California woman struggles to find estrogen patch during shortage

A surge in demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has led to shortages of estrogen patches, impacting women managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Since 2021, use of HRT has increased by 72%, but manufacturers have struggled to meet this demand, causing widespread availability issues. Following the FDA’s removal of certain warnings, more women are seeking treatment, leading to increased prescriptions and further strain on supplies. Healthcare professionals recommend exploring alternative forms of estradiol during the shortage, as some patients face challenges switching to more expensive brand-name medications.

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