(DDM) – Women across the United States are facing ongoing shortages of estrogen patches as demand for menopause hormone therapy continues to climb.
For patients like Emily Padgett, accessing the small estradiol patches that help manage perimenopausal symptoms has become a months-long struggle involving pharmacy transfers and brand switches.
Padgett said she went without the medication for several weeks earlier this year after local pharmacies ran out of stock. During that time, she noticed the return of symptoms such as anxiety and other discomforts associated with hormonal changes.
Estrogen patches, which deliver estradiol through the skin, are commonly prescribed to ease hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbances linked to menopause. Many physicians consider transdermal hormone therapy an effective option for women seeking symptom relief.
Pharmacists and health experts say the supply strain reflects a combination of manufacturing constraints and a surge in prescriptions. Increased awareness about menopause treatment options has encouraged more women to seek care, particularly after updated medical guidance emphasized that hormone therapy can be safe and beneficial for many patients when appropriately prescribed.
Unlike oral estrogen, patches provide a steady dose of hormone absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Some clinicians favor this method because it may carry a lower risk of certain side effects compared with pills, though suitability varies by individual health history.
For patients experiencing perimenopause or menopause, sudden interruptions in therapy can be distressing. Symptoms such as intense heat episodes, disrupted sleep and mood changes may reappear when treatment is paused. Experts advise women facing shortages to consult their healthcare providers about alternative dosages, brands or formulations if their regular prescription is unavailable.
Independent pharmacies in some communities have been able to secure limited supplies, but availability can fluctuate week to week. Larger retail chains have also reported intermittent backorders, prompting patients to call multiple locations before finding stock.
Public health specialists note that menopause affects millions of American women annually, and the growing demand for treatment underscores shifting attitudes toward women’s midlife health. Where menopause was once discussed quietly, more patients are openly seeking medical support and evidence-based therapies.
As manufacturers work to stabilize distribution, many women continue to approach the pharmacy counter with uncertainty. For those relying on hormone therapy to maintain quality of life, the fear of hearing “out of stock” remains an ongoing concern.
