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Estrogen patches are in short supply as women seek menopause support

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Estrogen patches are in short supply as women seek menopause support

Woman applying estrogen patch during hormone therapy.

Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty Images

Estrogen patches are in short supply as demand for the menopause medications skyrockets, and it could take at least a year for manufacturers to catch up.

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Prescriptions of estrogen patches have increased 162% over the past two years, according to data from HealthVerity. Already rising demand was turbocharged last fall when the Food and Drug Administration removed a more than 20-year-old black box warning discouraging women from taking hormone replacement therapy. 

Manufacturers are struggling to keep pace. Three types of patches are in shortage, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which relies on reports from healthcare providers. The FDA, using a different methodology, hasn’t declared a shortage of estradiol. 

“You can get them, but it takes a lot of time and effort when we’re all so busy at this time of our lives,” said Dr. Susan Loeb-Zeitlin, director of the Women’s Midlife Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. 

Doctors across the country describe the difficulty their patients are experiencing to find hormone replacement therapies, particularly estrogen patches. When asked how much time she spends trying to help people find the medication, Dr. Francesca Turner, a doctor in Iowa, just laughs. 

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“Between my nurse, patients’ pharmacists and myself, we are doing this pretty much every day trying to figure out how to navigate this for our patients,” Turner said.

Doctors prescribe estrogen to treat the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and brain fog, which occur when a woman’s body produce less of the hormone. Estradiol is the most potent type and is commonly administered through a patch that gradually releases the hormone on the skin to help ease physical and mental symptoms of menopause. Doctors prefer giving estrogen topically because it’s considered a safer option than orally, Loeb-Zeitlin said. 

For more than two decades, the FDA advised women to avoid treating menopause with estrogen because a 2002 study called the Women’s Health Initiative suggested it could put women at greater risk of breast cancer and other conditions like dementia. Later analyses found the participants in the study were older than most women starting hormone replacement therapy and the risks of taking it were overstated. The FDA reversed course last fall and said it would work with companies to remove references to the risks in the labels of the medications.

By then, interest had already rebounded. Doctors credit prominent voices like Oprah Winfrey and social media users for shining a light on menopause, the life-altering symptoms that some women experience and how hormone replacement therapies can help. 

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“The demand has actually come from more of the community of women saying within their groups or communities that they are still suffering,” said Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer of Hers. “This was much more brought about by social media, where people are really able to air their voice, and you see a lot of celebrities that were talking about their journey as well.” 

Seeing the momentum, Hers, part of the telehealth provider Hims & Hers that’s best known for offering erectile dysfunction drugs and GLP-1s, about a year and a half ago decided to get into the perimenopause and menopause business, Shepherd said. Interest in the program has tripled since the company introduced it in October, the company said.

Prescriptions of all types of estrogen have risen 78% over the past two years, according to data from HealthVerity. The patches have proven particularly popular, with prescriptions more than doubling to 1.6 million in May from 594,000 in June of 2024, HealthVerity found. They now account for 44% of all estrogen prescriptions.

Phynart Studio | E+ | Getty Images

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That popularity has strained supply.

Three types of estradiol patches are now facing shortages, according to the ASHP database. Two of the affected manufacturers – Zydus and Noven – didn’t respond to CNBC’s request for comment.

The third drugmaker, Amneal, said it’s working to increase production to help meet growing demand. The company said it doesn’t provide specific production details or timelines but remains focused on continuity of care for patients. 

Other manufacturers of estrogen products said they are seeing similar trends. Sandoz in a statement said recent changes in prescribing behavior have “created an unprecedented demand that cannot be fully met at present.” The company said it’s working to increase manufacturing of estradiol patches, but it’s challenging to do so because the patches are “highly complex” to manufacture. 

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The heightened demand could explain why the FDA hasn’t declared a shortage, according to drug industry experts. The agency evaluates whether supply from all manufacturers of a drug meets historical demand of a drug. 

And while the ASHP’s shortage database is driven entirely by public reports, the FDA’s data comes from manufacturers, said Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality at the ASHP. That leaves the FDA trying to quantify new demand for a drug without being able to easily track prescriptions that go unfilled. 

