Estrogen patch shortage prompts doctors, lawmakers to seek FDA action
Summary
Many women across the U.S. are having trouble finding estrogen patches, which are used to treat menopause symptoms. Doctors and lawmakers want the FDA to officially declare a shortage so more patches can be made and patients can get their medicine.Key Facts
- Estrogen patches are in short supply nationwide due to a big increase in demand.
- The FDA removed a strong safety warning on hormone therapy products in early 2024, leading to more prescriptions.
- Prescriptions for estrogen patches rose from about 594,000 in June 2024 to 1.6 million in May 2026.
- Some women struggle to find the patches and have to travel far or reduce usage.
- Doctors say hormone therapy helps prevent serious health issues after menopause, like heart disease and osteoporosis.
- A formal FDA shortage declaration could encourage more production and new companies to make the patches.
- Without a shortage declaration, pharmacies may give smaller supplies, causing patients to pay more copays.
- Lawmakers argue the FDA’s current shortage database does not reflect the recent surge in demand accurately.
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