When the Estrogen Patch Runs Out: What You Can Do About the Shortage

If you've called three pharmacies this month to fill your estrogen patch prescription, you're not alone.

CBS New York recently looked at the estradiol patch shortage that's leaving women across the country without reliable access to their hormone therapy. The segment features Selfority co-founders Dr. Sarah Berg, board-certified OB-GYN and certified menopause practitioner, and co-founder Rachelle Kuramoto, who shared her own experience tracking down refills across state lines.

What's happening with estrogen patch production?

Estradiol patches are one of the most common forms of menopause hormone therapy. Right now, many women are finding them hard to get. Some pharmacies have only enough stock for a handful of patients at a time. Others are cutting 90-day supplies to 30 days, which means more copays and more uncertainty.

“The situation is dire for women who finally found a medication that can help them fend off painful symptoms.” (Dr. Sarah Berg) 

The estrogen patch shortage stems from two issues happening at once. First, demand rose quickly. After the FDA removed the long-standing black box warning from menopausal hormone therapy, more women felt safe asking for treatment, and more doctors felt safe prescribing it. Estrogen patch prescriptions rose from about 594,000 in June 2024 to 1.6 million in May 2026.

Supply didn't keep pace with the abrupt and material rise in demand. Only a small number of companies make estradiol patches. Any disruption or slowing of production has national ripple effects. In a February 2026 article for Katie Couric Media titled "What's Really Driving the Estrogen Patch Shortage," Dr. Berg explained why the shortage was predictable.

What do I do if I can't fill my prescription?

• Don't ration or stop on your own. Stopping abruptly can bring symptoms back. Talk to your clinician before making any change.
• Call ahead. Supply varies by pharmacy and by brand. Independent pharmacies sometimes have stock when chains don't.
• Ask about other forms. Estrogen also comes as a gel, cream, or oral pill. These can be good options, but they aren't identical — some women need time to adjust, and patches are often preferred for women with migraine or certain cardiovascular risk factors.
• Ask about other brands. Generic patches can differ in adhesive and delivery system, so let your clinician know if your symptoms change after a switch.

More women seeking menopause care is good news, and manufacturers are working to catch up. Until then, you don't have to go without relief. 

If a patch isn't available to you right now, or hormone therapy isn't right for you, there are effective non-hormonal options. These include FDA-approved non-hormonal medications for hot flashes and night sweats, other prescription treatments your clinician may recommend, and evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Each works differently, so the right fit depends on your symptoms and health history.

Questions to bring to your next appointment:

• If I can't fill my patch, what's my backup plan?
• Is another form of estrogen right for me?
• Would a non-hormonal option make sense for my symptoms?

Stay informed with Selfority

The supply picture is changing quickly. Selfority will keep tracking the shortage and sharing clear, doctor-led updates — no product promotion, just information you can trust. 

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates. For deeper conversations about menopause care, listen to The Appointment, our podcast that takes one symptom at a time and models the ideal patient-doctor conversation so you can go into your own appointment more informed.

You don't have to figure this out alone. We're here with what you need to know, when you need to know it.

Read What's Really Driving the Estrogen Patch Shortage at Katie Couric Media