The Dotti Shortage Is Real — Here's What's Happening in 2026

If you rely on Dotti estradiol patches and have been told your pharmacy can't fill your prescription, you're living through one of the most significant hormone therapy shortages in years. In this post, we'll give you a clear, honest update on the Dotti shortage as of early 2026 — what's causing it, how long it might last, and what you can do right now.

Is Dotti Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of February 2026, Dotti and other estradiol transdermal patches remain in shortage across much of the United States. The shortage is not limited to Dotti — it affects multiple estradiol patch brands and generics, though some products are harder to find than others.

The FDA is aware of the situation and has stated it is monitoring estradiol patch supply. However, no official resolution date has been announced. Reports from pharmacies, patients, and wholesalers all confirm that supply remains significantly below demand.

Why Is Dotti So Hard to Find?

The current shortage is the result of a perfect storm. Here are the main drivers:

The FDA Removed the Black Box Warning

In November 2025, the FDA removed the longstanding black box warning from bioidentical estradiol patches, gels, and creams. This warning — in place for over two decades — had overstated the risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and discouraged millions of women and their doctors from using it.

Once the warning was removed, demand for HRT surged. Women who had been suffering through menopause symptoms without treatment began asking their doctors for prescriptions. The result: a massive spike in estradiol patch prescriptions that manufacturers were not prepared to handle.

Growing Demand Since 2020

Even before the FDA's decision, demand had been rising steadily. Telehealth menopause companies like Midi Health, Alloy, and Evernow made HRT more accessible starting around 2020. Social media also played a role, with more women sharing their positive experiences with hormone therapy. The black box removal was the catalyst, but the trend had been building for years.

Manufacturing Limitations

Estradiol transdermal patches are complex to manufacture. They require specialized facilities and processes, and only a small number of companies produce them. Amneal Pharmaceuticals (which makes Dotti) and a few other manufacturers cannot simply double their output overnight. Scaling up production takes time — often 6 to 18 months.

How Much Does Dotti Cost in 2026?

The shortage has not significantly changed Dotti's pricing, but availability issues mean you may not always be able to shop for the best deal. Here's what to expect:

• Retail (cash) price: $105 to $191 for a 1-month supply (8 patches) without insurance
• With a GoodRx coupon: As low as $25.83 for the most common strength
• With a SingleCare coupon: Starting around $45 for a 1-month supply
• With insurance: Many plans cover Dotti (or generic estradiol patches) with copays of $10 to $30

If cost is a barrier, see our full guide: How to Save Money on Dotti in 2026.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no brand-new estradiol patch products have launched to address the shortage, patients do have several options:

• Generic estradiol patches: Multiple manufacturers produce generic versions. Ask your pharmacist if a generic is available when Dotti isn't.
• Climara: A once-weekly estradiol patch from Bayer that may be available when twice-weekly patches are not.
• Estradiol gel (EstroGel, Divigel): Topical gels that deliver estradiol without a patch. These may be easier to find during the patch shortage.
• Oral estradiol: Estradiol tablets are rarely in shortage and cost as little as $4 to $15 per month.

For a detailed comparison, read Alternatives to Dotti If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

How to Find Dotti in Stock Right Now

Even during the shortage, Dotti is not completely unavailable — it just requires more effort to find. Here's what works:

1. Use Medfinder to search real-time pharmacy availability in your area.
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often have different supply channels than chains.
3. Call ahead early in the week when pharmacies are most likely to have received new shipments.
4. Refill 7 to 10 days early to give yourself time to search.
5. Ask your pharmacist to check other locations or distributors.

For the full playbook, see How to Find Dotti in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Dotti shortage is frustrating, but it's important to know that you have options and you don't have to go without hormone therapy. The shortage is driven by increased demand — which, in many ways, is a positive sign that more women are getting the treatment they need. The supply just hasn't caught up yet.

Stay proactive: use Medfinder to track availability, talk to your doctor about alternatives, and don't wait until your last patch to start looking for a refill. If you're a provider, check out our provider briefing on the Dotti shortage for clinical guidance.