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Estradot Shortage UK 2026

Current supply status and alternatives for Estradot

Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC
Shortage

Active shortage — confirmed in official DHSC / NHSBSA data (official data last checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC).

Estradot® 25 microgram patches

Shortage

Protocol until: 08 January 2027

An NHS Serious Shortage Protocol is in place until 08 January 2027.

Under this protocol, your pharmacist may give you Evorel® or Estraderm® MX patches of the same strength instead of Estradot®, one for one and for the full amount prescribed, if you agree. It applies to people aged 18 and over, and your prescriber or GP practice is told. Your pharmacist will tell you what to look out for, such as breakthrough bleeding, skin irritation or patches not sticking; if side effects carry on, speak to your prescriber.

From the official notice: NHSBSA SSP082, issued 03 April 2025.

Estradot® 100 microgram patches

Shortage

Protocol until: 08 January 2027

An NHS Serious Shortage Protocol is in place until 08 January 2027.

Under this protocol, your pharmacist may give you Evorel® or Estraderm® MX patches of the same strength instead of Estradot®, one for one and for the full amount prescribed, if you agree. It applies to people aged 18 and over, and your prescriber or GP practice is told. Your pharmacist will tell you what to look out for, such as breakthrough bleeding, skin irritation or patches not sticking; if side effects carry on, speak to your prescriber.

From the official notice: NHSBSA SSP081, issued 19 December 2024.

Estradot® 75 microgram patches

Shortage

Protocol until: 08 January 2027

An NHS Serious Shortage Protocol is in place until 08 January 2027.

Under this protocol, your pharmacist may give you Evorel® or Estraderm® MX patches of the same strength instead of Estradot®, one for one and for the full amount prescribed, if you agree. It applies to people aged 18 and over, and your prescriber or GP practice is told. Your pharmacist will tell you what to look out for, such as breakthrough bleeding, skin irritation or patches not sticking; if side effects carry on, speak to your prescriber.

From the official notice: NHSBSA SSP080, issued 19 December 2024.

Estradot® 50 microgram patches

Shortage

Protocol until: 08 January 2027

An NHS Serious Shortage Protocol is in place until 08 January 2027.

Under this protocol, your pharmacist may give you Evorel® or Estraderm® MX patches of the same strength instead of Estradot®, one for one and for the full amount prescribed, if you agree. It applies to people aged 18 and over, and your prescriber or GP practice is told. Your pharmacist will tell you what to look out for, such as breakthrough bleeding, skin irritation or patches not sticking; if side effects carry on, speak to your prescriber.

From the official notice: NHSBSA SSP079, issued 19 December 2024.

Don't stop or change your medicine on your own. Ask your pharmacist or GP.

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Nearby pharmacies to call about Estradot

Enter your postcode to see nearby NHS-registered pharmacies. Stock is not confirmed.

MediWatch does not guarantee live local stock. Call the pharmacy to confirm before travelling, and never stop or change medication without medical advice.

Where to get Estradot

  1. Speak to your pharmacist. They may be able to order it from another wholesaler, or suggest a different strength or form.
  2. Ask your GP or prescriber about an alternative if it can't be sourced. Don't stop or switch medicine on your own.
  3. Try other pharmacies. Stock varies between pharmacies. Find nearby pharmacies to call or use the NHS Find a pharmacy service (opens in a new tab).

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Get notified if Estradot status changes

Shortage status can change by strength, formulation and official source update. Check this page for the current record, then track the medicine if a missed dose would matter.

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SSP update · checked 17 October 2026

Estradot SSPs run until 8 January 2027

The four Estradot® Serious Shortage Protocols — SSP079 (50 microgram), SSP080 (75 microgram), SSP081 (100 microgram) and SSP082 (25 microgram) — are listed by NHSBSA with an end date of 8 January 2027 (amended 2 October 2026).

  • Under these protocols your pharmacist can supply Evorel® or Estraderm® MX patches of the same strength instead of Estradot®, one for one, for the full quantity prescribed, if you agree. The protocols do not allow a smaller quantity than prescribed. They apply to patients aged 18 and over, and your prescriber or GP practice is told.
  • Do not stop HRT suddenly or change patch strength yourself — ask your pharmacist or GP.
HRT supply overview All current shortages
Home › Shortages › hrt › Estradot
⚠️ Our data shows national supply status from DHSC, NHSBSA and MHRA. Your local pharmacy may still be temporarily out of stock due to delivery schedules or local demand. Always check with your pharmacist.
Estradot is used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms, given as a skin patch (source: NHS medicines A to Z). Official DHSC / NHSBSA data list 4 active shortage notifications for Estradot® 25 microgram patches; Estradot® 100 microgram patches; Estradot® 75 microgram patches; and 1 more. Other forms of this medicine are not named in them — details above.

Possible Alternatives

Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):

What to Do If You're Affected

⚠️ Important: NHS Listed 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Estradot in shortage in the UK in 2026?

Yes — official DHSC / NHSBSA data list 4 active shortage notifications for Estradot® 25 microgram patches; Estradot® 100 microgram patches; Estradot® 75 microgram patches; and 1 more. Other forms of Estradot are not named in them. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.

What is Estradot used for?

Estradot is commonly prescribed in the UK for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms, given as a skin patch. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.

What should I do if I can't get Estradot from my pharmacy?

Ask your pharmacist whether a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) covers it and what that protocol allows: each one sets out exactly what can be supplied. If your pharmacy can't supply it, speak to your GP or prescriber, and don't stop or change your medicine on your own. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.

What are the alternatives to Estradot?

Your GP may consider alternatives including Evorel patches, estradiol gel, Lenzetto spray. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.

Related

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Generated from official data: 12 November 2026 · Report an accuracy issue
Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · MHRA alerts
MediWatch is not medical advice. Always follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist, GP, specialist, NHS 111, or emergency services if you are unsure or unwell. Data checked daily.