Menopause Medication Shortages: HRT Supply Issues and Rationing

Pharmac, New Zealand’s pharmaceutical management agency, is temporarily rationing progesterone capsules and managing supply issues with estrogen patches due to ongoing global demand, effective Friday, May 1, 2026.

The changes impact access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat menopause symptoms. Progesterone capsules will now be dispensed monthly instead of in three-month supplies, according to reporting from 1News and RNZ.

Supply Issues Affecting Both Progesterone and Estrogen

Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s director of pharmaceuticals, stated that pharmacies are experiencing difficulties sourcing estrogen patches because the manufacturer is unable to meet global demand. “With progesterone capsules, we are moving to monthly dispensing of progesterone capsules so that there is enough supply to go around for everyone who needs it,” Martin said, as reported by RNZ.

The increased demand for these products is the primary driver of the global supply issues. The supply of progesterone capsules is being more significantly impacted than the patches, due in part to issues with temperature control during transport. Suppliers closely monitor stock temperatures to ensure safety, and any excursions outside acceptable ranges require further checks, according to RNZ.

Pharmac expects additional stock to arrive soon and believes the monthly dispensing of progesterone capsules will help ensure equitable access until supplies are replenished.

Estradot 75 Microgram Patches Affected

The supply issue specifically affects one strength of one brand of funded estrogen patches: Estradot 75 micrograms. Approximately 110,000 people use oestradiol patches, and a significant proportion utilize the Estradot brand, RNZ reported.

Martin emphasized the importance of these treatments for managing menopause symptoms. Pharmac funds two brands of oestradiol patches, available in various strengths.

Global Shortages and FDA Intervention

These supply issues are not isolated to New Zealand. A report from USA Today on April 17, 2026, details similar shortages of estrogen patches in the United States, prompting intervention from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is reportedly in talks with the five largest estrogen patch manufacturers to ensure they are operating at full capacity.

Doctors in the US are developing alternative treatment plans for patients when patches are unavailable, including switching to oral estrogen, gels, or sprays, though these alternatives can be more expensive. Some physicians are even suggesting patients cut higher-dose patches in half as a temporary solution.

Similarly, NPR reported on March 10, 2026, that increased demand for hormone therapy is contributing to shortages and delays in the United States, reversing a trend from the early 2000s when hormone therapy use declined.