{"id":2185158,"date":"2026-10-08T05:04:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T02:04:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2185158"},"modified":"2026-10-08T05:04:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T02:04:57","slug":"menopause-patients-left-without-treatment-what-is-happening-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2185158","title":{"rendered":"Menopause patients left without treatment: what is happening in Spain?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/42\/28\/1200x675_cmsv2_6880a15c-75d7-5be8-954f-0f56ebcc7404-9934228.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2930723-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2930723\" data-cid=\"9941355\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2930723-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/80\/98\/189x106_cmsv2_2bc19e26-2653-5320-b4ea-88157b9df303-9938098.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Patient hospitalised at S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Hospital receives visit from pet, Porto, 2 October 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portuguese hospital lets pets visit owners on wards: a new model?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931990-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2931990\" data-cid=\"9944185\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931990-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/41\/85\/189x106_cmsv2_c20ca1d0-e7c7-576e-9ec1-9aea1cb58434-9944185.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Chief Executive of Ryanair, Michael O&apos;Leary, speaks during a press conference in London, Tuesday, 31 Aug. 2021. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ryanair CEO sees no European jet fuel shortages into summer 2027\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931973-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2931973\" data-cid=\"9944059\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931973-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/40\/59\/189x106_cmsv2_20048355-2f6e-5ca8-b6c7-d0f1cdbe98e8-9944059.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Wednesday, Oct. 7\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u201cI settled eight wars\u201d: Trump says he deserves Nobel Peace Prize\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931991-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2931991\" data-cid=\"9944198\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931991-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/41\/98\/189x106_cmsv2_11bf36eb-8d75-5c3a-86b5-deb74354f805-9944198.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The UK government plans to upgrade all airport e-gates by early 2027\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What travellers need to know about the UK\u2019s new contactless e-gates\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2930723-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2\" data-nid=\"2930723\" data-cid=\"9941355\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2930723-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/80\/98\/189x106_cmsv2_2bc19e26-2653-5320-b4ea-88157b9df303-9938098.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Patient hospitalised at S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Hospital receives visit from pet, Porto, 2 October 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portuguese hospital lets pets visit owners on wards: a new model?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931990-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2\" data-nid=\"2931990\" data-cid=\"9944185\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931990-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/41\/85\/189x106_cmsv2_c20ca1d0-e7c7-576e-9ec1-9aea1cb58434-9944185.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Chief Executive of Ryanair, Michael O&apos;Leary, speaks during a press conference in London, Tuesday, 31 Aug. 2021. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ryanair CEO sees no European jet fuel shortages into summer 2027\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931973-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2931973\" data-cid=\"9944059\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931973-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/40\/59\/189x106_cmsv2_20048355-2f6e-5ca8-b6c7-d0f1cdbe98e8-9944059.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Wednesday, Oct. 7\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u201cI settled eight wars\u201d: Trump says he deserves Nobel Peace Prize\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931991-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2\" data-nid=\"2931991\" data-cid=\"9944198\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931991-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/41\/98\/189x106_cmsv2_11bf36eb-8d75-5c3a-86b5-deb74354f805-9944198.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The UK government plans to upgrade all airport e-gates by early 2027\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What travellers need to know about the UK\u2019s new contactless e-gates\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Health<\/p>\n<p>                          Health news<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Menopause patients left without treatment: what is happening in Spain?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/42\/28\/1536x864_cmsv2_6880a15c-75d7-5be8-954f-0f56ebcc7404-9934228.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"ARCHIVE\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              ARCHIVE<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Val-gb v\u00eda Pixabay<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Val-gb v\u00eda Pixabay\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspChristina Thykjaer&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbsp<b>Giedre Peseckyte<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1791435897\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-10-08 07:04:57 +02:00\">08\/10\/2026 &#8211; 7:04 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" 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loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The shortage of Lenzetto has had a domino effect on other menopause hormone treatments in Spain and other European countries. Spain&#8217;s Health Ministry expects supplies to improve in November, but Spain&#8217;s Medicines watchdog warns the timetable is still unclear.