A nationwide surge in demand for hormone replacement therapy is fueling shortages of estrogen patches, leaving some women scrambling to manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.Since 2021, there has been a 72% increase in women using hormone replacement therapy, according to a study by Epic Research. Manufacturers of estradiol patches have struggled to keep pace, creating supply disruptions at pharmacies across the country.Marti Jo Pennisi, a professional organizer from Glendale, said she began experiencing severe menopause symptoms in October 2020. A photo of Marti Jo Pennisi. CBS LA "I was kind of crawling out of my skin and really the symptoms came on like gangbusters," Pennisi said. "I had everything in the book. I had depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, joint pain, dry itchy skin, hot flashes like crazy."She said she felt "so disconnected" and feared for her health before a friend suggested hormone replacement therapy, often referred to as HRT.…