FDA Update on Estradiol Transdermal Patch Availability (Sept 3, 2026)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: U.S. Food and Drug Administration · Published: September 3, 2026 · Accessed: September 11, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• [9/3/2026] The FDA is aware of reports of patients having difficulty readily accessing their usual estradiol transdermal patches due to increased demand and is working with all six manufacturers to increase supply.
• 'Although availability of certain products or brands may vary by pharmacy or location, estradiol transdermal patches remain available.'
• Over the last year, the supply of FDA-approved estradiol transdermal patches has nearly doubled.
• Demand increased following the November 2025 FDA action requesting labeling changes to remove boxed warnings from menopausal hormone therapy products.
• Manufacturer efforts: increasing production, adding manufacturing shifts, expanding production capacity, increasing batch sizes, adding specialized equipment and lines, and prioritizing estradiol patch production; larger expansions take more time because patches require specialized equipment and processes.
• FDA advice to patients: contact your pharmacist (who may help locate another available FDA-approved estradiol transdermal patch that can be substituted when appropriate); talk with your healthcare provider about whether another estradiol product may be appropriate; do not stop or change medication without talking to your provider; check back with your pharmacy.
• The FDA does not declare a drug shortage in this update and does not add estradiol patches to its drug shortage list.