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--health js-article-content\">\n<p>Hundreds of thousands of Spanish women have spent months encountering problems getting hold of some of the hormone treatments used to relieve menopausal symptoms. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>What began as an issue with a single medicine \u2014 Lenzetto, a transdermal estradiol spray \u2014 has finally triggered a domino effect in the market for hormone replacement therapies (HRT). <\/p>\n<p>The shortage of Lenzetto drove up demand for other estradiol formulations, such as patches and gels, which were not prepared to absorb it. Over recent months, Aemps has recorded supply issues affecting medicines such as Evopad, Estradot and Bijuva.<\/p>\n<p>The result has been months of supply problems, patients searching for their medication from pharmacy to pharmacy, and authorities trying to find alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>November could mark the start of an improvement, although there are still doubts about when supply will truly return to normal. <\/p>\n<p>The Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, told Euronews on the sidelines of the European Health Forum Gastein in Austria that the situation should start to ease from next month. <\/p>\n<p>Spain&#8217;s Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (Aemps), however, warns that the forecasts communicated by Lenzetto&#8217;s manufacturer, Gedeon Richter, &#8220;have not always been accurate&#8221;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-1\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Spanish Nutrition Agency issues menopause guidelines based on male studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Gedeon Richter confirmed to Euronews that it expects Lenzetto to be available again in Spanish pharmacies starting in the second half of November. However, the company acknowledges it may not be able to fully meet demand throughout 2027 due to global supply constraints, though it expects to gradually meet demand starting in the second half of 2027.<\/p>\n<h2>European issue<\/h2>\n<p>The problem is not confined to Spain. According to Padilla, a sharp surge in demand has outstripped manufacturers&#8217; production capacity in several European countries. Aemps also considers this to be an international supply issue affecting, to varying degrees, different European Union member states.<\/p>\n<p>The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed to Euronews that it has been informed of the supply issues regarding Lenzetto and is considering possible coordinated measures at the EU level to mitigate the impact. The matter will be addressed in upcoming meetings of the European group responsible for medicine supply issues.<\/p>\n<p>The EMA further notes that it is aware of recent supply problems involving other estradiol-based medicines in the EU. However, these cases have not been deemed critical at the European level and are being managed by national authorities.<\/p>\n<p>The crisis mainly affects women who use these therapies to alleviate symptoms associated with the menopause, although estradiol is also used in other clinical situations, including the prevention of osteoporosis and gender-affirming hormone treatments for trans women.<\/p>\n<h2>From Lenzetto to a domino effect<\/h2>\n<p>The crisis was brewing for months. Aemps began receiving reports from users about difficulties in finding Lenzetto in February and contacted pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter at that point. Initially, the company insisted it was meeting demand as normal.<\/p>\n<p>The situation changed soon afterwards. The laboratory reported that it was facing a surge in demand it could not meet immediately and problems with the device used to administer the medicine. Weeks later it announced that it had run out of stock and that the issue was affecting all its markets throughout 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Aemps also maintains that the company failed to meet its obligation to notify in advance of incidents that could disrupt the continuous supply of the medicine. Consumption of Lenzetto had risen very rapidly. In Spain, distributed units rose from around 13,000 in 2018 to about 123,000 in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Gedeon Richter explained to Euronews that demand had outstripped its manufacturing capacity and that the availability of the applicator used to administer the medication could not keep pace with the growth. The company emphasises that the shortage is unrelated to any quality or safety issues with the medication.<\/p>\n<p>To increase supply, the company states that it is maximising its current capacity and developing new manufacturing options and suppliers. Furthermore, it is establishing a new plant and a new production line.<\/p>\n<h2>Spain raised the price, but it was not enough<\/h2>\n<p>The government has tried various ways to increase the availability of these medicines. Among them, as Padilla explained, raising the regulated price in an attempt to attract more supply to the Spanish market. But the measure failed to resolve the problem. The Secretary of State stressed that the difficulty goes beyond price: manufacturers do not have sufficient capacity to cope with the sharp rise in demand.<\/p>\n<p>The Health Ministry then explored another option. It contacted manufacturers of alternative treatments that are not reimbursed by the National Health System and signalled its willingness to consider funding them in order to widen the options available to patients.<\/p>\n<p>According to Padilla, this route has also not delivered the expected results so far. The companies told the government that they did not have enough production capacity to increase supply, even if their products were to be publicly funded. Aemps confirms that the Health Ministry has held talks with the holders of these alternatives, although no reimbursement requests have yet been formalised.<\/p>\n<h2>More than 25,000 signatures reach the Health Ministry<\/h2>\n<p>While the authorities look for solutions, patients have begun to mobilise. More than 25,000 people have supported, in barely three weeks, a petition calling on the government to take urgent action over the supply problems. Its organiser, 49-year-old Rebeca Mar\u00edn, who uses hormone replacement therapy, is due to submit the signatures this Tuesday, 6 October, at the Health Ministry.<\/p>\n<p>The petition calls on the authorities to act preventively in the face of future supply problems and to ensure that when a medicine is unavailable, there are accessible alternatives for patients regardless of where they live. The financial aspect is particularly important. Some of the existing alternatives are not covered by the public system, forcing patients to bear the full cost.