Demand for hormone therapy surges as thousands of women face pharmacy shortages

The use of estrogen patches, gels, and sprays has tripled in recent years, leaving many Danish women unable to obtain their prescribed medication, reports DR. The shortage is causing widespread frustration among those relying on hormone therapy to manage menopausal symptoms.

Data from the Danish Health Data Authority shows that around 14,000 women were treated with transdermal estrogen products in 2021. By 2025, that number had risen to approximately 50,000—a more than threefold increase in just five years.

Anette Tønnes Pedersen, a senior consultant at Rigshospitalet’s Department of Gynecology, Fertility, and Births, warns of serious consequences when women cannot access their usual hormone treatments.

“It’s a major problem when women can’t get the hormone preparations they rely on,” Pedersen said. “They need this treatment to function in their work and social lives.”

Lasse Gliemann, head of the research initiative Women in Healthy Menopause (KISO), highlights broader economic impacts, noting that menopausal symptoms cost Denmark billions in lost productivity annually.

One manufacturer, Sandoz, acknowledges supply issues but says it is investing in increased production. “We recognize that there isn’t enough supply,” said Lawrence Mead, Nordic director at Sandoz. “That’s why we’re expanding production capacity.”

The Danish Medicines Agency attributes the shortages to surging demand and confirms that additional shipments are expected in the coming days. In the meantime, pharmacies may temporarily dispense certain hormone products without Danish package inserts if alternatives are unavailable.

Women can check current medication shortages on the website restordre.dk.

Menopausal symptoms

Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, but symptoms—such as irregular bleeding, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, mood swings, and concentration difficulties—can begin years earlier during perimenopause. For some, these symptoms are mild, while for others, they significantly disrupt daily life, work, and overall well-being, according to KISO.