Estrogen Patch Demand Surge Creates Supply Crunch, With Shortages Likely to Persist

A sharp rise in demand for estrogen patches has led to widespread backorders at pharmacies, with manufacturers reporting they are operating at full capacity but still unable to meet current needs. The supply constraints could last as long as three years.

Demand has increased following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision in November 2025 to remove some of the strongest safety label warnings from certain hormone therapy products. The agency said the labeling changes followed a review that found the warnings overstated cardiovascular and cancer risks for many women, particularly those who start therapy near the onset of menopause.

Data cited in the report show prescriptions for estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT) more than tripled between 2018 and early 2026, with the largest increases among women aged 45–54. In February 2026, roughly 1 in 20 women in that age group had an estrogen-based HRT prescription.

On the supply side, manufacturers have said demand has outpaced production capacity. Federal health officials have not declared an official national shortage, but the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said it is monitoring the situation and working with manufacturers to help increase supply.

For patients who cannot access patches, clinicians may consider other estrogen delivery options that remain available, including gels, sprays, and oral tablets, to manage menopausal symptoms.