Current Shortage Status
Estradiol (Estradot®) transdermal patches
medium DHSC MSNUpdate to communications issued on 19 December 2024. Material updates are shown in bold • Estradiol (Estradot®) 25micrograms/24 hours and 50micrograms/24 hours transdermal patches will be out of stock
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
What to Do If You're Affected
- Contact your pharmacy as soon as possible — don't wait until you run out
- Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active
- Speak to your GP about prescribing an alternative
- Try other local pharmacies who may have different stock
- Sign up for MediWatch alerts to track this shortage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Estradiol transdermal in shortage in the UK in 2026?
Yes — as of 3 March 2026, there is 1 active shortage notification for Estradiol transdermal in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.
What is Estradiol transdermal used for?
Estradiol transdermal is commonly prescribed in the UK for various medical conditions. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.
What should I do if I can't get Estradiol transdermal from my pharmacy?
First, ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active — this may allow them to dispense an alternative without a new prescription. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.
Active Shortage
Severity: Serious Shortage
As of March 2026, Estradiol Transdermal has 9 active shortage notifications from official DHSC/NHS England data. Expected resolution: 19 May 2022.
Source: NHS England Serious Shortage Protocol · Issued: 2026-02-02
Affected Formulations
Estradiol (Lenzetto®)1.53mg/dose transdermal spray restriction
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Lenzetto®)1.53mg/dose transdermal spray substitution
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Lenzetto®)1.53mg/dose transdermal spray substitution and restriction
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel) 0.06% gel (750microgram per actuation) substitution
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel) 0.06% gel (750microgram per actuation) substitution and restriction
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Progynova® TS) 50micrograms/24hours and 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches
DHSC MSN · medium · Issued: 2025-08-06
Estradiol (Sandrena®) 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets restriction
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Sandrena®) 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets substitution
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Estradiol (Sandrena®) 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets substitution and restriction
NHS SSP · Serious Shortage · Issued: 2026-02-02
Expected resolution: 19 May 2022
Official Alternatives & Guidance
- FemSeven® 50micrograms/24 hours and 100micrograms/24 hours transdermal patches (once-weekly estradiol patches) remain available and can support the increase in demand.
- Evorel® 50micrograms and 100micrograms and Estraderm® MX 50micrograms and 100micrograms transdermal patches (twice-weekly estradiol patches) remain available and can support the increase in demand
Source: Official DHSC/NHS England alternative guidance
⚠️ Important: Other Medication Safety
Urgency: Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even if supply is disrupted.
What to do: Contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you become aware of a shortage affecting your medication. The earlier you act, the more options you will have.
Tip: Phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. Many pharmacies can check stock levels by phone and may be able to order your medication from their wholesaler.
Previous Shortage History
Notification
Source
Date Issued
Status
Estradiol (Estradot®) transdermal patches
DHSC MSN
2024-12-19
Resolved
Data sourced from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and
NHS England Serious Shortage Protocols.
Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and
editorial policy for full methodology.
Get free shortage alerts
As of March 2026, Estradiol Transdermal has 9 active shortage notifications from official DHSC/NHS England data. Expected resolution: 19 May 2022.
Source: NHS England Serious Shortage Protocol · Issued: 2026-02-02
Affected Formulations
Official Alternatives & Guidance
- FemSeven® 50micrograms/24 hours and 100micrograms/24 hours transdermal patches (once-weekly estradiol patches) remain available and can support the increase in demand.
- Evorel® 50micrograms and 100micrograms and Estraderm® MX 50micrograms and 100micrograms transdermal patches (twice-weekly estradiol patches) remain available and can support the increase in demand
Source: Official DHSC/NHS England alternative guidance
⚠️ Important: Other Medication Safety
Urgency: Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even if supply is disrupted.
What to do: Contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you become aware of a shortage affecting your medication. The earlier you act, the more options you will have.
Tip: Phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. Many pharmacies can check stock levels by phone and may be able to order your medication from their wholesaler.
Previous Shortage History
| Notification | Source | Date Issued | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estradiol (Estradot®) transdermal patches | DHSC MSN | 2024-12-19 | Resolved |
Data sourced from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and NHS England Serious Shortage Protocols. Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and editorial policy for full methodology.
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