Audience: Patients and the public. Published 12 November 2026 (AEDT). Source updated 11 November 2026.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s medicines regulator, has updated its notice on the ongoing shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches. These patches contain estradiol, a form of oestrogen, and are used to manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. This is an update to a shortage that has been running for some time, not a new problem.
What changed on 11 November
The TGA now expects Estradot 25, 50, 75 and 100 patches to stay in short supply until 30 June 2027. Earlier this year it had estimated 31 December 2026. Estraderm MX 100 is now expected back in normal supply by 30 November 2026, later than the previous estimate of 30 October 2026. These dates are estimates from the suppliers and can change again.
Some products are no longer in shortage, according to the TGA: Estradot 37.5, Estraderm MX 25, 50 and 75, and all Estalis Sequi and Estalis Continuous patches.
What this may mean for you
If your usual patch is unavailable, a pharmacist may be able to give you a different brand that releases the same amount of estradiol each day, or two lower-strength patches of the same brand worn together to make the same dose. Special rules called a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument allow this without a new prescription. The Federal Register of Legislation currently lists that instrument as ending in late February 2027 unless it is extended.
The TGA has also allowed overseas-registered versions of estradiol patches to be supplied in Australia, and these are subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The TGA notes some points to be aware of:
- A substitute may cost more, and in some cases you may still need a new prescription.
- Do not cut estradiol patches to make a dose, because this may change how the medicine is absorbed.
- Different brands use different adhesives. Tell your pharmacist if you have reacted to patches or sticky dressings before.
- Ask how to apply an unfamiliar patch, or two patches at once, if you are given a substitute.
Other forms of HRT exist, including tablets, gels and vaginal products. Whether a change suits you depends on your health and history, so talk with your doctor if you cannot get your usual treatment. Please do not stop or change your HRT on your own.
Limitations
This summary is based on a regulator supply notice, not a study of treatment benefits or risks. Supply changes often and local pharmacy stock may differ from national estimates. Check the TGA notice or ask your pharmacist for the latest position.
Prepared with AI assistance from the linked official sources; it has not been individually reviewed by a clinician. General information only, not individual medical advice.
Sources
TGA: About the shortage of transdermal HRT patches (updated 11 November 2026; accessed 12 November 2026, AEDT).
Federal Register of Legislation: Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Estradiol) Instrument 2024 (accessed 12 November 2026, AEDT).