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-2\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Perimenopause: What are the symptoms, and why are women calling it \u2018cougar puberty?\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>The Institute of Women demands &#8220;urgent&#8221; action<\/h2>\n<p>The issue has also reached the Institute of Women, which has asked the Health Ministry and Aemps to tackle &#8220;as a priority and urgently&#8221; the supply problems. The body acted after receiving complaints from individuals and women&#8217;s associations concerned both about the difficulty of maintaining their treatments and about the price of some of the available alternatives.<\/p>\n<h2>Catalonia turns to pharmacies<\/h2>\n<p>In view of the prolonged shortage, Catalonia has decided to prepare an alternative solution. The regional government plans to allow pharmacies to prepare magistral estradiol formulas if supply problems persist.<\/p>\n<p>The measure would allow individualised treatments to be made up from the active ingredient and on the basis of a medical prescription. Compounding pharmacies have estradiol in stock as a raw material, so this route could serve as an alternative when industrially produced medicines are unavailable.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal has, however, opened up a divide between health authorities and pharmacists. Aemps believes magistral formulas should be used only as a last resort, as their absorption can be more variable than that of authorised medicines. The General Council of Official Pharmacists&#8217; Associations, by contrast, advocates their use in the current shortage.<\/p>\n<p>The Health Ministry is also studying, together with scientific societies and laboratories, other measures to tackle the shortage, including the possibility of setting criteria to prioritise certain patients if necessary.<\/p>\n<h2>When will the shortage end?<\/h2>\n<p>For now there is no definitive answer. The situation differs from one medicine to another. For some Evopad presentations, Aemps expects new batches in October and a return to normal from November.<\/p>\n<p>The outlook for Lenzetto is more uncertain. Gedeon Richter has informed Aemps that it will distribute new units over the course of November and will gradually resume supply from that month and throughout 2027.<\/p>\n<p>It is precisely this uncertainty that qualifies the forecast passed on by Padilla to Euronews. November may mark the beginning of recovery, but not necessarily the end of the crisis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 Giedre Peseckyte ha contribuido a esta noticia. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2920824-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2920824\" data-cid=\"9890438\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2920824-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/03\/57\/480x270_cmsv2_5dbffcdf-d869-5df8-aa97-270e145e145c-9890357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo. A woman holds an umbrella to shield herself from the sun on a hot, sunny day in Madrid, Spain.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Controversy in Spain over a menopause guide based on studies on men<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2875450-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2875450\" data-cid=\"9672065\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2875450-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/67\/20\/65\/480x270_cmsv2_dcb02f34-0ffd-54a9-af36-f6f249bcc8f7-9672065.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The hidden mental health crisis many women face in midlife\" height=\"9\" 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to introduce menopause policies or pay price<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Public health<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Medicine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Spain<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Women&#8217;s rights<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Health<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Women<br 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src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2931794-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2931794\" data-cid=\"9943226\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931794-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/32\/26\/320x180_cmsv2_5fa930e0-4b60-5191-a2ae-dfe7e2646c16-9943226.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Women in this Sardinian village live exceptionally long.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div 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decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920824-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2920824\" data-cid=\"9890438\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2920824-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/03\/57\/480x270_cmsv2_5dbffcdf-d869-5df8-aa97-270e145e145c-9890357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo. A woman holds an umbrella to shield herself from the sun on a hot, sunny day in Madrid, Spain.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Controversy in Spain over a menopause guide based on studies on men<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2875450-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2875450\" data-cid=\"9672065\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2875450-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/67\/20\/65\/480x270_cmsv2_dcb02f34-0ffd-54a9-af36-f6f249bcc8f7-9672065.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The hidden mental health crisis many women face in midlife\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    wellbeing<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The hidden mental health crisis many women face during menopause<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2650906-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2650906\" data-cid=\"8781474\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2650906-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/78\/14\/74\/480x270_cmsv2_7a22c19f-2795-589f-a0d5-e2bb72894002-8781474.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Middle aged woman\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Irish employers urged to introduce menopause policies or pay price<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931794-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2931794\" data-cid=\"9943226\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931794-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/32\/26\/320x180_cmsv2_5fa930e0-4b60-5191-a2ae-dfe7e2646c16-9943226.