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Exploring the Impact of Estrogen Patch Shortages on Menopausal Women

In a recent presentation at The Menopause Society 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, Midi Health shared significant research findings regarding the complications women are encountering with estrogen patches amid an increasing demand for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The company's studies shed light on how these challenges affect not just physical health, but overall well-being for women undergoing menopause.

Patch Supply Challenges

Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Chief Medical Officer of Midi Health, alongside Dr. Mindy Goldman, Chief Clinical Officer, reported that nearly 50% of women surveyed experienced difficulties filling their prescriptions for estradiol patches in 2026. The intensifying demand for MHT coincides with the U.S. FDA's recent lifting of the black box warning on these treatments. This regulatory change has led to a surge in women seeking therapeutic options, but unfortunately, the supply of these patches has not kept pace.

In the study, conducted among subscribers to Midi's newsletter, findings revealed that 44% of respondents using estradiol patches faced obstacles in securing their prescriptions. Notably, 34% of those reported pharmacies being out of stock. In response, many women had to alter their medication strategies: 55% switched pharmacies, 28% resorted to rationing their medication, and 10% ceased therapy altogether. The consequences spilled over into various aspects of life; 39% reported a resurgence of symptoms, 25% noted sleep disturbances, and 12% expressed diminished productivity at work. Alarmingly, 32% of respondents felt their well-being was significantly compromised,
while a staggering 69% expressed concerns over their ability to access patches in the coming months.

According to Dr. Jordan, "When women who have finally found relief are forced to ration or stop treatment, their symptoms return, and their sleep, work, and well-being suffer." She stressed the importance of a reliable supply chain for prescribed therapies to ensure women's health needs are met without additional hurdles.

Beyond Hot Flashes

While much of the dialogue surrounding menopause centers on hot flashes, Midi Health's second study presents a broader picture. Analyzing data from over 320,000 patients using a modified Menopause Rating Scale, the research revealed that symptoms such as brain fog, weight changes, and mood disorders are prevalent, often surpassing the frequency of hot flashes.

The highlighted symptoms included brain fog and memory lapses reported at 94.7%, followed closely by body image changes at 94.0%, and mood disturbances, encompassing anxiety and depression, at 93.2%. Additionally, about 91.8% experienced sleep issues, while hot flashes and night sweats were noted by 80.8%. Encouragingly, 81.4% reported improvement in these vasomotor symptoms through proper care, alongside improvements in period problems (72%) and sleep issues (71.2%). Impressively, 95.3% of patients noted a reduction in at least one bothersome symptom.

Dr. Mindy Goldman emphasized this shift in focus, stating, "Most conversations about menopause focus on hot flashes, but this data shows that's only part of what some women may be experiencing." This highlights the need for comprehensive management of menopause that addresses a multitude of symptoms affecting women's lives. Enhancing treatment for other symptoms can yield significant benefits for sleep patterns, emotional health, and overall quality of life.

The Way Forward

These pivotal studies not only underline the importance of reliable access to essential medications but also highlight the need for expert care to address the diverse array of symptoms that accompany menopause. Midi Health continues to forge a path ahead, utilizing its virtual care model to provide effective management for a broad spectrum of menopausal symptoms. Recently surpassing the milestone of 500,000 women treated, Midi Health is determined to close existing research gaps and reshape standards in women's healthcare.

As a leading virtual care platform, Midi Health merges medical expertise with empathetic approach, delivering individualized treatment plans supported by most major insurance providers across the nation. With the mission to modernize women's healthcare, Midi is poised to lead the charge in addressing the critical health needs of women at all stages of life.