Democratic Women's Caucus Demands Action on Estrogen Patch Shortage

The Democratic Women’s Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives is pressing federal health officials for answers regarding a persistent shortage of estrogen patches, a widely used hormone therapy. In a letter sent Monday, the caucus urged Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the acting FDA commissioner to provide a clear timeline for stabilizing the supply of this critical treatment for menopause symptoms.

Lawmakers Demand Answers

The 96-member caucus outlined several key demands in its letter to Kennedy and FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, according to a copy seen by Reuters. The lawmakers are seeking specific information on the supply disruption and have asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider formally adding the patches to its drug shortage list.

Key requests from the caucus include:

• A detailed timeline for when the supply chain is expected to stabilize.
• Information on manufacturing or supply chain bottlenecks causing the shortage.
• Data on which specific brands and dosages are most affected.
• Whether the FDA is evaluating additional manufacturers to increase supply.

Impact on Patients and Supply Chain

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Estradiol transdermal patches deliver estrogen through the skin to alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Reuters has previously reported that the ongoing shortages have forced many women to switch brands, alter dosages, or change their type of hormone therapy, creating uncertainty and disruption in their treatment.

Earlier this month, the FDA stated it was actively working with all six manufacturers of the patches to increase the available supply. However, lawmakers say the situation has not improved sufficiently since they first raised concerns.

Calls for Urgency

This latest communication follows a letter sent in July by Representative Debbie Dingell and seven other members of Congress, which they claim resulted in "no meaningful actions." Representative Val Hoyle of Oregon told Reuters that the lack of attention highlights systemic issues, stating, "This goes again to the priority of women’s health in the American healthcare system."

Hoyle indicated that the caucus expects a response before Congress returns to session on November 9. She warned that if their concerns are not addressed, the lawmakers will plan further action to "highlight this problem in whatever way we need to."