The increasing demand for estrogen patches as a treatment option to alleviate menopausal symptoms is causing shortages, forcing women to look for alternatives, as per a new study published on April 9, 2026
According to analysts, the shortage may persist for at least three years. In the United States, there are about one million new menopausal women every year who require treatment for their symptoms, which include hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.
Moreover, there has been an increase in the popularity of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) recently, following the FDA’s rebranding of its safety messaging last year. In November, the FDA revoked the black box warning for hormone replacement therapy, according to Reuters.
By the end of February, use of estrogen patches jumped 26%, according to data from a health analytics company. Since 2023, estrogen patch use has increased 184%, while use of vaginal creams rose 122%.
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A spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic told Reuters that producers have not been able to supply sufficient product in recent times. Some patients are worried about running short of their medication. Medical professionals warned that pausing treatment can cause symptoms to return. They even warned that switching products or medications may lead to numerous side effects.
The experts mentioned several difficulties in production. The estrogen patch is a generic medication, and therefore, profits from it are much smaller. This lack of profitability prevents manufacturers from making the necessary investments for producing them, according to Reuters. The report states that for more than 20 years, fewer than 5% females took hormone therapy. Now the numbers are rising, and scaling up production of medicines is not an easy task for manufacturers. Experts recommended working on creating new facilities and products.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.
