by Kalea Gates | May 8, 2026 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause
The popularity of hormone replacement therapy, specifically for women, has skyrocketed over the past few years. For women experiencing life stages like perimenopause or menopause, this popularity has come with a lot of positive outcomes like the FDA removing the black box warning that used to come with hormone replacement therapy.
With these warnings gone, it gave women peace of mind when it came to treatment and erased fears for women wanting to try HRT.
But, in recent news, the estrogen patch, a method of hormone replacement therapy, has been experiencing a shortage.
This is a frustrating moment for women who rely on estrogen patches as their method of HRT. But don’t worry, there are other effective alternatives available so you can stay on track and maintain treatment.
But what is causing this shortage in the first place?
Summary
The estrogen patch shortage is being driven by rising demand and supply chain issues. Hormone replacement therapy use has increased significantly in recent years, with estrogen patches making up a large share of prescriptions. At the same time, global supply challenges have made production and distribution more difficult. Estrogen patch availability is expected to remain limited into 2026 and possibly longer.
Despite the shortage, hormone therapy can still continue with alternative options. Women are not out of treatment options, and many can safely transition to other forms of hormone therapy. A HerKare, provider can help guide women switch methods without stopping care. The goal is to maintain symptom relief and avoid interruption of care.
There are several HRT alternatives are available. At HerKare, we have a multitude of alternatives to choose from. This includes, oral estrogen, transdermal creams and gels, hormone pellets, and vaginal suppositories. A provider can help determine the most appropriate fit for you.
Do not stop therapy is you are experiencing issues accessing estrogen patches. Instead, you should consult a provider to safely switch to another option. At HerKare, we believe that personalized care ensures continued hormonal balance and symptom management throughout the shortage.
Why Estrogen Patches Are in Short Supply
The estrogen patch shortage is the result of several factors including popularity, demand, and tariffs.
Since 2021, the number of women being prescribed hormone replacement therapy has increased by 86%, and 50% of those prescriptions were for estrogen patches. Wow!
And with many of the ingredients used to create estrogen patches coming from overseas, factors like trade wars, tariffs, and weather play a huge role in getting products to pharmacies on time.
The estrogen patch shortage is being felt worldwide, and it’s predicted to continue through the end of 2026. Some manufacturers are warning that the increase in demand could extend the shortage for up to three years.
Despite the shortage, women are not out of options! There are still many ways for you to continue your hormone journey.
Who Is Most Affected
- Women who are currently using estrogen patches for HRT
The most impacted group during this shortage are women who are currently using estrogen patches to manage symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. When refills become delayed or unavailable, concern about symptoms returning or interruptions in treatment are valid feelings.
- Women who prefer transdermal therapy specifically
Some women have a preference for transdermal (absorbed through the skin) estrogen over any other method. This shortage could mean going through trials to find another alternative that you prefer.
This shortage is affecting women in different ways, but luckily, most women are still able to continue hormone replacement therapy with the right alternative.
At HerKare, we pride ourselves on personalization. One size never fits all and that is why we have a multitude of hormone replacement therapy methods to choose from.
While the current shortage feels scary, this does not mean your treatment has to stop.
HRT Alternatives to the Estrogen Patch
The current shortage does not mean you need to pause or interrupt your hormone therapy.
The right alternative depends on you, and a HerKare provider is always ready to help you determine the best fit.
Alternatives include:
- Oral Estrogen (Pill)
Oral estrogen, the pill, is the traditional method of hormone therapy. Taken by mouth, usually once a day, it can be effective for managing symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause. For some, the oral option is a simple and convenient option, although it may not be right for everyone depending on medical history.
- Transdermal Creams and Gels
Estrogen creams and gels are applied directly to the skin and absorbed gradually into the bloodstream. Like patches, these options offer another way to deliver steady hormone levels without taking a daily pill.
- Pellets
Hormone pellets are a long-acting option that gets placed under the skin in a quick in-office procedure. Once inserted, pellets release a steady dose of hormones over several months, reducing the number of in-clinic visits. Pellets are personalized based on your needs and dosage.
- Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal estrogen therapy is designed to treat localized symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary changes that may come with menopause. Vaginal suppositories deliver estrogen directly to the problem area. They are often used on their own or alongside other hormone therapy options for more symptom relief.
There are still multiple ways to continue hormone therapy without losing progress.
Get Support Navigating the Estrogen Patch Shortage
If you are currently having problems accessing your prescription, it is important to reach out to your provider rather than stopping therapy completely. It is possible to transition smoothly to an alternative option with guidance.
You still have options, and we’re here to help you find the right fit.
For women affected by the estrogen patch shortage, call or book an appointment to speak with a HerKare provider about your options today.
FDA’s 2025 removal of black box warnings on menopausal hormone therapy – PMC
Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescriptions for Women Up 72% Since 2021
Drug Shortage Detail: Estradiol Transdermal System
by Kalea Gates | Apr 30, 2026 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause
Women often begin noticing changes in their body long before they receive clear answers.
For many, this leads to searching for explanations online, going down rabbit holes or assuming it must be perimenopause. While that can sometimes be the case, symptoms alone do not always tell the full story.
