Severe estrogen shortage in Sweden leaves menopausal women struggling

Swedish pharmacies are facing a critical shortage of estrogen medications, severely affecting women relying on hormone replacement therapy, Aftonbladet reports.

Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed described the situation as serious, emphasizing that many women depend on these drugs for daily functioning. “It is crucial that we take action,” he stated.

The shortage stems partly from Sweden’s drug pricing policies. The Medical Products Agency (TVL) pushed for price reductions on the hormone spray Lenzetto, prompting the manufacturer to withdraw it from the subsidized medications list. The product has since become nearly unavailable in pharmacies.

Gynecologist and researcher Helena Kopp Kallner criticized the government’s response as inadequate, telling Aftonbladet that women are “literally running from pharmacy to pharmacy” in search of medication. “They find the situation humiliating. There are queues outside pharmacies—this cannot continue,” she said.

While alternative treatments exist, even hormone patches are now in short supply across Sweden, according to Läkemedelsvärlden magazine.

Finland faces fewer disruptions
Finland has also experienced supply issues with some estrogen replacement products, primarily depot patches and topical sprays, the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) confirmed. However, oral tablets, gels, and vaginal tablets remain available.

Supervising Inspector Julia Lehtinen of Fimea attributed the shortages to global supply chain challenges, noting that China dominates steroid hormone production. Disruptions in the chain quickly impact worldwide availability.

Menopausal symptoms—ranging from hot flashes and insomnia to joint pain and mood swings—can be alleviated with hormone therapy. Most medical hormones are now synthetically produced.