Forgetting to pack hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medication can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, as one woman discovered during a holiday. After six years of using Oestrogel, Helen Down found herself without her usual supply during a trip to Fuerteventura.
Her error was discovered on a Sunday, a day when pharmacies are typically closed. While initially joking about the mishap with her partner, referred to as DG, the reality of being without HRT began to surface the following day. Efforts to obtain the medication were thwarted by Spanish pharmacists who strictly adhere to prescription requirements, needing either a UK or local prescription.
While considering a doctor's appointment, which would have cost 120 euros (£102), Down decided to see if she could manage without the medication for the week. Despite enjoying activities like surfing and sunbathing, she began experiencing increased irritability. Her partner also noticed a change, suggesting cocktails frequently, which Down later learned was an attempt to mask any potential withdrawal symptoms.
That night, Down experienced severe night sweats, prompting her to seek medical assistance. She booked a virtual appointment with an online doctor service for 20 euros (£17), through which she obtained a Spanish prescription.
Her partner assisted in retrieving the medication, cycling five miles to the pharmacy. Upon presenting the prescription, the pharmacist recognized her as the individual who had previously inquired about obtaining medication without a prescription, indicating her situation had become known.
After receiving the Spanish HRT, Down applied it, experiencing an immediate calming effect. However, she notes that the full impact of HRT is not instantaneous, raising questions about whether her initial symptoms were psychosomatic.
Dr. Louise Newson, a GP and hormone specialist, confirms that for most women, it takes a few days for HRT to become fully effective. She acknowledges that symptoms like poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, hot flushes, and irregular bleeding can occur when HRT is interrupted, and some women report ruined holidays due to such experiences.
Newson advises that if traveling for more than a couple of days, attempting to secure a local prescription is worthwhile. She suggests that using an alternative or foreign brand can be preferable to stopping treatment altogether, but emphasizes the importance of consulting a pharmacist or doctor due to variations in formulations and doses between countries.
Down's experience highlighted these differences, as her Spanish HRT came with a syringe for application, and she initially used an incorrect dosage before correcting it. For those unable to find a local alternative, Newson recommends prioritizing rest, hydration, and exercise while managing stress.
Reflecting on the experience, Down concluded that while she could survive a few days without HRT, she would not leave her medication at home again and anticipates her partner will assist in ensuring it is packed for future trips.