Hormone changes are complex, which is why clarity matters. Before jumping to conclusions, it is important to understand what is actually going on inside your body.
Summary
Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Every woman’s hormone levels and symptoms are different, which is why comprehensive hormone testing is important before beginning treatment. Testing helps creates a personalized treatment plan designed around your body’s specific needs.
Relying on online symptom checklists, quizzes, or self-diagnosis can lead to confusion and ineffective treatments. Two women may experience similar symptoms but require completely different care based on what their lab results reveal. Proper testing allows for clearer insight into what may actually be contributing to symptoms.
Comprehensive hormone testing can help reduce the risk of over or under dosing, metabolic complications, and unwanted side effects. Monitoring hormone levels allows providers to make informed treatment decisions and adjust care when needed.
At HerKare, our Comprehensive Hormone Test is designed to provide a deeper look into your overall hormone and metabolic health. With testing alongside personalized provider guidance, women can move beyond guesswork and take a more informed approach when it comes to their hormone health.
What is Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a treatment that replaces the hormones your body stops making. Your body can stop making hormones at any time or for any reason, like menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy works through a multitude of methods to deliver 3 main hormones: progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. These hormones can help relieve symptoms like:
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Changes in mood
• Low libido
But for hormone therapy to deliver results, testing is essential to understand the root of your imbalance and guide the best treatment plan for you.
Why So Many Women Turn to Self-Diagnosis
One of the most misconceptions is that symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, and brain fog automatically mean perimenopause has started. Whilst this is sometimes true, it is not the only explanation. In some cases, symptoms can overlap with other hormone imbalances including chronic stress, insulin resistance, or nutrient deficiencies.
Another misconception is that hormonal changes can be identified without a test. Because hormone levels naturally fluctuate constantly, symptoms can often look similar even when the underlying problem is very different.
Relying on symptoms alone can lead to confusion and misdirected care. Two women may experience the same symptoms but require completely different treatment approaches based on what their lab results reveal.
Understanding what is actually happening inside the body is the key to effective treatment, and that starts with proper testing rather than assumptions.
The Importance of Hormone Testing
The short answer is yes; hormone testing is needed and essential to your hormone journey, and it’s not just a normal blood test.
Every woman is unique. Your imbalance may not be the same as another person’s imbalance; therefore, treatment will be different.
Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and testing ensures that.
Hormone testing can prevent:
- Over or under dosing
Testing will ensure that the dosage you get is right for you. Overdosing can lead to high hormone levels, which can make symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue worse. Underdosing can lead to low hormone levels, meaning there will be little to no changes in symptoms.
- Metabolic issues
No testing can lead to a shift in your metabolic health, which can lead to insulin resistance (which can put you at risk for diabetes), an increased risk of developing heart disease, and weight fluctuations.
- Severe side effects
Regular testing can detect issues early, like severe mood swings, breast soreness, and acne.
This is why hormone testing matters so much and should never be skipped, and if it is, it’s important to be cautious of that approach.
Let’s Clear the Air About Guessing Your Hormone Health
- Myth: “I’m probably in perimenopause because my symptoms match what I read online.”
While online symptom lists can be helpful for awareness, they are not diagnostic tools! Many women compare their experiences to what they read and assume they have the answer, but hormonal patterns are very unique to the individual.
- Myth: “If I’m in my late 30’s or 40’s, it must be perimenopause.”
While perimenopause often starts in this age range, age alone cannot confirm hormonal status. Some women can experience symptoms earlier or later; others may be experiencing symptoms unrelated to hormonal changes that appear in similar ways.
- Myth: “If my symptoms feel real, I don’t need testing to validate them.”
What you are feeling is always valid, but they do not always point to a single cause. Testing is not about proving whether your symptoms are real; it is about identifying why they are happening so treatment can be effective.
Don’t Guess, HerKare Has the Answers
Your hormone health should never be based on guesswork or an online quiz. With the right testing and insight, you can get clear answers and a personalized path forward.
Right now, for a limited time, HerKare is bringing back Comprehensive Hormone Testing so you can take control of your hormone health.
Our Comprehensive Hormone Test includes a 65+ biomarker panel, lipid and metabolic panel, Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) testing, an InBody body composition scan, and a consultation with a HerKare provider.
You deserve clarity and support, and getting real answers is often the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Call or book an appointment to speak with a HerKare provider today.
Effect of menopausal hormone therapy on components of the metabolic syndrome – PMC
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
by Kalea Gates | Apr 23, 2026 | Weight Loss
If losing weight has started to feel like an uphill battle, you’re not alone. Many women find themselves doing everything right when it comes to weight loss, but the scale still won’t budge.
The great news is that weight loss support has evolved, and HerKare is now offering medically guided GLP-1 dissolvable pills to help support you on your weight loss journey.
So, what makes these newer GLP-1 options different? Let’s break it down.
A New Era of GLP-1 Medications
As you know, GLP-1 weight loss medications are not new and have become widely recognized as medical weight loss treatments. Many of these treatments have traditionally only been available in injectable form, but with science constantly evolving, a new generation of GLP-1 medications is now emerging in pill form.
