Surge in Estrogen Patch Demand Tests U.S. Supply

Although the FDA says there’s no official shortage of estrogen patches, demand for transdermal estrogen has surged after last year’s removal of the black-box warning, leaving some pharmacies with limited doses and reports of shortages for certain brands in parts of the U.S. While manufacturers are ramping up production and some providers see no impact, others report ongoing access issues. Alternatives such as oral estrogen, vaginal rings, or gels can help patients stay on therapy, and patches remain popular due to cost and insurance coverage. Experts expect supply to improve by year-end, though timing remains uncertain.