“It’s really, really hard to understand how much demand is out there because you don’t know how many physicians, nurse practitioners and prescribers in general are switching patients to alternate products, so it’s always challenging for the FDA to put a label on yes, there’s a shortage, without really being able to quantify the true market demand,” Ganio said. 

An FDA spokesperson said estradiol patches are currently not in shortage and all six manufacturers report manufacturing at full capacity while working to keep up with increased demand. The agency said it continues to monitor supply and is offering assistance to manufacturers to increase supply. 

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It could take time to see the result of that effort. Making transdermal patches involves more complex manufacturing than treatments like pills.

Generic manufacturers typically switch lines throughout the year, Ganio said, meaning they might dedicate a line to making an estradiol product for the first three months then be done for the year. And in order to increase output, they would either need to wait until the following year or run another batch. It’s a harder calculation for generic drugmakers to make since the products carry lower profit margins than brand-name drugs, he said.

The strain already appears to be spreading to other hormone replacement therapies, with ASHP recently listing several estradiol creams and progesterone pills, which are given alongside estrogen, as being in shortage.

In the meantime, some people are looking for alternatives. Loeb-Zeitlin suggests her patients try estrogen gels if they can’t find patches. Some doctors are turning to creams from compounding pharmacies.

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Jenn Burch, a pharmacist in Durham, North Carolina, started marketing creams to doctors in her area earlier this year when she started struggling to stock the patches. She’s finding that some patients are preferring them because she can customize them to combine estrogen with other hormones like progesterone or testosterone.

Insurers rarely cover compounded medicines, meaning patients need to pay out of pocket. Burch says she charges about $50 for a month’s supply of cream, a price she says helps cover the investment she has made to comply with a recent regulation about compounding hazardous substances. The special handling requirements could be another factor limiting manufacturers’ ability to quickly ramp up production, Ganio said. 

He predicts it will take a year or two for manufacturers to find the sweet spot between supply and demand. That means women could be left scrambling for some time.

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Zomedica Corp. (ZOMDF) Discusses Five Pillars Framework for Clinical Value and Shareholder Returns in Veterinary Practice Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Unknown Executive

Welcome to Zomedica’s Fourth Friday at Four webinar series. Today, we’ll examine the 5 pillars framework, the operational foundation that guides every product, partnership and investment decision at Zomedica. We’ll walk through each pillar, the products behind them and what the framework means for veterinary practice performance and long-term recurring growth. Before we begin, I want to remind current and potential investors that we will be making various remarks about future expectations, plans and prospects that are considered forward-looking statements. There are risks that actual results may differ from these statements. We refer you to the safe harbor statement on screen or to the Risk Factors sections of our public filings, which can be found on our website under Investor filings, EDGAR and SEDAR+.

The statements are made as of today, June 26, 2026, and reflect our expectations as of today. Thank you for joining us for Zomedica’s investor webinar series. We’re excited to have you with us as we take a closer look at our company, our innovative product platforms and the passionate people driving our success. This series is designed to give you a deeper understanding of how we’re delivering value to veterinarians and to our shareholders. At Zomedica, our mission is to deliver innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technologies that empower veterinarians to focus on what they love most, enhancing pet care and improving pet parent satisfaction. Equally important, we help vets with what they need most, streamlining workflow, increasing cash flow and boosting practice profitability.

Now let’s hear from Larry Heaton, Zomedica’s Chief Executive Officer.

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Apple Shares Rise as iPhone Maker Maintains Strong Consumer Demand and Services Growth

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Ismael Saibari

Apple Inc. shares advanced more than 1 percent on Friday, closing at $278.44 after gaining $3.30, as investors responded positively to the company’s continued strength in consumer electronics and expanding services business.

The gain reflected ongoing confidence in Apple’s ability to innovate and maintain premium positioning in personal technology. The company’s ecosystem of devices and services continues attracting loyal customers while generating recurring revenue streams.

