If You've Been Told "We Don't Have It," You're Not Alone

You called your pharmacy. They don't have CombiPatch. You called another pharmacy. Same answer. You're not imagining things — CombiPatch has been genuinely difficult to find for many patients across the country, and 2026 hasn't fully resolved the problem.

If you depend on CombiPatch to manage your menopause symptoms, this situation is more than inconvenient — it's stressful and potentially harmful. Let's break down exactly what's going on, why this medication is so hard to find, and what steps you can take right now.

What Is CombiPatch?

CombiPatch is a prescription transdermal patch that delivers two hormones through your skin: Estradiol (an estrogen) and Norethindrone Acetate (a progestin). You apply it to your lower abdomen twice a week, and it provides continuous combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Doctors prescribe CombiPatch primarily for two reasons:

• Moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats related to menopause
• Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women who also need treatment for vasomotor symptoms

The progestin component is important — it protects the uterine lining from the overgrowth that estrogen alone can cause. That's why CombiPatch is specifically for women who still have their uterus.

For many women, CombiPatch is a preferred option because the patch bypasses the digestive system, which may lower the risk of certain side effects compared to oral HRT and provides steady hormone levels throughout the day.

Why Is CombiPatch So Hard to Find?

There isn't one single reason CombiPatch is hard to find — it's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of limited supply.

1. Manufacturing Complexity

Transdermal patches are among the most technically challenging drug products to manufacture. Unlike a simple pill, a patch requires specialized adhesive technology, precise drug-in-adhesive layering, and strict quality control to ensure consistent delivery through the skin. Only a handful of manufacturers worldwide have the capability to produce these patches, and when any one of them runs into production issues, the ripple effects are significant.

CombiPatch and its generic equivalents have been affected by manufacturing slowdowns and quality control holds that have limited the amount of product reaching pharmacy shelves.

2. Limited Number of Manufacturers

The generic market for combination estrogen/progestin patches is small. Unlike common medications like blood pressure pills where dozens of generic manufacturers compete, there are very few companies making estradiol/norethindrone acetate patches. When one manufacturer has a disruption, there simply aren't enough others to pick up the slack.

3. Surging Demand for HRT

Over the past several years, awareness of menopause and hormone replacement therapy has grown dramatically. High-profile advocacy, media coverage, and a cultural shift toward treating menopause symptoms rather than "toughing it out" have led to a significant increase in HRT prescriptions. This is a good thing for women's health — but it has put enormous pressure on an already limited supply chain.

More women are starting HRT, and those already on it are continuing longer, which means demand has outpaced the ability of manufacturers to scale up production.

4. Supply Chain and Distribution Issues

Even when patches are being manufactured, they don't always end up at the pharmacies where patients need them. Distribution bottlenecks, regional allocation differences, and pharmacy ordering patterns can all create situations where one pharmacy in town has stock while three others don't. Large chain pharmacies may prioritize higher-volume medications, while specialty or independent pharmacies may have more flexibility in sourcing.

What You Can Do Right Now

Being told your medication is unavailable is frustrating, but you have more options than you might think.

Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Availability

Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to search for CombiPatch availability near you. Medfinder shows you which pharmacies currently have your medication in stock, saving you time and stress. You can search by zip code and see results instantly.

Ask About the Generic Version

If brand-name CombiPatch is unavailable, the generic version — Estradiol/Norethindrone Acetate transdermal system — contains the same active ingredients and works the same way. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you switch to the generic if you haven't already. In some cases, the generic may be more readily available than the brand.

Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies aren't your only option. Independent pharmacies often have different supply channels and may have stock when chains don't. Compounding pharmacies may also be able to prepare custom hormone therapy formulations, though these won't be identical to CombiPatch.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If CombiPatch simply isn't available in your area, there are other combination HRT options your doctor can consider. Alternatives like Climara Pro, Activella, Prempro, and Bijuva may be suitable depending on your medical history and preferences.

Don't Wait Until You're Out

If you're running low on patches, start looking for a refill early — at least two weeks before you run out. This gives you time to search multiple pharmacies, check with your doctor about alternatives, and avoid a gap in your hormone therapy.

Final Thoughts

The CombiPatch shortage is a real and ongoing challenge, but it doesn't mean you have to go without treatment. Understanding why the shortage exists can help you plan ahead, and knowing your options — from using tools like Medfinder to exploring savings programs — puts you in a stronger position.

Your menopause symptoms deserve treatment, and there are paths forward even when supply is tight. Stay proactive, work with your healthcare team, and don't hesitate to explore every option available to you.