After Nearly a Year, the FDA Finally Acknowledged the Estrogen Patch Shortage
For approximately a year, women trying to fill estrogen patch prescriptions encountered empty pharmacy shelves, backordered medications, and no explanation from federal regulators. The FDA has now formally acknowledged the shortage. About 20 formulations of transdermal estradiol — the estrogen patches used to manage menopause symptoms including hot flashes, sleep disruption, and bone loss — are affected.
The agency cited a surge in demand as the primary driver. Last fall, the FDA removed the black box warning on hormone therapy. More women sought estrogen patches. Manufacturers were not ready.
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The FDA says it is working with six manufacturers to increase supply but will not formally declare a shortage. No resolution timeline has been provided.
Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, who met with FDA leadership in April, said it took four months to produce what amounts to a lukewarm statement.
Alternatives worth asking your prescriber about: oral estradiol, estradiol gel (EstroGel or Divigel), estradiol spray (Evamist), or a compounding pharmacy that can prepare custom formulations. Do not stop hormone therapy abruptly without consulting your provider.
Source: Maternie reporting / FDA drug shortage database / The Pharmacists Association, 2025.