Demand for hormone therapy is surging, and a critical medication – estrogen patches – is in short supply across the United States. This shortage isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects women relying on these patches to manage debilitating menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. The situation highlights how quickly demand can outstrip supply, even for well-established medications.
The Rise of Hormone Therapy
For decades, hormone therapy faced skepticism due to outdated fears about side effects. However, recent research, coupled with a cultural shift towards open conversations about menopause, has reversed that trend. Prescriptions for hormone therapy have jumped 86% since 2021, with estrogen patches being a particularly popular choice. Experts note that this surge is driven by a growing understanding of the benefits for menopausal women.
Why the Shortage?
The primary issue is simple: demand now exceeds production capacity. The FDA’s removal of a long-standing “black box” warning on hormone therapy in November further fueled demand, as did increased awareness from both traditional and social media. Manufacturers struggle to scale production quickly enough to keep pace, resulting in widespread shortages. As Dr. Adi Katz of Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital explains, “Scaling up medication production isn’t as easy as it might seem.”
Why Patches Are So Popular
Estrogen patches deliver estradiol – a form of estrogen naturally produced by the body – directly through the skin. This bypasses the liver, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke compared to oral medications. While patches aren’t the only effective method, they’ve become a default treatment for many doctors and are heavily promoted online, leading to disproportionate demand.
How Women Can Navigate the Shortage
The good news is that estrogen patches aren’t irreplaceable. Multiple alternatives exist:
- Explore Other Forms: Sprays, gels, vaginal rings, and even oral pills can effectively treat menopause symptoms.
- Subdermal Pellets: These long-lasting implants release estrogen slowly over months.
- Try Different Pharmacies: Stock levels vary between locations.
- Consider Brand Names: Generic versions may be harder to find.
- Adjust Dosage: In some cases, doubling a lower-dose patch can compensate.
- Extend Patch Wear: While not ideal, extending the wear time by a day can stretch supplies.
What You Should Do Now
If you rely on estrogen patches, discuss alternatives with your doctor immediately. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of action. The shortage is frustrating, but manageable with proactive communication and a willingness to explore other options.
“Drug shortages are frustrating, but you should be able to come up with an alternative plan with your doctor,” says Dr. Gillian Goddard of NYU Langone Health. “Doctors and pharmacists are dealing with many patients in the same position, so it may take them a little longer to address your requests, but also be politely persistent.”
