The estrogen patch shortage
Safe to prescribe. Too scarce to fill.
FDA removed the boxed warning on menopause hormone therapy in November 2025, and a large study found estrogen through the skin doesn't raise blood-clot risk the way pills do. Patch prescriptions nearly tripled. Supply didn't, and FDA still hasn't declared a shortage.
The pharmacists' society ASHP lists nearly 20 estrogen patch products as in short supply, across brands and strengths (USA TODAY).
estradiol patch prescriptions in May 2026, up from about 594,000 in June 2024
HealthVerity, via Medical Daily
of about 8,000 women surveyed had trouble filling a patch prescription
Midi Health company survey, May 2026
estrogen patch products listed as in short supply by pharmacists
ASHP, via USA TODAY
FDA's official shortage list still doesn't include estradiol patches
FDA, Sept 2026
Shortage map
Where women can't fill their prescriptions
FDA says patches "remain available." Show it what's happening at your pharmacy. Your report appears on the map as soon as you add it, and the totals go to FDA and Congress.
Loading reports…
Reports are self-reported and not verified. The map counts reports, not people, and isn't a scientific sample.
Why it matters
HRT isn't a lifestyle product. For many women it's what lets them sleep, work and live without pain.
Symptoms can last years
Up to 80% of women get hot flashes. In the long-running SWAN study, they lasted a median of 7.4 years.
They come back when HRT stops
In the WHI trial, 55.5% of women who stopped HRT had moderate or severe hot flashes or night sweats return, versus 21.3% on placebo.
HRT protects bones
Both large WHI hormone trials showed about 33% fewer hip fractures.
It's the most effective treatment
The Menopause Society calls hormone therapy the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats.
Women lose sleep
38% of women aged 40 to 55 reported trouble sleeping, rising to 45% in late perimenopause.
Work suffers
Menopause symptoms cost US workplaces an estimated $1.8 billion a year in missed workdays.
If millions of men suddenly couldn't get the medicine that lets them sleep, work and think clearly, how long would we wait for a fix?
In nearly three-quarters of diseases that mostly affect one sex, NIH research funding favors men. (Mirin, Journal of Women's Health 2021)
The fix
Three decisions, three deadlines
New factories take a year or more. These steps can get more women their prescriptions sooner.
FDA answers the Senate
Sens. Gillibrand, Duckworth and Schiff asked FDA for its supply plan. We're asking FDA to officially declare a shortage of estradiol patches, gels and sprays. That unlocks faster approvals of new production sites and temporary imports.
The Defense Production Act expires
Congress is renewing the law that let the government speed up production during COVID. We're asking Congress to name shortage medicines like estradiol as eligible for help in the renewal.
States let pharmacists substitute
When one patch is out, pharmacists should be able to switch to another brand or form without a new prescription, as Australia allows. States can act on their own.
Take action
Three things you can do in ten minutes
Start by adding your report to the shortage map. Then:
Tell your members of Congress
Find your representative and senators, then send the message below through their website contact form or read it when you call. Add your own story; that's what staff remember.
Report your shortage to FDA
FDA says patches "remain available." Every patient report adds to the record. Use FDA's shortage reporting page, or email its Drug Shortage Staff with the product, strength, pharmacy and dates you couldn't fill it.
drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov
For women right now
Can't find your patch?
Ask your pharmacist about another patch
FDA says a pharmacist may be able to find another FDA-approved estradiol patch to substitute, when appropriate.
Ask your clinician about gels or sprays
A large BMJ study found estrogen through the skin, as a patch or gel, was not linked to higher blood-clot risk, while pills were. Some gels are short too, so ask what's in stock.
Don't cut patches
Patches are built differently, and cutting some can change how much medicine you get. Pharmacists advise against it.
Call ahead
Supply differs by pharmacy and by strength. Ask by product and strength before you go, and check independent and mail-order pharmacies.
Don't stop or change your medication on your own. FDA advises talking to your health care provider first. HRT isn't right for everyone; your clinician can help you weigh it.
Sources
Every claim, checked
- FDA update on estradiol transdermal patch availability
- Medical Daily, citing HealthVerity prescription data
- Midi Health shortage survey (company survey, not peer-reviewed)
- USA TODAY via Money Talks News: ASHP shortage listings
- Gillibrand, Duckworth and Schiff letter to FDA, answers due Nov 16
- Congressional Research Service: Defense Production Act reauthorization
- Australia TGA: pharmacist substitution of HRT patches
- CNBC: how long supply could take to catch up
- Vinogradova et al., BMJ 2019: HRT route and blood-clot risk
- FDA: how to report a shortage
- Research on symptoms, bones, sleep, work and funding is linked beside each claim above.