Estrogen patch shortage hits Michiana women amid surging demand

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - A national shortage of estrogen patches is affecting women locally, following a 2025 FDA reversal that found the hormone therapy safe and effective for most women.

For more than 20 years, women were advised against taking estrogen due to concerns about increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots. In 2025, the FDA reversed course after a closer look at the research showed estrogen is safe and effective for most women, particularly when used as a transdermal - such as through a patch. The shift in guidance drove a surge in demand and supply has not kept pace.

‘The demand just skyrocketed’

Lisa Okomski, 59, of Granger said the estrogen patch transformed her health.

“I feel better than I actually felt, I think, in my forties. I really do,” Okomski said.

She described the patch as small but impactful.

“The patch has been amazing for me,” she said. “Immediately my hot flashes and night sweats went away.”

But Okomski recently ran into the same problem many women across the country are facing.

“They don’t have it,” she said. “The order I put in and they sent me a delayed, delayed, delayed. I just got the message that they don’t have it, so I won’t be getting it.”

Doctor outlines alternatives

Dr. Betsy Lindenman, co-owner of Zuli Direct Care, is certified in menopause management by the North American Menopause Society. Lindenman said the shortage mirrors supply chain problems seen with other medications in recent years.

“The demand just skyrocketed, and the supply just wasn’t there,” Lindenman said. “And so now they’re having trouble catching up. It’s basically there’s just not enough supply for the demand.”

Lindenman said women who cannot fill their estrogen patch prescription have other options.

“There’s lots of alternatives,” she said. “So, if your strength isn’t available at your pharmacy, you can always talk to your physician about a different strength. There’s also several different options. There’s gels, there’s rings, there’s oral, there’s sprays, there’s all kinds of options that you can use.”

Patient finds limited supply

Okomski said she was able to find a pharmacy that filled a one-month supply of the patch. She said she hopes the shortage ends soon and that women’s health becomes more of a priority.

“I feel like we’ve got to stick up for ourselves and be more aggressive about wanting what’s best for us,” she said.

Studies show hormone replacement therapy may also help prevent bone loss, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Women with questions about HRT are encouraged to speak with their doctor. For more details about the government’s directives on HRT, click here.

Dr. Lindenman can be contacted through this website.

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