Democratic Women's Caucus Demands Action on Estradiol Patch Shortage

The Democratic Women's Caucus sent a letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas on September 28 demanding a resolution to a prolonged shortage of estradiol transdermal patches. The 96-member caucus is seeking a specific timeline for supply stabilization and detailed information regarding manufacturing bottlenecks.

The shortage has forced many women to alter their hormone therapy dosages or switch brands to manage menopause symptoms. While the Food and Drug Administration stated earlier in September that it is collaborating with six manufacturers to increase supply, lawmakers argue that no meaningful actions have occurred since a previous inquiry in July.

Representative Val Hoyle stated that the situation "goes again to the priority of women’s health in the American healthcare system." Hoyle warned that the caucus will implement a plan to highlight the problem if health officials fail to provide answers before Congress returns to session on November 9.