Apple’s iPhone remains the cornerstone of its business, with regular updates and new features driving replacement cycles and customer retention. The company’s services segment, including App Store, Apple Music and iCloud, has shown consistent growth and high margins.

Recent product launches and software updates have reinforced Apple’s reputation for quality and user experience. Its focus on privacy, security and integration across devices differentiates it from competitors.

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Financial Performance and Strategy

Apple has reported solid revenue and earnings growth, supported by services expansion and device sales. The company’s ability to command premium prices while managing supply chain efficiencies has sustained strong profitability.

Services revenue has become an increasingly important contributor to overall results. Recurring subscriptions and in-app purchases provide predictable income less affected by hardware cycles.

The company continues investing in research and development across hardware, software and emerging technologies. Its focus on artificial intelligence integration and health features reflects adaptation to evolving consumer needs.

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Share repurchases and dividend increases demonstrate commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Apple’s strong cash position supports both investment and shareholder returns.

Product Ecosystem and Innovation

The iPhone’s regular generational improvements maintain its status as the leading smartphone globally. Features like advanced cameras, processing power and ecosystem integration continue driving customer loyalty.

Apple Watch, Mac computers and other devices complement the iPhone while expanding the company’s addressable market. Wearables and personal computing contribute meaningful revenue and strengthen customer relationships.

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Software platforms including iOS and macOS receive regular updates with new features and security enhancements. The company’s control over both hardware and software enables seamless user experiences.

Emerging areas including augmented reality, health technology and artificial intelligence represent significant growth opportunities. Apple’s methodical approach to these technologies emphasizes user privacy and practical applications.

Market Position and Competition

Apple maintains premium positioning in consumer electronics with strong brand loyalty and ecosystem lock-in. Its customers often demonstrate high satisfaction and willingness to upgrade within the Apple universe.

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Competition from Android manufacturers, particularly in lower price segments, challenges market share in certain regions. Apple’s focus on premium devices and services differentiates it from volume-driven competitors.

The company faces regulatory scrutiny in various jurisdictions regarding App Store policies and market practices. Successful navigation of these challenges while maintaining business model integrity remains important.

Global supply chain management and manufacturing partnerships support Apple’s ability to deliver high-quality products efficiently. Its scale provides advantages in component sourcing and production.

Investment Considerations

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Apple’s shares appeal to investors seeking growth combined with dividend income and share repurchases. The company’s consistent financial performance and strong brand support premium valuation.

Risks include slowing iPhone replacement cycles, competitive pressures in key markets and regulatory challenges. Apple’s diversification into services and other products helps mitigate some of these risks.

Longer-term investors value Apple’s innovation track record and ecosystem strength. Its ability to create new product categories and enhance existing ones has driven historical success.

Analysts generally maintain positive outlooks, citing the company’s execution capabilities and market position. However, high expectations require consistent delivery on growth targets.

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Industry Trends

The consumer electronics industry continues evolving with emphasis on artificial intelligence, health monitoring and seamless connectivity. Apple’s integration of these technologies across its products aligns with market directions.

Privacy and security concerns have grown as devices collect increasing amounts of personal data. Apple’s emphasis on user control and data protection differentiates it from some competitors.

Sustainability considerations influence product design and manufacturing. The company’s efforts in recycled materials and energy efficiency reflect broader industry trends.

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Digital services and subscription models have become increasingly important revenue sources. Apple’s services growth demonstrates successful execution in this evolving landscape.

Future Outlook

Apple’s strategic direction focuses on enhancing its ecosystem while exploring new frontiers in technology. Its investments in artificial intelligence, augmented reality and health represent significant potential growth areas.

The company continues refining its product lineup and services offerings based on customer feedback and technological advances. Its ability to anticipate and shape consumer preferences has been a historical strength.

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Investors will monitor upcoming product launches and financial results for signs of continued execution. Management guidance will provide insight into growth priorities and market conditions.

The consumer technology sector’s fundamental demand drivers remain strong. Apple’s brand strength, ecosystem advantages and innovation capabilities position it for sustained leadership.