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Women in this Sardinian village live exceptionally long.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Researchers are after Sardinian women&#8217;s longevity secret<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2930723-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2930723\" data-cid=\"9941355\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2930723-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/80\/98\/320x180_cmsv2_2bc19e26-2653-5320-b4ea-88157b9df303-9938098.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Patient hospitalised at S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Hospital receives visit from pet, Porto, 2 October 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portuguese hospital lets pets visit owners on wards: a new model?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931761-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2931761\" data-cid=\"9943692\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931761-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/30\/48\/320x180_cmsv2_154ed58e-736b-5ae1-a455-62c66be0cc53-9943048.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Paul F\u00fcrst, &quot;Doctor Schnabel of Rome&quot;, historical illustration of the plague\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What was the plague really like in Germany? Experts explain the facts<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2930173-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2930173\" data-cid=\"9942974\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2930173-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/53\/68\/320x180_cmsv2_4a20acb6-aa47-56d5-b8af-ee154adb1f93-9935368.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Road race in Warsaw, 2018.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Longevity: why do Poles live shorter than Western Europeans?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931614-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2931614\" data-cid=\"9943244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2931614-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/22\/89\/320x180_cmsv2_826b500e-6ac6-5152-bc41-5744dee736c8-9942289.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"file photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Type 1 diabetes &#8216;should not set the limits on a child&#8217;s sports dreams&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2930173-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2930173\" data-cid=\"9942974\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Longevity: why do Poles live shorter than Western Europeans?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931372-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2931372\" data-cid=\"9941147\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pneumonic plague: How it spreads and what is the risk to Europe?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2930209-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2930209\" data-cid=\"9940711\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Invasive plant spreads across Portugal and lengthens allergy season<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2931674-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2931674\" data-cid=\"9942629\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Plague fears in Siberia: How are Irkutsk residents reacting?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929946-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929946\" data-cid=\"9941309\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Menopause medicine crisis goes beyond Spain<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Hundreds of thousands of Spanish women have spent months encountering problems getting hold of some of the hormone treatments used to relieve menopausal symptoms.What began as an issue with a single medicine \u2014 Lenzetto, a transdermal estradiol spray \u2014 has finally triggered a domino effect in the market for hormone replacement therapies (HRT).The shortage of Lenzetto drove up demand for other estradiol formulations, such as patches and gels, which were not prepared to absorb it. Over recent months, Aemps has recorded supply issues affecting medicines such as Evopad, Estradot and Bijuva.The result has been months of supply problems, patients searching for their medication from pharmacy to pharmacy, and authorities trying to find alternatives.November could mark the start of an improvement, although there are still doubts about when supply will truly return to normal.The Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, told Euronews on the sidelines of the European Health Forum Gastein in Austria that the situation should start to ease from next month.Spain&#8217;s Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (Aemps), however, warns that the forecasts communicated by Lenzetto&#8217;s manufacturer, Gedeon Richter, &#8220;have not always been accurate&#8221;.Gedeon Richter confirmed to Euronews that it expects Lenzetto to be available again in Spanish pharmacies starting in the second half of November. However, the company acknowledges it may not be able to fully meet demand throughout 2027 due to global supply constraints, though it expects to gradually meet demand starting in the second half of 2027.European issueThe problem is not confined to Spain. According to Padilla, a sharp surge in demand has outstripped manufacturers&#8217; production capacity in several European countries. Aemps also considers this to be an international supply issue affecting, to varying degrees, different European Union member states.