Three Active Estradiol Shortages Listed on Canadian Registry
The Health Product Shortages Canada registry lists three active estradiol product shortages as of August 24, 2026, spanning both oral tablet and transdermal patch formats.
The three active listings
According to the federal registry, the currently listed actual shortages containing estradiol are Lupin-Estradiol 2mg tablets (reported 2026-08-09, updated 2026-08-24), Estalis 140/50 MCG patch (reported 2026-07-16, updated 2026-08-24), and Estradot 100 patch at 100MCG strength (reported 2026-07-16, updated 2026-08-24).
The same registry shows earlier 2026 shortages across additional Lupin-Estradiol strengths (0.5mg and 1mg tablets) and Estradot 25 and 75 patches have since been marked resolved, with resolution dates in May and June 2026.
Discontinuations remain on file
The registry also lists four estradiol discontinuations. Oesclim 50MCG patch was discontinued on 2024-08-06 and Oesclim 25MCG patch on 2024-07-31. Climara Pro (4.40MG/1.39MG) and Climara 100 (7.6MG) patches were both discontinued in November 2017.
For reference on current pricing across available formats, see estradiol patch pricing, estradiol gel pricing, and oral estradiol pricing.
National pharmacy guidance
The Canadian Pharmacists Association notes that supply challenges continue to affect some estrogen products in Canada, including patches and Premarin vaginal cream, and that increased demand for menopausal hormone therapy products and manufacturer disruptions have contributed to intermittent shortages of some products, with alternative products remaining available.
CPhA published a Menopausal Hormone Therapy Shortage clinical resource dated March 13, 2026 to support pharmacists in navigating available alternatives. Related coverage is available at Premarin pricing and vaginal estrogen pricing.
How the registry classifies shortages
Health Canada defines a drug shortage as when a manufacturer is not able to supply enough of a drug to meet all of its Canadian orders on time, which may mean a product is on back-order or stock-out. For certain drugs, manufacturers are required by law to report anticipated and actual shortages and discontinuations on the shortage reporting website.
When a shortage has the potential to pose a significant risk, Health Canada's Health Product Shortages Directorate can assemble a Tier Assignment Committee to determine whether the shortage is Tier 3, the most serious level. CPhA notes that the current menopausal hormone therapy supply challenges are being monitored, with Health Canada in contact with manufacturers.
Context on registry volume
CPhA states that at any given time, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages in Canada. The estradiol ingredient page on the shortage registry currently displays 121 shortage reports and 4 discontinuation reports over its full history.
Additional articles are indexed on our women's health news page, along with our full price comparison across Canadian providers and information on online menopause treatment options.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Sources
Get notified about price changes
We’ll send an email when prices change at Canadian pharmacies and telehealth providers. No spam.
Track treatment prices at Canadian pharmacies
Get notified when prices change at Canadian pharmacies and telehealth providers.