As the company navigates competitive challenges and regulatory environments, its focus on quality and user experience continues differentiating it in the market. Apple’s progress will be watched closely by consumers, competitors and investors.

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The Dow May Finally Close Above 52,000. Fourth Time’s the Charm?

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Stocks Little Changed After Fed Decision

The blue-chip index was up 214 points, or 0.4%, to 52,060. A close above 52,000 would mark its fourth thousand-point milestone of 2026; the Dow closed above 51,000 18 trading days ago, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

This is actually the fourth time the index traded above 52,000, but it failed to hold on through the prior three occasions. Its current record close is 51,999.67.

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Thailand Boosts Youth Protection With Safe Jobs and Skills Training

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Thailand Boosts Youth Protection With Safe Jobs and Skills Training

Labour Ministry implements three measures: safe holiday jobs, vocational training for non-students, and labour rights education. Strict child labour laws will be enforced, with workplaces encouraged to declare themselves child labour-free to boost international confidence and ensure youth well-being.


Key Points

  • The Labour Ministry is launching three proactive initiatives: promoting safe holiday work for over 10,000 students, offering vocational skills training for non-students, and educating youth on labour rights and safety to prevent exploitation.
  • Strict child labour laws, prohibiting employment under 15 and regulating work for 15-17 year olds, will be enforced. Workplaces are encouraged to declare themselves child labour-free to align with international standards.
  • This comprehensive approach emphasizes creating opportunities, education, and skill development alongside law enforcement to ensure children’s safety, well-being, and full potential.

Safe Holiday Work for Youth

The Labour Ministry is proactively addressing child labour and enhancing youth well-being through three primary initiatives. The first focuses on providing safe and legal employment opportunities during school holidays. By partnering with over 56 major national businesses, the ministry is facilitating more than 10,000 positions for students. This program enables young people to gain valuable work experience and earn income while ensuring they are protected under existing labour laws, thereby preventing them from falling into exploitative work during their breaks.

Skills Development for Future Employment

The second strategic measure targets young individuals who do not pursue further academic studies by equipping them with vocational skills. This initiative aims to facilitate a transition from unskilled labour to skilled employment, thereby improving their long-term career prospects and economic stability. Collaborating with educational institutions, the ministry will provide necessary support and training before these young people enter the formal labour market, ensuring they are better prepared and more competitive.

Empowerment Through Rights Education and Strict Enforcement

The third measure involves educating young people on their labour rights and workplace safety protocols, empowering them to recognize and resist exploitation. Complementing these proactive measures, the government reaffirms its commitment to strict enforcement of existing child labour laws, which prohibit employment for those under 15 and impose stringent welfare and safety regulations for those aged 15 to 17. Furthermore, workplaces are being encouraged to voluntarily declare themselves child-labour-free, aligning Thai labour standards with international expectations and bolstering global trade confidence.

Source : Thailand steps up child-labour protection with safe jobs and skills training

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Clear Secure CEO sells $1.82m in company stock

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Form 4 Clear Secure Inc For: 26 June

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5G Expansion and Customer Retention

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Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. shares rose more than 0.72 percent on Friday, closing at $46.40 after gaining $0.33, as investors responded positively to the company’s continued customer additions and network performance.

The modest advance reflected confidence in Verizon’s position as a leading wireless provider with a focus on reliability and premium services. The company has maintained steady subscriber growth while expanding its 5G network and fiber broadband offerings.

Verizon’s postpaid phone net additions have remained strong, demonstrating its appeal to consumers and businesses seeking dependable connectivity. Its emphasis on network quality and customer service has supported retention and acquisition.

The company’s diversified business model, including wireless, fiber and business solutions, provides multiple revenue streams. Strategic investments in 5G infrastructure and fiber expansion support long-term growth prospects.

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Operational Performance

Verizon has reported consistent revenue growth driven by wireless service revenue and broadband expansion. Its ability to monetize network investments through higher-tier plans has contributed to financial improvement.

