Understanding the Nationwide Estradiol Shortage and What It Means for You
If you’ve recently had trouble filling your estrogen patch prescription, you’re not alone. Across the country, many women are experiencing the same issue due to a nationwide shortage of estradiol patches.
In recent years, prescriptions for menopausal hormone therapy have increased significantly as more women seek relief from symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, and brain fog. Updated medical guidance has helped both patients and clinicians feel more confident about using hormone therapy when appropriate. However, while demand has grown quickly, manufacturing and supply have not kept pace. Estradiol patches are now part of a broader strain on the U.S. drug supply.
For patients, this can mean calling multiple pharmacies, facing higher costs if only brand-name options are available, or needing to switch between different brands or doses. Changes in formulation or missed doses may lead to the return of symptoms. It’s important not to cut patches to make them last longer, as this affects how the medication is delivered. You should also avoid stopping estrogen therapy abruptly without speaking to your healthcare provider.
If you are having difficulty accessing your medication, please contact your OBGYN or physician. In many cases, they can adjust the dose, change formulations, or create a temporary plan until supply stabilizes. Their goal is to help you maintain symptom control safely and consistently during this shortage.