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April 22 (Reuters) - Telehealth company Hims & Hers said on Wednesday it has a steady supply of estrogen patches and is offering them to patients through its platform, as rising U.S. demand for hormone therapy strains supplies.
Demand for estrogen patches has surged over the past year, leading to supply constraints nationwide. Industry sources have told Reuters shortages could last for up to three years following changes in U.S. health guidance on hormone replacement therapy.
Hims & Hers said it had secured sufficient inventory to allow eligible patients to begin or continue treatment without disruption.
Through platform, Hims & Hers offers access to generic treatments for perimenopause and menopause, including estradiol patch kits priced from $134 per month, with or without progesterone depending on a patient's treatment plan.
The company said the treatments are currently available to eligible customers.
Estrogen patches are a form of hormone replacement therapy that delivers the hormone through the skin into the bloodstream.
Patients receive care through licensed healthcare providers and have round-the-clock access to a care team trained in perimenopause and menopause treatment, the company said.
Hims & Hers said patients can adjust treatment plans over time in consultation with clinicians. They also have access through the Hers app to educational tools and content related to wellness, nutrition and sleep.
More than 1 million women in the United States enter menopause each year.
Use of estrogen patches rose sharply after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year removed a longstanding safety warning and publicly promoted hormone replacement therapy for some patients.
The FDA has not designated estrogen patches as being in shortage, but pharmacies across the country have reported inconsistent supply amid rising demand.
(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)
