Hello Mr Elevard...

I went back to the pharmacy at their request only to be told the second med did not come in as expected. I asked why and they read the official statement they’re allowed to say. They claim it’s due to a sudden spike in demand because the FDA lifted warnings on HRT. I called bullshit immediately because the FDA did that in 2021 so it didn’t take 5 years to suddenly spike right now*.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the primary audience being affected are menopausal women and trans women. You know, the women who can’t make babies. We’re not as valuable right? We don’t deserve to function properly right?

Before HRT I was dizzy 100% of the time, and had extreme vertigo spells a few times a day. My short term memory was gone and I had to write everything down or it was lost immediately. That made work difficult and driving dangerous. I was constantly pouring sweat from a nonstop hot flash. I didn’t wear a winter coat because I would overheat and pass out. My cortisol was so high I gained 60 pounds in two months and my joints struggled under the sudden weight. The pain was unbearable.

It took four years of begging for HRT to get it**, and a year on HRT to get balanced. It took that same year to lose that extra weight. And now I’m at risk of my symptoms returning and my body going through hell again. Because they aren’t producing enough meds for demand. And though my meds are manufactured in the states, I’m sure some ingredients are imported so tariffs are likely involved.

So my options are see my doctor which involves a three month wait for an appointment and what can she really do anyway, switch to another brand which my doctor already ruled out because I’m allergic to their ingredients, or wait for the meds to arrive while my supply runs out and my body freaks out. It’s fine. Everything is fine.

At least my overthinking finally paid off. I found my emergency meds supply in my travel bag and it had a week’s supply of the second med. That’ll buy me more time.

*I know I have mutuals in or adjacent to the pharmaceutical industry so if you know more about this so called spike in demand occurring now in relation to the 2021 FDA update, I welcome your knowledge.

We’re halfway through Mental Health Awareness Month and I’m less than 30 days away from this incredible walk. Make sure to check in with your loved ones. Practice self care. Get outside and enjoy nature. And if you want to help support others please consider a donation. Every dollar helps.

Two HRT meds are the primary reason I can function and work. My insurance requires I refill 90 days at a time for a discount. I just left the pharmacy and I’m frustrated (not with them, it’s not their fault).

Because of high demand and low stock, I can now only get a 30 day refill which means a higher cost for me. And more visits to the pharmacy. Oh and if I don’t pick up within five days they roll it to the next person waiting so I’m delayed getting mine. I travel for work sometimes so this is stressful.

And they don’t know when they’ll get the second med in because it’s been back ordered for weeks. I’m down to a week’s supply right now, and the meds balance together. I hate fighting to get my meds every 90 days, and now I’ll have to fight monthly. Or constantly if the stock stays low.

They can transfer my prescription to another pharmacy but with my soy allergy I can’t take alternative brands. So I’m limited in what meds are available.

I have three months to prepare to walk 16 miles overnight for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk. The funds I raise for it supports mental health resources which is more important than ever now.