Short answer
It depends on which list you check. As of early October 2026, the FDA's drug shortage data does not list estradiol. The pharmacists' group ASHP does: its bulletin, created 30 January 2026 and last updated 12 August 2026, lists patches from five makers. On 3 September 2026 the FDA said patches remain available, but supply varies by pharmacy.
What the ASHP bulletin lists
ASHP's bulletin for estradiol transdermal system lists affected patches from Sandoz (once-weekly, six strengths from 0.025 to 0.1 mg per 24 hours), Amneal (two Dotti strengths), Viatris (one twice-weekly strength), Noven (five strengths) and Zydus (three strengths).
The stated reasons are thin. Noven cited increased demand. Amneal, Sandoz, Viatris and Zydus did not provide a reason. Amneal and Sandoz could not estimate a release date for their back-ordered strengths, Zydus had its patches on allocation, and Noven had intermittent back orders with weekly releases. The same bulletin lists other patches as available. It was last updated on 12 August 2026, so it may lag.
What the FDA says
The FDA's drug shortage data, updated 2 October 2026, has no entry for estradiol in any form. The agency has not called this a shortage.
It did post a statement on 3 September 2026. The FDA said it is aware of patients having difficulty getting their usual patches because of increased demand, and that it is working with all six manufacturers. It said supply of FDA-approved estradiol patches has nearly doubled over the last year, and that demand rose after its November 2025 request to change the boxed warning on menopausal hormone therapy.
Why the two lists disagree
They measure different things. The FDA considers a drug in shortage when supply is not meeting demand on a nationwide level. It describes local supply problems as usually temporary and often tied to distribution.
ASHP lists every shortage reported through its online form as soon as it is investigated and confirmed, usually within 24 to 72 hours. So a backorder at your pharmacy can be real, and can last months, without the drug appearing on the FDA's list. Both things are true right now.
Other forms exist, but the switch is not yours to make alone
ACOG lists pills, skin patches, gels and sprays as forms of systemic estrogen therapy. Vaginal rings, tablets and creams are local therapy that release small doses into vaginal tissue, which is a different job.
The FDA's advice for patients: contact your pharmacist, who may be able to locate another FDA-approved patch that can be substituted when appropriate. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether another estradiol product may be appropriate for you. Do not stop or change your medication without that conversation.
Related questions
Why is demand for estradiol patches up?
The FDA says more women are seeking treatment for menopause symptoms, and that demand increased after its November 2025 request to remove parts of the boxed warning on menopausal hormone therapy.
Can you cut a patch to make it last?
ASHP's bulletin warns that cutting a matrix patch may result in uneven dose release, and that reservoir patches should never be cut. Ask your pharmacist before doing anything to a patch.
Is the FDA doing anything about supply?
The FDA says it is offering help to manufacturers that want to increase production, including faster review of related submissions. It also says larger manufacturing expansions may take more time.
Read next
Sources
- FDA: FDA Update on Estradiol Transdermal Patch Availability (3 Sep 2026)
- ASHP: Drug Shortage Detail, Estradiol Transdermal System (created 30 Jan 2026, updated 12 Aug 2026)
- FDA: Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Shortages (current as of 18 Dec 2024)
- openFDA: FDA Drug Shortages data (last updated 2 Oct 2026)
- ACOG: Hormone Therapy for Menopause, FAQ517 (last reviewed February 2024)
Published 2026-10-04 · Last checked 2026-10-04
Educational content, not medical advice. Made for the United States.