The women’s minister Maria Caulfield has insisted “the vast majority of HRT products are in good supply” following the government’s decision on Friday to put in place a serious shortage protocol for Utrogestan which restricts supply of the medicine to two-month prescriptions.

The SSP was designed to ensure enough of the product – Utrogestan 100mg capsules – is available as demand increases, putting pressure on the manufacturer Besins. The SSP expires on August 18.

Caulfield described the SSP as “decisive action” which will mean “more women will be able to access this medicine.”

“The overall supply of HRT products has improved considerably over the last year and I am encouraged by how the industry is responding to the growth in demand and our continued calls for action to boost supply to meet it,” she said.

“We continue working to help ensure continuity of supply – which is a key part of increasing support for menopausal and pre-menopausal women and improving their quality of life.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said just two of the 22 SSPs issued for HRT products since April last year are still in place; for Utrogestan 100mg capsules and Progynova 100microgram patches.