses of the different MHT/HRT products in New Zealand.
Decision to fund oestradiol gel in New Zealand
From 1 November 2024, Estrogel will be funded without restriction alongside other funded presentations of oestradiol in New Zealand.
Estrogel will have Principal Supply Status (PSS) from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2027. This means that Estrogel will be the main funded brand of oestradiol gel in the community and in Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals until 31 October 2027.
See copy of announcement here
World Menopause Day 2024
The theme chosen for World Menopause Day 2024 by the International Menopause Society (IMS) was 'Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy'.
Though menopause and menopause hormone therapy are well understood in some parts of the world, they still receive little attention or remain controversial in others. This is the reason why the IMS selected it as the official theme for this year. Their goal was to ensure that they empower the individual with evidence-based resources to make fully informed choices.In support of better understanding IMS has produced a Leaflet about MHT.
The Patient Information Leaflet can be downloaded here 
The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) A Practical Guide
AMS Resources for MHT include:
Read more here
Promoting oral healthcare among women in perimenopause/menopause: A mixed methods study to inform intervention strategies
Women are at higher risk of developing oral health problems during menopause. These oral health problems can significantly affect their quality of life. However, there is currently limited evidence on the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women in perimenopause/menopause worldwide. Providing appropriate assistance during the early period of the menopausal transition could potentially reduce the prevalence of oral health problems in the perimenopausal/menopausal period and improve overall well-being in the later years.
The Australian Centre for Integration of Oral health (ACIOH), Western Sydney University your patients to participate in their study (involving a survey and/or interview) which aims to explore their experience regarding oral healthcare and identify challenges in this area. The information provided will help identify future strategies and services that could improve oral healthcare for women in perimenopause or menopause. Participation is voluntary and the information provided will be strictly confidential. They will be reimbursed for their time participating in an interview.
Read more here
Health Professionals - join AMS for Members-only content
Menopause Matters: Professor Athol Kent has reviewes and comments on recent journal articles.
IMS Live 21 October: Comparing the efficacy of fezolinetant with hormone and non-hormone therapies for treatment of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) that occur in women during the peri- and postmenopause can significantly affect their quality of life depending on their daily or weekly frequency and the intensity or severity in which they are perceived by women. Hormonal therapy has been the standard of care for moderate to severe VMS; however, women who have contraindications for its use face a great therapeutic challenge. In recent years, non-hormonal pharmacological therapies have been studied with excellent results, nevertheless, some of them are abandoned due to their associated significant adverse effects, as is the case with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)...
European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) Newsletter AMS is an affiliate of EMAS. See latest copy.
