# Global hormone replacement therapy shortages

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-hormone-replacement-therapy-shortages
> Updated: 2026-09-22T17:10:11.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

A shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications, specifically estrogen and progesterone, has created significant healthcare access challenges. In the United States, the scarcity of estrogen patches followed an FDA decision to remove black box labeling, which increased market demand and forced patients to ration medication or travel long distances to find supplies.

In Spain, the shortage has prompted organized public pressure. A petition led by patient Rebeca Marín has gathered over 16,500 signatures demanding that the Ministry of Health intervene. Marín described patients having to act like “detectives” to locate prescribed treatments across various pharmacies. The campaign seeks guaranteed access to these medications, similar to other chronic treatments, and calls for the implementation of preventive supply measures and the establishment of therapeutic alternatives.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Spain's Ministry of Health pressured over menopause medication shortages

A petition with over 16,500 signatures is demanding urgent action from the Ministry of Health to resolve shortages of hormone replacement therapy medications like estrogen and progesterone.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-ministry-of-health-pressured-over-menopause-medication-shortages

### 2026-09-03: Estrogen patch shortage impacts hormone replacement therapy access

A shortage of estrogen patches is forcing women to travel long distances or ration medication to access hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/estrogen-patch-shortage-impacts-hormone-replacement-therapy-access

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Cite as: Global hormone replacement therapy shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-hormone-replacement-therapy-shortages