Concerns women using Hormone Replacement Therapy are being forgotten

Hawke's Bay GP Dr Samantha Newman has launched a national survey on the impacts of the shortage of oestrogen patches.

She says the global supply began running out almost two years ago and it affects a lot of Kiwi women.

She says the majority use these patches for dealing with perimenopause or menopause symptoms which affects 80 percent of women.

Pharmac's Senior Therapeutic Group Manager, Alexandra Compton says they're working closely with the supplier and have sourced alternative brands to try keep up with demand.

They say unfortunately they've not been able to prevent some supply gaps.