If you are experiencing the estradiol patch shortage, compounded estradiol cream may be another option. Westmoreland Pharmacy + Compounding can work with you and your healthcare provider to explore a patient-specific compounded alternative when appropriate.
Women across the country are reporting difficulty finding their usual estradiol transdermal patches since the first of the year. On September 3, 2026, the FDA acknowledged access challenges to estradiol patches, citing increased demand and noting that availability may vary depending on the product, pharmacy, and location. The agency is currently working with all six manufacturers of estradiol patches to help increase supply. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
While estradiol patches are still available, inconsistent supply can create frustrating delays for patients who depend on hormone therapy as part of their menopause or other hormone-related care.
At Westmoreland Pharmacy + Compounding, our pharmacists are available to work with patients and healthcare providers to help explore appropriate options when they are experiencing an estradiol patch shortage or difficulty obtaining the medication.
Why Is There an Estradiol Patch Shortage?
One of the biggest factors is simply increased demand.
More women are seeking treatment for menopause symptoms, and the FDA reports that the supply of FDA-approved estradiol transdermal patches has nearly doubled over the past year. Even with that increase, demand has continued to put pressure on supply. Manufacturers are responding by increasing production, adding manufacturing shifts and equipment, expanding capacity, and increasing batch sizes.
The effects are being felt by patients nationwide. In a 2026 survey of nearly 8,000 women, 44% reported having difficulty filling an estrogen patch prescription. Among those experiencing access problems, some reported changing pharmacies, changing formulations, modifying doses, or going without therapy.
These experiences highlight why it is important to address refill problems early rather than waiting until your medication is gone.
What Should You Do If You Are Experiencing an Estradiol Patch Shortage?
If your usual estradiol patch is unavailable, do not stop treatment, alter your dose, or substitute another product without speaking with your healthcare provider.
The FDA recommends first contacting your pharmacist, who may be able to determine whether another FDA-approved estradiol patch is available. Your healthcare provider can also discuss whether another estradiol product or treatment option may be appropriate based on your individual needs.
If access continues to be a problem, this is also an opportunity to have a broader conversation with your provider about the different ways estradiol can be prescribed.
Could Compounded Estradiol Be an Option?
For some women, a patient-specific compounded estradiol formulation may be an option when determined to be appropriate by their healthcare provider.
Compounding provides prescribers with flexibility to select a specific strength, dosage form, base, and directions based on an individual patient’s prescription needs. Westmoreland Pharmacy prepares customized hormone formulations and works directly with healthcare providers to support individualized hormone therapy plans.
One option a provider may consider is compounded transdermal estradiol cream. Like a patch, a transdermal cream is applied to the skin, but the two dosage forms are different. A compounded cream may be prepared in a patient-specific strength and is generally applied according to a provider-directed dosing schedule.
It is important to understand that a compounded estradiol cream is not an automatic substitute for an estradiol patch. A healthcare provider should determine whether changing the dosage form is appropriate and prescribe the formulation and dose intended for you.
Although compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished products, Westmoreland Pharmacy operates under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and prepares patient-specific compounded prescriptions pursuant to a provider’s order.
How Westmoreland Pharmacy Can Help
Hormone therapy has long been an area of focus at Westmoreland Pharmacy. Our pharmacists work with both individuals and healthcare providers to support customized hormone therapy and can help when medication access becomes challenging.
If you are having difficulty obtaining your estradiol patch, our team can help you and your provider:
- Discuss available compounded hormone formulations
- Review patient-specific strength and dosage-form options
- Answer formulation and prescription questions
- Coordinate with your healthcare provider when a new prescription is needed
- Provide guidance on use, storage, and refill planning
- Ship eligible compounded prescriptions to patients in states where Westmoreland is licensed
Westmoreland Pharmacy is licensed in 46 states, offers free UPS ground shipping on prescriptions, and has more than 20 years of compounding experience. The pharmacy is also PCAB-accredited and NABP-verified.
Don't Wait Until Your Last Patch
With availability changing, patients using estradiol patches may want to check on their refill earlier than usual.
If your pharmacy cannot obtain your usual patch, contact your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Your provider may be able to prescribe another available commercial estradiol product or determine whether a patient-specific compounded formulation is appropriate for you.
Having trouble finding your estradiol patch?
Contact the Westmoreland Pharmacy + Compounding team at 866-944-6505 to discuss available compounded options or have your healthcare provider contact us with prescription and formulation questions. Healthcare providers are welcome to request access to our provider portal to view our compounding product catalog.