The company’s fiber business has shown strong growth as it expands availability of high-speed internet services. Fios offerings compete effectively in markets where they are available.

Enterprise solutions and business services provide additional revenue diversification. Verizon’s global network and security offerings appeal to corporate customers with complex connectivity needs.

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Operational efficiency initiatives have helped manage costs while maintaining service quality. The company’s scale provides advantages in infrastructure deployment and customer support.

Network Leadership

Verizon has invested heavily in 5G deployment, achieving broad coverage across the United States. Its focus on millimeter wave and mid-band spectrum has enabled high-speed connectivity in various environments.

The carrier continues upgrading its network with advanced technologies including carrier aggregation and dynamic spectrum sharing. These improvements enhance capacity and performance for customers.

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Fixed wireless access services have expanded rapidly, providing home broadband alternatives in many markets. Verizon’s 5G home internet offers competitive speeds and reliability.

The company’s network reliability and coverage have been recognized in independent studies. This reputation supports customer acquisition and reduces churn.

Strategic Initiatives

Verizon has pursued selective acquisitions and partnerships to enhance its capabilities. These moves have strengthened its position in 5G, fiber and enterprise services.

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The company’s focus on digital transformation includes improved customer interfaces and automated service processes. These investments aim to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

Sustainability initiatives include renewable energy adoption and responsible supply chain practices. Verizon’s environmental efforts align with corporate responsibility expectations.

Market Position and Competition

Verizon competes with T-Mobile and AT&T in the wireless market. Its emphasis on network quality and premium services differentiates it from competitors focusing on price and unlimited data.

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The carrier’s enterprise business serves large organizations with complex connectivity requirements. Its global reach and security expertise provide competitive advantages.

Fixed broadband competition from cable providers and fiber overbuilders requires continuous investment in network capabilities. Verizon’s fiber expansion strategy addresses this competitive dynamic.

International operations, while smaller than domestic businesses, provide additional revenue and growth opportunities. Regional market conditions influence international performance.

Investment Considerations

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Verizon’s shares appeal to income-oriented investors through its attractive dividend yield and history of consistent payouts. The stock’s defensive characteristics in the telecommunications sector provide stability.

Valuation metrics reflect expectations for steady growth and dividend support. Risks include competitive pressures, regulatory changes and execution challenges in network deployment.

Longer-term investors value Verizon’s essential service role and reliable cash flow generation. Its position in critical infrastructure supports sustained relevance.

Analysts generally maintain stable outlooks, citing the company’s network strength and customer base. Continued execution on growth initiatives could support further positive sentiment.

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Industry Trends

The wireless industry continues evolving with 5G deployment, increasing data consumption and emerging technologies. Carriers must balance infrastructure investment with returns on capital.

Consumer demand for unlimited data and high-speed connectivity drives network capacity requirements. Verizon’s focus on premium services aligns with this trend.

Fixed wireless access represents a significant opportunity to disrupt traditional broadband markets. Successful execution in this area could diversify revenue streams.

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Regulatory considerations around spectrum allocation and competition policy influence industry dynamics. Verizon’s advocacy for balanced regulation supports its business interests.

Future Outlook

Verizon’s strategic direction focuses on leveraging its network assets while developing new revenue streams in 5G and fiber. Its strong customer relationships and brand reputation provide foundations for continued success.

The company continues investing in network modernization and digital capabilities. Its ability to adapt to changing customer needs while maintaining service quality will influence long-term performance.

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Investors will monitor upcoming quarterly results for progress on subscriber metrics, revenue growth and margin trends. Management guidance will provide insight into execution priorities and market conditions.

The telecommunications sector’s fundamental demand drivers remain strong. Verizon’s competitive positioning and operational capabilities suggest potential for sustained performance.

As the company advances its network and service offerings, its contribution to American connectivity and digital economy will expand. Verizon’s progress will be watched closely by industry participants and investors.

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Form 4 Slide Insurance Holdings Inc For: 26 June

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Personalis CFO Aaron Tachibana sells $675,488 in company stock

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Form 4 Perpetua Resources Corp For: 26 June

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