How Much Does Private HRT Cost in the UK? (2026 Price Guide)

Going private for HRT is increasingly common in the UK. NHS waiting times for menopause specialists can stretch to 12+ months, and many women find their GP unwilling or unable to prescribe the specific HRT they need.

But how much does private HRT actually cost? Here's a realistic breakdown.

The components of HRT cost

Private HRT isn't a single fee — it's made up of several components:

1. Initial consultation — the specialist assessment
2. Follow-up consultations — typically 2–3 per year
3. Medication — the HRT itself (patches, gel, tablets, etc.)
4. Blood tests — hormone levels, usually 1–2 per year
5. Prescription charges — if dispensed via the provider's pharmacy

Consultation costs

| Type | Typical range | Notes | |---|---|---| | Initial consultation | £150–465 | 30–60 minutes, full assessment | | Follow-up | £85–250 | 15–30 minutes, review and adjust |

The initial consultation is the biggest single cost. It typically includes:

• Full menopause symptom assessment
• Review of medical history
• Discussion of treatment options
• Initial prescription

Medication costs

HRT medication costs depend on what you're prescribed. The most common regimens:

Oestrogen

| Product | Type | Typical monthly cost | |---|---|---| | Oestrogel | Gel (pump) | £8–25 | | Sandrena | Gel (sachets) | £10–20 | | Evorel | Patch | £8–18 | | Estradot | Patch | £6–15 | | Lenzetto | Spray | £12–22 |

Progestogen

| Product | Type | Typical monthly cost | |---|---|---| | Utrogestan | Capsule | £8–20 | | Mirena coil | IUS (5 years) | £200–350 fitted |

Testosterone (if prescribed)

| Product | Type | Typical monthly cost | |---|---|---| | Androfeme | Cream | £30–55 | | Testogel (off-label) | Gel | £25–45 |

Blood tests

Most menopause specialists recommend baseline blood tests and periodic monitoring:

| Test | Typical cost | Frequency | |---|---|---| | Hormone panel (baseline) | £80–150 | Once before starting | | Follow-up hormone levels | £50–100 | Every 6–12 months | | Full blood count + thyroid | £80–120 | Annually |

Some consultation packages include blood tests. Check what's included before booking.

Total first-year estimate

Here's a realistic estimate for the first year of private HRT:

| Component | Low estimate | Mid estimate | High estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Initial consultation | £150 | £250 | £400 | | Follow-ups (x2) | £170 | £300 | £500 | | Medication (12 months) | £200 | £360 | £600 | | Blood tests (x2) | £100 | £200 | £300 | | Total first year | £620 | £1,110 | £1,800 |

Private vs NHS: cost comparison

On the NHS, HRT medication costs a standard prescription charge (£9.90 per item in England). A Prepayment Certificate (PPC) caps this at £31.25/quarter or £111.60/year regardless of how many items you need.

The NHS route is dramatically cheaper if you can access it — but many women struggle to get the specific HRT they need from their GP, or face long waits for specialist referral.

Our NHS vs Private HRT calculator can help you estimate the comparison for your specific situation.

How to reduce private HRT costs

1. Compare consultation prices — there's a 3x difference between the cheapest and most expensive providers
2. Ask about package deals — some clinics offer annual packages including consultations, blood tests, and prescriptions
3. Use NHS prescriptions where possible — some private menopause specialists will write an NHS prescription for standard HRT, which your GP can continue
4. Check if blood tests are included — some consultations include bloods, saving £80–150
5. Look for providers that include prescriptions — marked as "Prescription included" in our comparison

Getting started

The first step is booking an initial consultation with a menopause specialist. All providers on Treatcompare are GMC, GPhC, or CQC regulated.

Use our estimated first-year cost calculator on the HRT consultations page to see the full picture before you book.

Related guides

• How Much Does Private HRT Cost? — first-year cost breakdown
• Types of HRT Available in the UK — patches, gels, tablets, and sprays explained
• Testosterone for Women — why it is prescribed, cost, and where to get it