Despite the number of prescriptions for HRT in England doubling in the last five years to more than 500,000 a month, stocks are running scarce, and the country is experiencing an acute shortage of these products, which are used to treat symptoms of menopause.

Every year, millions of women go through menopause as their oestrogen levels wane, with many experiencing symptoms that can range from mild to severe, where symptoms can include: low mood, anxiety, hot flushes and insomnia.