The Hill

Estrogen patch demand rises after FDA lifts boxed warning

March 11, 2026

Estrogen transdermal patches have become harder for some patients to obtain as manufacturers report a surge in demand following the FDA’s recent removal of the boxed warning from menopausal hormone therapy products, according to The Hill. While estrogen patches are not officially listed as being in shortage, clinicians describe reduced availability of commonly prescribed doses and note increased reliance on alternative estrogen formulations such as gels, sprays, oral agents, vaginal rings, and vaginal estrogen. Several manufacturers, including Sandoz, attribute the higher demand to evolving prescribing patterns after the label change, while others say they are currently meeting supply needs but working to expand capacity. Experts emphasize that systemic estrogen still carries risks requiring individualized assessment, and note that interest in hormone therapy has been rising for years amid broader growth in the menopause care market.

Source:

Choi, J. (2026, March 9). The Hill. Estrogen patches harder to find as FDA pushes hormone therapy. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5767733-estrogen-patches-demand-rise-supply-issues/