Another treatment to help people to manage the symptoms of menopause, is available from today

Estrogel will now be available for those requiring oestrogen - to meet rising demand for hormone replacement therapy.

The other funded patch option is in global short supply.

Menopause specialist Dr Linda Dear says Estrogel will make a massive difference for patients, doctors and pharmacists.

She says having another option out there means we're not so dependent on patches anymore - which is good news for a lot of people.

Pharmac funding's also taking effect for a suite of new treatments, for various cancers and other medical conditions.