US House Democratic Women's Caucus presses health secretary on estrogen patch shortages
XLV•The 96-member caucus asked Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas for a timeline to stabilize estrogen patch supplies and whether the patches may be added to the FDA shortage database. The FDA said estradiol patches are not in shortage and that it continues to monitor supply.
1. Caucus seeks answers
The Democratic Women's Caucus in the US House asked Kennedy and Diamantas to address the prolonged supply disruption, provide a stabilization timeline and consider adding the patches to the FDA's shortage list. The lawmakers also requested details on supply bottlenecks, affected brands and dosages, and whether additional manufacturers may be considered.
2. FDA response and context
An FDA spokesperson said estradiol patches are not in shortage and that the agency would post that information if the product falls into a national shortage. The patches deliver estrogen through the skin and are used to ease menopause symptoms. Representative Val Hoyle said the issue reflects insufficient attention to women's health; the FDA said earlier this month it was working with all six manufacturers to increase supply.
