What to Know About the Current Estrogen Patch Shortage and What it Means for You

Over the past few years, the popularity of hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause or perimenopause has been steadily rising.

At the end of 2025, the FDA lifted black box warnings that came with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). With these warnings gone, more women have peace of mind when it comes to hormone replacement therapy and are more open with it when it comes to treatment.

This has led to an increase in demand for hormone replacement therapy, specifically in the form of estrogen patches. And with this demand, we are seeing a shortage of estrogen patches.

This situation can be frustrating for women who rely on estrogen patches for treatment. But luckily, there are other effective alternatives available to maintain consistent treatment and symptom relief.

But why is this happening? The estrogen patch shortage is the result of several factors.

What Is Causing the Estrogen Patch Shortage

So, what is causing the shortage?

The combination of popularity, demand, and tariffs has led to the shortage of estrogen patches.

Data shows that prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, have increased 86% since 2021, and 50% of those prescriptions are for estrogen patches.

Many of the ingredients used to create estrogen patches are sourced from overseas. Trade wars, tariffs, and weather-related disruptions are impacting global manufacturers who supply the ingredients, leading to shortages.

This shortage is expected to continue through the end of 2026, with some manufacturers warning that the increase in demand could extend the shortage for up to three years.

Despite this ongoing shortage, women are not without options! There are still several ways to maintain your hormone replacement therapy.

Who Is Impacted the Most

1. Women currently using estrogen patches for HRT

The most impacted group when it comes to this estrogen patch shortage are women who are currently using estrogen patches to manage unwanted symptoms that come with menopause and perimenopause. When refills are delayed or unavailable, it can lead to concern about symptoms returning or interruptions or delays in treatment.

2. Women who prefer transdermal therapy specifically

Some women prefer transdermal (absorbed through the skin) estrogen over any other method. This can mean going through the trials to find another alternative that you prefer.

Although the estrogen patch shortage affects women in different ways, most women are still able to continue hormone replacement therapy with the right alternative.

At SynergenX, we believe in personalization and have a multitude of different forms and methods of hormone replacement therapy to choose from. So, while the current shortage can feel scary, this does not mean your treatment has to stop, and there are still effective ways to continue treatment without losing progress or abandoning your hormone journey.

HRT Alternatives During the Shortage

The current shortage does not mean you need to pause or interrupt your hormone therapy.

The right alternative depends on you, and a SynergenX provider is always ready to help you determine the best fit.

Alternatives include:

1. Oral Estrogen (Pill)

Oral estrogen, the pill, is the traditional method of hormone therapy. Taken by mouth, usually once a day, it can be effective for managing symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause. For some, the oral option is a simple and convenient option, although it may not be right for everyone depending on medical history.

2. Transdermal Creams and Gels

Estrogen creams and gels are applied directly to the skin and absorbed gradually into the bloodstream. Like patches, these options offer another way to deliver steady hormone levels without taking a daily pill.

3. Pellets

Hormone pellets are a long-acting option that gets placed under the skin in a quick in-office procedure. Once inserted, pellets release a steady dose of hormones over several months, reducing the number of in-clinic visits. Pellets are personalized based on your needs and dosage.

4. Vaginal Suppositories

Vaginal estrogen therapy is designed to treat localized symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary changes that may come with menopause. These suppositories deliver estrogen directly to the problem area. They are often used on their own or alongside other hormone therapy options for more symptom relief.

There are still multiple ways to continue hormone therapy without losing progress. Treatment is never one-size-fits-all, which is why a personalized plan based on your individual symptoms, history, and goals is so important.

Latest Update on the Estrogen Patch Shortage

On September 3rd, 2026, the FDA released an update regarding the current estrogen patch shortage. The FDA acknowledged reports of patients having difficulty accessing patches and says it is working with all six manufacturers to increase supply.

Lawmakers and health professionals have been urging the FDA to formally declare a shortage, which would help manufacturers increase production and even, potentially, encourage other companies to start production. While the FDA has not formally declared an estrogen patch shortage, availability can still vary depending on your pharmacy, brand, and location.

In the meantime, the FDA says manufacturers are taking steps to increase availability. If your usual estrogen patch is unavailable, check with your pharmacy, as new supplies may have arrived. If you’re still having difficulty filling your prescription, speak with a healthcare provider about your options.

How to Continue Hormone Therapy During the Estrogen Patch Shortage

If you are having problems accessing your prescription, it is important to reach out to your provider rather than stopping therapy completely.

In most cases, stopping hormone therapy is not necessary, and often it is possible to transition smoothly to an alternative option with guidance from a provider.

You’re not out of options. We’re here to help you stay balanced.

If you are currently being affected by the estrogen patch shortage, call or book an appointment to speak with a SynergenX provider about your options today.

Sources:

FDA’s 2025 removal of black box warnings on menopausal hormone therapy – PMC

Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescriptions for Women Up 72% Since 2021

Drug Shortage Detail: Estradiol Transdermal System

FDA Update on Estradiol Transdermal Patch Availability | FDA

Medically reviewed by: Micheal Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Michael Seay is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with over 16 years of clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, gastroenterology, geriatric care, and hormone optimization therapy for men and women. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Platt College School of Nursing. He is certified in hormone pellet placement and weight loss therapies, with a clinical focus on individualized, patient-centered care.