In recent months, many women have been impacted by a shortage of estrogen patches, as specific brands or dosages have been out of stock at local and mail-order pharmacies around the country. This shortage has made it difficult for some women to maintain continuity in their hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment.
ARC Obstetrics/Gynecology is here to help patients navigate what types of HRT may best treat your perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms and explore alternatives to estrogen patches if needed.
How HRT supports women's holistic health
Transdermal estrogen patches deliver a steady, controlled dose of estradiol — the primary estrogen hormone produced naturally by the ovaries — straight into the bloodstream. These small, adhesive prescription patches contain varying dosages of estradiol that are applied directly to the skin on the lower torso or glute.
As a form of HRT, estrogen patches help restore a woman's hormone balance when estrogen levels drop during perimenopause or menopause, or after surgery. Experiencing unwanted perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can negatively impact a woman's quality of life, resulting in sleep loss, depression, anxiety, irritability, and brain fog.
Stabilizing estrogen levels is important for a woman's overall long-term health. Estrogen improves temperature control, vaginal and urinary comfort, mood, and cognitive function. It also protects against bone density loss, known as osteoporosis, and provides cardiovascular benefits, says Renu Chalasani, MD, MSCP, Gynecology at ARC Northwest Hills Specialty.
"You have estrogen receptors all over your body," Dr. Chalasani says. "When HRT is used at the right time, it can prevent disease."
Common forms of estrogen HRT for women include:
- Transdermal patches
- Topical gels, creams, and sprays
- Oral tablets
- Vaginal rings
Comprehensive care in all circumstances
As the safety of HRT becomes better understood, the popularity of estrogen patches has surged, and some suppliers have not been able to meet the demand. Compared to other forms of HRT, transdermal patches take more time to produce, Dr. Chalasani says.
"The popularity of estrogen use has increased tremendously with the awareness of what is menopause and how much women are suffering, so women and doctors are becoming more proactive," Dr. Chalasani says. "The only problem is keeping up with production. There's just not as many patches, because now there's a surge of use."
ARC is currently responding to an influx of HRT requests due to the ongoing estrogen patch shortage. During this time, we ask that you please have patience as we work to coordinate your care.
ARC recommends taking the following steps if you need estrogen patches or HRT:
- Start the refill process at least two weeks before you use your last patch.
- If your pharmacy does not have your HRT prescription in stock, ask them if they have the same dosage in a generic or an alternative brand.
- If your dosage is not available, please request a list of alternative options including the brand, dosage, and form of medication available. Younger patients may consider oral pills, while patients over age 60 can try spray, gel, or cream alternatives, Dr. Chalasani says.
- Provide this information to your care team through ARC MyChart or by calling the ARC Nurse Line at 512-272-4636 (512-ARC-INFO) and selecting option "4" to speak with an experienced nurse.
- Expect to get a response from your clinician or ARC nurses in up to five days. Due to the current shortage, messaging is taking more time.
If you're experiencing unwanted perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, you can discuss HRT options with your clinician at your next ARC Ob/Gyn visit. Schedule your appointment today by: