Women empowered by new treatment options

Recent changes to the marketing and licensing of estradiol tablets in the UK means that these can now be sold over the counter in pharmacies to women with the menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness. Pharmacists will accordingly be offered training to prepare themselves for this new supply role. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) made this decision as part of a wider strategy to improve access to menopausal treatment options for women over the age of 50 who have not had a period in over a year. Estradiol tablets treat vaginal symptoms caused by a lack of oestrogen, such as dryness, soreness, itching, burning and uncomfortable sex. The tablets are inserted vaginally, rather than being taken orally. This reclassification of this medication is being heralded as a landmark event. About this change, Dr Laura Squire, the MHRA chief of healthcare and quality, commented: ‘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’ (BBC News, 2022a).