The NHS will provide the first HRT medicine over the counter at pharmacies following a “landmark” ruling by UK regulators.
The drug, called Gina, tackles the causes of taboo symptoms that affect an estimated six million post- menopausal women in Britain.
The low-dose HRT is the first to tackle the cause of the symptoms by providing the body with the hormone oestrogen, which drops off after the menopause.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the tablets will be available following a conversation with a pharmacist.
Women often suffer in silence due to a reluctance to discuss vaginal symptoms with a GP, or even close friends. They can have a severe impact on their mental health.
Dr Laura Squire, Chief Healthcare Access Officer at the MHRA, said: “This is a landmark reclassification for the millions of women in the UK who are going through the menopause and experience severe symptoms that negatively impact their everyday life.
“Women will be able to safely obtain a local vaginal HRT product without a prescription, which increases women’s access to treatment and gives them greater control over their choices while relieving pressure on frontline GP services.”
Gina, made by Novo Nordisk, tackles the causes of symptoms such as symptoms such as uncomfortable sex, dryness, soreness and itching.
They affect at least half of post menopausal women.
Women report that symptoms can destroy their confidence and intimate relationships, harm employment prospects, leaving them reluctant to socialise and unable to exercise.
Health minister Maria Caulfield, said: “Menopause affects hundreds of thousands of women every year, but for some its symptoms can be debilitating and for many they can be misunderstood or ignored.
“Making Gina available over the counter is a huge step forward in enabling women to access HRT as easily as possible, ensuring they can continue living their life as they navigate the menopause.”
Systemic HRT medicines circulate in the blood and are used to treat hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. They include oral tablets, patches and gels which are put on the skin.
Local HRT such as Gina is applied directly to the vagina with very little absorption into the bloodstream.
It means the risk of any side affects, which comes with any medication, is very small.
Dr Squire added: “In reaching this decision, we have seen positive support from a wide range of people, including many women aged 50 years and above who could benefit from this decision. We would like to thank everyone who submitted their view in our public consultation.
“We will continue to improve women’s access to medicines for menopausal care when it is safe to do so, and to place their views at the centre of our regulatory decisions.”
The announcement follows shortages of HRT drugs which has reportedly left some women who rely on them suicidal.
There are still shortages of around half a dozen HRT products.
Ms Caulfield said: “We’re continuing to work with suppliers and manufacturers to secure sustainable short-term and long-term access to HRT and our UK-wide menopause taskforce will tackle taboos and issues surrounding menopause.”
