Hormone Therapy Shortages Leave Israeli Women Without Menopause Treatment
In the past six months, Israel has faced a significant shortage of hormonal medications for menopause, with ten cases of discontinued marketing and supply gaps reported. Women requiring these treatments often must visit multiple pharmacies or travel between cities to obtain their prescribed medications. This shortage is particularly critical for women who underwent early menopause due to ovary removal, including BRCA gene mutation carriers, as interruptions in hormone therapy can adversely affect bone health, cardiovascular systems, and overall quality of life.
Yael Anker, 39, from central Israel, discovered at age 27 that she carries a BRCA gene mutation. After undergoing a preventive double mastectomy at 28 and ovary removal about 18 months ago, she was prescribed hormone therapy to start immediately post-surgery. However, she describes a frustrating "pharmacy chase," often finding only limited supplies and sometimes having to travel far to secure her medication. This ongoing struggle highlights the broader issue of limited hormone therapy options and manufacturers in Israel, which complicates switching treatments when specific drugs become unavailable.
Dr. Yana Wasserman, a clinical pharmacist and public policy director at the "Good Genes" association, explains that while drug shortages can occur, they should not leave thousands of women untreated. She notes that other countries offer a wider range of medications and generics, along with mechanisms to facilitate treatment transitions during shortages. Libi Margolin, CEO of "Good Genes" and a BRCA carrier herself, emphasizes that the healthcare system's responsibility extends beyond surgery to ensuring continuous treatment. She calls for expanding available drug options, dosages, and generics in Israel and establishing dedicated support pathways for BRCA carriers undergoing risk-reducing surgeries.
Margolin stresses the importance of enabling women not only to prevent cancer but also to live healthy, fulfilling lives afterward. For women like Yael, the fear of running out of hormone therapy supplies is a monthly reality, undermining the health benefits of their preventive surgeries. The association advocates for systemic changes to guarantee that hormone therapy availability matches medical recommendations and patient needs.