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed to Euronews that it has been informed of the supply issues regarding Lenzetto and is considering possible coordinated measures at the EU level to mitigate the impact. The matter will be addressed in upcoming meetings of the European group responsible for medicine supply issues.The EMA further notes that it is aware of recent supply problems involving other estradiol-based medicines in the EU. However, these cases have not been deemed critical at the European level and are being managed by national authorities.The crisis mainly affects women who use these therapies to alleviate symptoms associated with the menopause, although estradiol is also used in other clinical situations, including the prevention of osteoporosis and gender-affirming hormone treatments for trans women.From Lenzetto to a domino effectThe crisis was brewing for months. Aemps began receiving reports from users about difficulties in finding Lenzetto in February and contacted pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter at that point. Initially, the company insisted it was meeting demand as normal.The situation changed soon afterwards. The laboratory reported that it was facing a surge in demand it could not meet immediately and problems with the device used to administer the medicine. Weeks later it announced that it had run out of stock and that the issue was affecting all its markets throughout 2026.Aemps also maintains that the company failed to meet its obligation to notify in advance of incidents that could disrupt the continuous supply of the medicine. Consumption of Lenzetto had risen very rapidly. In Spain, distributed units rose from around 13,000 in 2018 to about 123,000 in 2024.Gedeon Richter explained to Euronews that demand had outstripped its manufacturing capacity and that the availability of the applicator used to administer the medication could not keep pace with the growth. The company emphasises that the shortage is unrelated to any quality or safety issues with the medication.To increase supply, the company states that it is maximising its current capacity and developing new manufacturing options and suppliers. Furthermore, it is establishing a new plant and a new production line.Spain raised the price, but it was not enoughThe government has tried various ways to increase the availability of these medicines. Among them, as Padilla explained, raising the regulated price in an attempt to attract more supply to the Spanish market. But the measure failed to resolve the problem. The Secretary of State stressed that the difficulty goes beyond price: manufacturers do not have sufficient capacity to cope with the sharp rise in demand.The Health Ministry then explored another option. It contacted manufacturers of alternative treatments that are not reimbursed by the National Health System and signalled its willingness to consider funding them in order to widen the options available to patients.According to Padilla, this route has also not delivered the expected results so far. The companies told the government that they did not have enough production capacity to increase supply, even if their products were to be publicly funded. Aemps confirms that the Health Ministry has held talks with the holders of these alternatives, although no reimbursement requests have yet been formalised.More than 25,000 signatures reach the Health MinistryWhile the authorities look for solutions, patients have begun to mobilise. More than 25,000 people have supported, in barely three weeks, a petition calling on the government to take urgent action over the supply problems. Its organiser, 49-year-old Rebeca Mar\u00edn, who uses hormone replacement therapy, is due to submit the signatures this Tuesday, 6 October, at the Health Ministry.The petition calls on the authorities to act preventively in the face of future supply problems and to ensure that when a medicine is unavailable, there are accessible alternatives for patients regardless of where they live. The financial aspect is particularly important. Some of the existing alternatives are not covered by the public system, forcing patients to bear the full cost.The Institute of Women demands &#8220;urgent&#8221; actionThe issue has also reached the Institute of Women, which has asked the Health Ministry and Aemps to tackle &#8220;as a priority and urgently&#8221; the supply problems. The body acted after receiving complaints from individuals and women&#8217;s associations concerned both about the difficulty of maintaining their treatments and about the price of some of the available alternatives.Catalonia turns to pharmaciesIn view of the prolonged shortage, Catalonia has decided to prepare an alternative solution. The regional government plans to allow pharmacies to prepare magistral estradiol formulas if supply problems persist.The measure would allow individualised treatments to be made up from the active ingredient and on the basis of a medical prescription. Compounding pharmacies have estradiol in stock as a raw material, so this route could serve as an alternative when industrially produced medicines are unavailable.The proposal has, however, opened up a divide between health authorities and pharmacists. Aemps believes magistral formulas should be used only as a last resort, as their absorption can be more variable than that of authorised medicines. The General Council of Official Pharmacists&#8217; Associations, by contrast, advocates their use in the current shortage.The Health Ministry is also studying, together with scientific societies and laboratories, other measures to tackle the shortage, including the possibility of setting criteria to prioritise certain patients if necessary.When will the shortage end?For now there is no definitive answer. The situation differs from one medicine to another. For some Evopad presentations, Aemps expects new batches in October and a return to normal from November.The outlook for Lenzetto is more uncertain. Gedeon Richter has informed Aemps that it will distribute new units over the course of November and will gradually resume supply from that month and throughout 2027.It is precisely this uncertainty that qualifies the forecast passed on by Padilla to Euronews. November may mark the beginning of recovery, but not necessarily the end of the crisis.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/10\/08\/menopause-patients-left-without-treatment-what-is-happening-in-spain&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/42\/28\/1200x675_cmsv2_6880a15c-75d7-5be8-954f-0f56ebcc7404-9934228.jpg&#8221;] Health news Portuguese hospital lets pets visit owners on wards: a new model? Business Ryanair CEO sees no European jet fuel shortages into summer 2027 World News \u201cI settled eight wars\u201d: Trump says he deserves Nobel Peace Prize Travel News What travellers need to know about the UK\u2019s new contactless e-gates Health [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2185158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2185158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2185158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2185158\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2185158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2185158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2185158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}