Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estradiol transdermal is a prescription hormone replacement therapy (HRT) delivered through a skin patch. It contains estradiol, the primary and most potent natural estrogen produced by the ovaries. The patch delivers a steady, controlled dose of estradiol through the skin and directly into the bloodstream.
Estradiol transdermal patches are FDA-approved for:
Transdermal estradiol bypasses the liver (avoiding first-pass metabolism), which gives it important safety advantages over oral estrogen: lower risk of blood clots, no increase in triglycerides, and less impact on blood clotting factors. For this reason, transdermal estradiol is the preferred formulation for patients with cardiovascular risk factors, history of blood clots, migraines, or high triglycerides.
Having trouble finding estradiol patches? Medfinder helps you locate pharmacies with your medication in stock.
Estradiol transdermal patches contain 17β-estradiol, which is bioidentical to the estrogen naturally produced by the ovaries. The patch uses a matrix or reservoir system to deliver estradiol through the skin at a controlled rate over 3–4 days (twice-weekly) or 7 days (once-weekly).
Once absorbed through the skin, estradiol enters the bloodstream directly — bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and liver. This transdermal delivery maintains steady estradiol levels without the peaks and troughs associated with oral dosing, and avoids the liver's first-pass metabolism that can increase clotting risk.
Estradiol binds to estrogen receptors throughout the body — in the brain (reducing hot flashes), bones (preventing osteoporosis), urogenital tissues (reducing vaginal dryness), and other tissues. Effects on vasomotor symptoms are typically noticeable within 2–4 weeks of starting therapy.
Brand names include Vivelle-Dot (twice-weekly), Climara (once-weekly), Minivelle (twice-weekly), Dotti (twice-weekly), and Lyllana (twice-weekly). Generic versions are available from Mylan/Viatris, Sandoz, Noven, Zydus, and Amneal.
Patches are applied to clean, dry, hairless skin on the lower abdomen or upper buttock. Never apply to the breasts. Rotate application sites to minimize skin irritation.
Estradiol transdermal patches are a cornerstone of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms — and they've become increasingly difficult to find. We've assigned a findability score of 42 out of 100, reflecting significant supply disruptions that have worsened in late 2025 and into 2026.
According to the ASHP Drug Shortage Database, multiple estradiol transdermal patch products are affected. Mylan (Viatris) has the 0.075 mg/24 hour patch on back order with an estimated release date of mid-February 2026. Sandoz has the 0.05 mg/24 hour patch on back order until mid-February 2026 as well. Other presentations are available but on allocation.
The shortage is driven by a surge in demand. HRT prescriptions for women ages 50–65 have increased 86% since 2021, according to Epic Research. In November 2025, the FDA removed the long-standing black box warning on hormone replacement therapy products — a move that further increased prescribing and patient interest.
Estradiol patches are produced by only a handful of manufacturers — primarily Noven Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, Mylan, and Amneal — with limited production redundancy. When any single manufacturer experiences delays, the impact is felt nationally.
Patients may need to call 3–8 pharmacies to find their specific patch dose in stock. The twice-weekly patches (e.g., Vivelle-Dot generics) tend to be hardest to find, while once-weekly patches (Climara) may have slightly better availability.
If your specific patch isn't available, alternatives include estradiol gels (Divigel, EstroGel), sprays (Evamist), or oral estradiol tablets — though transdermal delivery is preferred for its lower clot risk.
Medfinder can help you find estradiol transdermal patches in stock near you.
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Estradiol transdermal is not a controlled substance. OB-GYNs, PCPs, endocrinologists, menopause specialists, NPs, and PAs can all prescribe it. Telehealth prescribing is widely available through menopause-focused platforms.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with availability.
No, estradiol transdermal is not a controlled substance. Automatic refills, 90-day supplies, easy pharmacy transfers, and telehealth prescribing are all available. The main barrier is the ongoing supply shortage driven by surging demand and limited manufacturers.
Medfinder can help you find estradiol patches near you.
Important: Women with an intact uterus must use estradiol with a progestogen to protect against endometrial cancer.
Medfinder can help you find estradiol patches near you.
Estradiol transdermal patches are the gold standard for menopausal hormone therapy, offering steady hormone delivery with a lower risk profile than oral estrogen. The current shortage — driven by an 86% increase in HRT prescriptions since 2021 and the FDA's removal of the HRT black box warning in late 2025 — is making patches harder to find for many patients.
If your usual patch is unavailable, ask your prescriber about estradiol gels or sprays as alternatives. Oral estradiol is widely available and affordable, though it carries higher clot risk for certain patients.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with estradiol transdermal patches in stock. Search for availability near you.
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