Women can't find this medication. The problem isn't going away

Key Points:

• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding accountability from the FDA over ongoing supply issues with estrogen patches, a key menopause treatment, urging the agency to implement emergency measures to ensure availability.
• Demand for estrogen patches has surged following the FDA's removal of the black box warning and new hormone replacement therapy guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, increasing the number of eligible women.
• Despite acknowledging supply struggles, the FDA has not officially declared a shortage, limiting its ability to expedite manufacturing approvals or allow compounding to alleviate the deficit.
• Health officials, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are engaging with physicians and manufacturers to improve access and promote alternative estrogen therapies like gels and sprays.
• Women and pharmacists report widespread frustration as nearly 20 estrogen patch formulations remain impacted, with experts warning that manufacturing issues, not just increased demand, are prolonging the shortage.