Find out why Progesterone is so hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled.
You drop off your prescription at the pharmacy, only to hear the dreaded words: "We don't have that in stock right now." If you've been trying to fill a Progesterone prescription lately, this might sound painfully familiar. Across the country, patients are running into empty shelves and long wait times for this essential hormone medication.
In this post, we'll explain what Progesterone is, why it's been so hard to find, and — most importantly — what you can do about it in 2026.
Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a critical role in the female reproductive system. It helps regulate menstruation, prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy, and supports early pregnancy.
As a medication, Progesterone is prescribed for several conditions, including:
Progesterone comes in several forms: oral capsules (sold under the brand name Prometrium and as generics), vaginal gels (Crinone), vaginal inserts (Endometrin), and intramuscular injections. Each formulation serves a slightly different purpose, and not all of them are interchangeable.
To learn more about how this medication works in your body, check out our guide on how Progesterone works.
The Progesterone shortage isn't caused by a single problem — it's the result of several overlapping issues that have been building for years. Here are the main reasons:
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) currently lists Progesterone capsules, Progesterone injection, and Progesterone vaginal inserts on their drug shortage database. That means all three major dosage forms have experienced supply disruptions. Some manufacturers like Aurobindo have not even provided availability information, making it harder for pharmacies to predict when stock will arrive.
Progesterone is produced by a relatively small number of manufacturers. When one experiences a production delay, the ripple effects are felt nationwide. For the injectable form, American Regent has stopped marketing the product entirely, leaving fewer suppliers to meet demand. Amneal and Virtus continue to produce capsules, but supply doesn't always keep up with demand.
The use of Progesterone has grown significantly in recent years. More women are pursuing IVF and other fertility treatments, which often require daily Progesterone supplementation. At the same time, awareness of menopausal hormone therapy has increased, with more patients and providers choosing bioidentical Progesterone (like Prometrium) over synthetic alternatives. This increased demand puts extra pressure on an already strained supply chain.
Because different forms of Progesterone aren't always interchangeable, a shortage in one formulation doesn't simply get solved by switching to another. A patient who needs vaginal Progesterone inserts for IVF can't always substitute oral capsules — the route of administration matters for effectiveness. This makes the shortage feel even more acute for patients who need a specific form.
For a deeper look at the current shortage situation, read our Progesterone shortage update for 2026.
Finding Progesterone may take extra effort right now, but there are real steps you can take:
Tools like Medfinder let you search for Progesterone availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock from your phone or computer. This is especially helpful for less common formulations like vaginal inserts or injectable Progesterone.
Big chain pharmacies often get hit hardest by shortages because they serve the most patients. Independent pharmacies may have better luck sourcing Progesterone through different distributors. Specialty pharmacies — especially those that serve fertility clinics — are another good option for vaginal and injectable forms.
If your specific form of Progesterone is unavailable, your provider may be able to prescribe a different formulation or a related medication. For example, alternatives to Progesterone like Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) or Norethindrone (Aygestin) may work for certain conditions, though they aren't identical to bioidentical Progesterone.
For some patients, compounding pharmacies can prepare custom Progesterone formulations — such as vaginal suppositories or creams — when commercial products are unavailable. Keep in mind that compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may not be covered by insurance, but they can be a viable option when commercial products can't be found.
If you rely on Progesterone regularly, don't wait until you're down to your last few doses to refill. Talk to your pharmacy about setting up automatic refills and request a 90-day supply if your insurance allows it. This gives you a buffer against short-term stock disruptions.
The Progesterone shortage has been frustrating for patients and providers alike. Whether you need it for menopause management, fertility treatment, or another condition, not being able to find your medication adds unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation.
The good news is that Progesterone is still being manufactured, and with the right tools and strategies, most patients can find it. Start by checking availability on Medfinder, talk to your doctor about backup plans, and don't hesitate to explore independent or specialty pharmacies.
For more tips on getting your prescription filled, read our guide on how to find Progesterone in stock near you. And if cost is a concern, check out our article on how to save money on Progesterone.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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