Women across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain estrogen patches, a common treatment for menopause symptoms, as demand for hormone replacement therapy has risen sharply. This surge in demand has led to shortages at many pharmacies, with some patients and doctors urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to formally recognize the shortage. Currently, the FDA's official database on drug shortages does not reflect the extent of the problem, according to reports from patients and healthcare providers. Diane Harris, a mother of three from Los Angeles, described her struggle to refill her estradiol patch prescription, which she needs to replace twice a week. After calling multiple pharmacies without success, she eventually found a pharmacy over 25 miles away and is even considering purchasing the medication in Canada. She said the lack of availability is a serious issue with no clear end in sight. The demand for estrogen patches has skyrocketed, with prescriptions increasing from about 594,000 in June 2024 to 1.6 million in May 2026, according to data from HealthVerity. This rise followed the FDA’s removal of a long-standing "black box warning" from many hormone replacement therapy products in February 2024. The warning, which highlighted potential risks, had discouraged some patients and doctors from using these therapies. Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Arizona, said the removal of the warning has made more women and physicians more comfortable with hormone therapy. She explained that starting estrogen treatment early in perimenopause or shortly after menopause may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and colon cancer. Hackenmiller has launched a petition urging the FDA to officially declare a shortage of estradiol patches, arguing that such a designation could encourage manufacturers to boost production and attract new companies to the market. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists has listed more than a dozen estradiol patch products on its active drug shortage list. A group of Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives has also called on the FDA to add estradiol patches to its federal drug shortage database, noting that the agency may be underestimating the problem due to reliance on historical demand data. The FDA has acknowledged reports of patients struggling to access their medication due to increased demand, but it stated that estradiol transdermal patches are still available, though availability may vary by pharmacy or location. The agency said it continues to monitor supply and supports manufacturers in increasing production. It also advised patients to contact their healthcare providers or pharmacists to locate available patches or consider alternative options if their usual medication is unavailable. Hackenmiller expressed frustration over the availability issues, especially after years of debate over the safety of menopausal hormone therapy. Harris, meanwhile, voiced concern about what will happen when her next refill is due, emphasizing the need for better access to essential women’s health treatments. As the demand for estrogen patches continues to grow, the challenge of securing these medications highlights the ongoing tension between patient needs and the complexities of drug supply and regulatory oversight.