Estrogen Patch Demand Surges 162% Due to FDA Changes

Prescriptions for estrogen patches have increased by 162% over the past two years, largely due to the FDA's recent removal of a 20-year black box warning on hormone replacement therapy. Despite a surge in demand, manufacturers are struggling to keep up, with shortages reported for three types of patches. The FDA has not officially declared a shortage of estradiol. This increase in prescriptions reflects changing perceptions of menopause treatments and highlights challenges in accessibility for patients.