USA TODAY: Pharmacies can't keep estrogen patches in stock

Tier 3: Supporting source (media, company, or community), never used alone for health claims
Publisher: USA TODAY · Published: September 10, 2026 · Accessed: September 11, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Updated Sept 10, 2026: after almost a year of telling women there was no shortage, the FDA has acknowledged many women cannot get estrogen patches and is working with six manufacturers to increase supply (shifts, batch sizes, prioritizing patch production).
• ASHP documents almost 20 estrogen patch formulations impacted by the shortage - double the number from earlier in 2026.
• Women and advocates say the FDA should have formally declared a shortage, which could incentivize faster manufacturer increases.
• Jennifer Weiss-Wolf (author, 'When in Menopause'): after meeting FDA representatives in April, it took four months to issue a 'lukewarm statement' with advice to talk to your pharmacist that patients had already exhausted.
• In some cities women also struggle to get progesterone capsules; ASHP says there is a shortage of different types of progesterone.
• A May 2026 Midi survey of more than 8,000 women found almost half of those on HRT reported difficulty filling estrogen patch prescriptions, and one third said the shortage is affecting their health (company survey, not peer-reviewed).
• Dr. Sharon Malone (OB-GYN): women should not skip treatment but also not panic; try local and mail-order pharmacies since stock varies, and consider estrogen spray or gel.
• Illustrative case: Amy Heavener could not fill her twice-weekly 0.05 mg patch for six months, had symptoms return, and hit an insurance snag moving to gel (gel can run $150-$300/month without coverage).