The ongoing Estradot patch shortage has left many women across the UK struggling to get their usual HRT. Here is a clear explanation of why it is happening, what the official protocols mean for you, and whether it is safe to switch between Estradot and Evorel.
If your pharmacy has turned you away without your Estradot patches, you are far from alone. Supply of these popular HRT patches has been disrupted across the UK, and it is causing real worry for the many women who rely on them. The good news is that there is a clear, official plan in place, safe alternatives are available, and in most cases you can get sorted quickly. Here is everything you need to know.
What is the current status of the Estradot shortage?
All four strengths of Estradot patches, the 25, 50, 75 and 100 microgram, have been affected by an ongoing national shortage that began in December 2024. To manage it, the Department of Health and Social Care put official measures in place called Serious Shortage Protocols, numbered SSP079 to SSP082. These have been extended several times and, at the time of writing, are in force until 2 October 2026, subject to review.
A Serious Shortage Protocol is actually good news for patients. It means your community pharmacist is authorised to supply an approved alternative of the same strength without you needing to go back to your GP for a new prescription, which saves time and stress.
Why is there an Estradot shortage?
There is no single villain here, but two main factors are behind it.
The first is a huge rise in demand. As the conversation around menopause has opened up in recent years, far more women have felt able to seek help, and HRT prescribing in the UK has more than doubled. That is genuinely something to celebrate, but supply chains have struggled to keep pace with how quickly demand has grown.
The second is manufacturing and supply chain constraints. Producing transdermal patches is complex, and manufacturers have at times faced difficulty sourcing the raw ingredients and materials needed to make them. Because pharmaceutical manufacturing is a global business, disruption in one part of the supply chain can affect availability across many countries at once. In other words, this is a broad, international supply issue, not a problem with your local pharmacy.
Is it safe to switch between Estradot and Evorel?
This is the question worrying most women right now, and the reassuring answer is that for the vast majority, yes, it is safe. Under the shortage protocols, pharmacists are authorised to supply Evorel or Estraderm MX patches of the equivalent strength in place of Estradot.
The reason this works is that all three are transdermal patches delivering the same active ingredient, body identical estradiol, in matching strengths. An Estradot 50 and an Evorel 50, for example, are designed to deliver an equivalent daily dose of oestrogen. Both are applied twice weekly and changed every three to four days. The British Menopause Society publishes equivalent dose guidance specifically so that women can switch between brands during shortages with confidence.
It is worth being honest about the small print, though. The brands do differ in a few practical ways. Estradot patches are smaller, which many women prefer, while some find Evorel adheres better to the skin. A minority of women report that they simply feel better on one brand than another, even at the equivalent dose, and a small number find they do not absorb a particular patch as well. This is not something to worry about in advance, but if you switch and genuinely do not feel right after giving the new patch a fair trial of a few weeks, go back to your GP or a pharmacist. You have options, including trying a different alternative or an oestrogen gel or spray. For a fuller comparison, see our guide to Evorel versus Estradot.
What to do if you cannot get your Estradot patches
Ask your pharmacist about the shortage protocol
Because an official Serious Shortage Protocol is active, your pharmacist may be able to dispense an approved alternative there and then, without you needing a new prescription. Always ask about this first, as it is the quickest route.
Try more than one pharmacy
Stock varies significantly between branches and areas. If one pharmacy cannot help, a quick call round to others nearby may find what you need and save you a wasted journey.
Speak to your GP if needed
If the protocol route does not resolve it, contact your GP, who can prescribe a suitable alternative such as Evorel, Estraderm MX, an oestrogen gel like Oestrogel or Sandrena, or a spray such as Lenzetto. Do not simply go without your HRT, as a sudden gap can bring symptoms back and leave you feeling unwell.
Order in good time
While supply remains patchy, request your repeat prescription a little earlier than usual so you always have a buffer and are never caught short waiting for stock to arrive.
Making the switch easier with Nudi Spray
Switching patch brands often means dealing with different adhesives, and the sticky grey residue they leave behind. Nudi Spray removes leftover patch adhesive in seconds, leaving clean, comfortable skin with no scrubbing, whichever brand you end up on. It is a small thing, but during a frustrating shortage, one less hassle is welcome. You can explore the full Nudi Spray range here.
Where to find the latest information
Because supply situations change frequently, always check the most current advice with your pharmacist or GP. Trusted sources include the NHS pages on HRT, and menopause specialist information such as Balance by Dr Louise Newson. Your pharmacist is often the best placed person to give you real time, local stock information.
Frequently asked questions about the Estradot shortage
How long will the Estradot shortage last?
At the time of writing, the Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot patches are in force until 2 October 2026, subject to review. Shortages have been extended several times before, so timelines can change. Your pharmacist will have the most up to date information on current stock.
Can I switch from Estradot to Evorel safely?
For most women, yes. Both are transdermal patches containing the same active ingredient, body identical estradiol, in matching strengths, so an equivalent dose delivers an equivalent amount of oestrogen. Under the shortage protocols, pharmacists can supply Evorel or Estraderm MX in place of Estradot. If you do not feel right after switching, speak to your GP.
Do I need a new prescription to get an alternative patch?
Often not. Because an official Serious Shortage Protocol is active, your pharmacist is authorised to supply an approved alternative of the same strength without a new prescription. Always ask your pharmacist first, as this is usually the fastest way to get sorted.
Why does menopause HRT keep going into shortage?
HRT shortages in the UK largely come down to demand rising faster than supply, combined with occasional manufacturing and global supply chain constraints. HRT prescribing has more than doubled in recent years as more women seek help, which is positive, but it has put pressure on supply.
What should I do if the alternative patch does not suit me?
Give a new patch a fair trial of a few weeks, as your body may simply need time to adjust. If you still do not feel right, go back to your GP or pharmacist. You have options, including a different alternative patch, or an oestrogen gel or spray, and they can help you find what works.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Supply situations change frequently, so please check the latest with your pharmacist or GP, and never stop or change your HRT without professional advice. Information correct as at July 2026.