Women across California and other states are experiencing difficulty obtaining estrogen patches for menopause treatment due to ongoing supply shortages.

The shortage stems from increased demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which has grown in popularity as more women seek treatment for menopause symptoms. Estrogen patches are a common form of HRT that delivers hormones through the skin.

The supply constraints are forcing patients to explore alternative treatment options while they wait for their preferred medication to become available. Healthcare providers are working with patients to identify suitable substitutes when patches are unavailable.

The shortage highlights broader challenges in pharmaceutical supply chains and the growing acceptance of menopause treatment options among women who previously may have avoided or been unable to access hormone therapy.