The US House Democratic Women's Caucus is turning up the pressure over a persistent shortage of estradiol transdermal patches — a widely used hormone therapy that helps women manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The 96-member caucus sent a letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas on Monday, demanding details on supply chain bottlenecks, data on the most affected brands and dosages, and a clear timeline for stabilization.

This isn't the first time Congress has raised the alarm. Rep. Debbie Dingell and seven colleagues sent a similar letter to the FDA back in July — but lawmakers say nothing meaningful has been done since. The FDA maintains that estradiol patches are not officially "in shortage," though it acknowledged in early September that it is working with all six manufacturers to boost supply.

Key Takeaways:

• Women have been forced to reduce dosages, switch brands, or change therapy types due to limited patch availability
• The FDA has not added estradiol patches to its official shortage list, limiting formal intervention mechanisms
• Lawmakers are requesting the FDA consider additional manufacturers to help close the supply gap

Why it matters: Estrogen patches are a frontline therapy for millions of menopausal women, and supply disruptions can directly impact quality of life and health outcomes. With Congress set to return on November 9, lawmakers are signaling they'll escalate pressure if the FDA doesn't act soon.