Generic hormone patch approved, ACOG urges hormone therapy for menopause

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a generic version of the once‑weekly estradiol‑levonorgestrel patch on Oct. 21, 2026. According to MedicalXpress, the patch is made by Zydus Pharmaceuticals (U.S.) Inc. and delivers two hormones: estradiol and levonorgestrel. Women apply the patch once a week to treat moderate‑to‑severe hot flashes and night sweats and to help prevent osteoporosis.

ACOG released updated menopause management guidelines on Oct. 15, 2026. Healthline reports that the guidelines strongly recommend hormone therapy for vasomotor symptoms and related sleep disturbances in eligible individuals. The guidelines also conditionally recommend conjugated estrogen plus bazedoxifene as an alternative. ACOG advises starting hormone therapy before age 60 or within 10 years of natural menopause.

The FDA notes that the patch’s progestin protects against endometrial overgrowth in women with a uterus. MedicalXpress lists common side effects as skin irritation, vaginal bleeding, breast pain, headache, and back pain. The patch is contraindicated for women who have had breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

ACOG recommends nonhormonal options for those who cannot or do not want hormone therapy. Healthline cites selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin‑and‑norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, neurokinin receptor antagonists, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, exercise, hypnosis, and acupuncture. These options are intended to manage vasomotor symptoms and sleep issues.

Recent studies suggest hormone therapy may improve brain fog and mood changes. Healthline reports a case series of 20 menopausal women who received estriol and progesterone for 12 months and reported reduced cognitive symptoms. The study was observational and lacked a placebo group, so further research is needed.

ACOG emphasizes that hormone therapy should be individualized and based on shared decision making. The generic patch’s approval may increase access by lowering costs, according to the FDA.