This updated form of GLP-1 does not change its purpose. It is designed to work the same while still giving you and your provider more options when it comes to selecting a plan that best fits your needs.
At HerKare, we are now offering these new forms of GLP-1s as part of our personalized medical weight loss services.
Introducing Semaglutide and Tirzepatide ODT at HerKare
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as under-the-tongue dissolvable options are now available at HerKare, bringing two well-known GLP-1 weight loss medications into more accessible formats.
The difference is in delivery, with these options available in dissolvable form, this new format may better fit different preferences and routines.
Semaglutide is a well-known GLP-1 weight loss medication that targets a single hormone pathway involved in blood sugar regulation, while Tirzepatide, a newer option, targets multiple hormone pathways related to metabolism and cravings. Having both treatments available allows for more personalized plans.
To better understand why GLP-1s are becoming more frequently used, it helps to look at the benefits they provide.
Benefits of GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatments
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces risk of heart disease and kidney disease
- Reduces cravings
- Promotes weight loss
- Helps reduce weight-related conditions like knee pain, sleep apnea, and acid reflux
Weight Loss Support Tailored to You
No two weight loss journeys look the same, which is why HerKare has been continuously built around the individual, not just a collection of symptoms. From your initial consultation through ongoing care, our providers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to explore whether medical weight loss is right for you? We make it easy. Call or schedule an appointment to take the next step toward achieving your health goals today!
GLP-1 Agonists: What They Are, How They Work & Side Effects
The expanding benefits of GLP-1 medicines – PMC
by Kalea Gates | Apr 17, 2026 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
If you are experiencing:
• Irregular periods
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
It may be signs of hormonal imbalance, but don’t worry, HerKare is here to help.
Now Offering: Women’s Comprehensive Hormone Testing
HerKare is making hormonal testing easier than ever with our new offer. For a limited time, HerKare is offering two paths to Comprehensive Hormone Evaluations for all new patients:
- Insurance Coverage
HerKare works with most major insurance plans, which means your hormone test could be covered.
You pay your specialist copay, that’s it.
Want to check your coverage? Call your nearest HerKare clinic and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Coverage varies by plan. Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs may apply.
- Self-Pay
Don’t have insurance? Prefer to pay out-of-pocket? We’ve got you covered.
Discounted from $200, you only pay a $99 flat fee.
What’s Included?
Our Women’s Comprehensive Hormone Evaluation includes:
• 65+ biomarker hormone panel
• Lipid panel and comprehensive metabolic panel
• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) test
• InBody body composition scan
• Consultation with a licensed provider
Your First Step Starts Here
This offer is only available for a limited time, so don’t walk, run to your nearest HerKare clinic. Call or book an appointment today!
Terms and conditions apply. Offer open to new patients only. If patients choose to begin hormone replacement therapy, they must remain on their chosen path (insurance or self-pay) for the entire calendar year. Patients with high-deductible plans should ask their provider which option is best for them.
by Kalea Gates | Apr 14, 2026 | Wellness
Low libido in women is more common than you think, especially during life stages like perimenopause and hormonal changes.
Some women find themselves at a crossroads; daily pills must follow a schedule, and hormone therapy may feel like a commitment you’re not quite ready for. But now, there’s another option: PT-141
PT-141 has been gaining attention as a treatment for women experiencing a low sex drive. FDA approved, this option gives women another way to take control of their sexual health.
But first, what is PT-141 and why has it become a part of the conversation surrounding women’s sexual health?
What is PT-141
PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a peptide injection used to treat low sexual desire. Unlike other sexual health drugs that increase blood flow, PT-141 works in the brain.
PT-141 works by acting on a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls mood, pleasure, and sexual desire. It sends signals to the brain that increase dopamine (the “happy chemical”), that in turn boosts attraction and feelings of interest, not just physical responses.
PT-141 affects both the body and the brain to support a complete experience when it comes to intimacy.
Now that we have a better understanding of what PT-141 is and how it works, what makes it so appealing for women?
Why Women in Perimenopause Are Exploring PT-141
PT-141 is making its rounds in conversations when it comes to women’s health. You may have seen healthcare providers or wellness experts discussing it on social media as more women are beginning to explore its potential.
PT-141 is not just another peptide; it is a targeted option that’s helping many women rediscover the confidence and desire they’ve lost.
But with any treatment, proper evaluation is needed. PT-141 is not a one-size-fits-all, and it is important to determine whether it is right for you.
At HerKare, we are now offering PT-141 as we expand care for women’s sexual health.
PT-141 for Women in Texas: Now Available at HerKare
As interest in this treatment continues to grow, more women are asking whether PT-141 is right for them. No more Googling or Reddit surfing. PT-141 is now available at HerKare for women who are looking to reignite that sexual desire and support their overall wellbeing.
At HerKare, we believe that every woman is unique, so when it comes to treatment, nothing is ever one-size-fits-all. PT-141 can be used as a standalone treatment or an add-on to ensure optimized wellness.
Curious whether PT-141 could be an option for you? Our HerKare providers are here to guide you through the next steps, book an appointment today!
Bremelanotide (subcutaneous route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic
