Types of HRT Available in the UK: A Complete Guide (2026)

What types of HRT are available in the UK? There are dozens of HRT preparations available, and choosing the right one depends on your symptoms, medical history, and preferences. This guide explains each type, how it works, and what it costs privately.

Oestrogen — the core of HRT

Oestrogen replaces the hormone that declines during menopause. It is available in several forms:

Transdermal (through the skin) — recommended first choice

| Product | Type | Typical private cost/month | Notes | |---------|------|---------------------------|-------| | Oestrogel | Gel (pump dispenser) | £8–£25 | Most commonly prescribed gel | | Sandrena | Gel (sachets) | £10–£30 | Individual dose sachets | | Evorel | Patch (twice weekly) | £8–£20 | Changed every 3–4 days | | Estradot | Patch (twice weekly) | £10–£25 | Smaller, thinner patch | | Lenzetto | Spray | £15–£30 | Sprayed on forearm daily |

Oral (tablets)

| Product | Typical private cost/month | Notes | |---------|---------------------------|-------| | Elleste Solo | £5–£15 | Available in 1mg and 2mg | | Progynova | £8–£20 | Oestradiol valerate | | Premarin | £10–£25 | Conjugated equine oestrogen (less commonly used now) |

Tablets are effective but carry a slightly higher risk of blood clots compared to transdermal options. They may not be suitable if you have a history of DVT, migraines with aura, or BMI over 30.

Progesterone — essential for women with a uterus

If you have a uterus, you must take progesterone alongside oestrogen to protect the womb lining. The main options:

| Product | Type | Typical private cost/month | Notes | |---------|------|---------------------------|-------| | Utrogestan | Capsule (oral or vaginal) | £20–£35 | Micronised, body-identical progesterone | | Evorel Conti | Combined patch | £15–£30 | Oestrogen + progestogen in one patch | | Evorel Sequi | Sequential patch | £15–£30 | Oestrogen-only then combined | | Femoston | Combined tablet | £10–£25 | Various dose combinations |

Testosterone

Testosterone is increasingly recognised as important for women during menopause, particularly for:

• Low libido
• Fatigue and low energy
• Brain fog and poor concentration

| Product | Type | Typical private cost/month | Notes | |---------|------|---------------------------|-------| | Androfeme | Cream | £40–£70 | Licensed for women in Australia; used off-label in UK | | Testogel | Gel | £30–£50 | Licensed for men; used off-label at 1/10th dose |

Testosterone for women is not licensed in the UK but is widely prescribed by menopause specialists based on BMS guidelines. Your prescriber will monitor levels with blood tests.

Vaginal oestrogen

For vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary symptoms. Can be used alongside systemic HRT or on its own:

| Product | Type | Typical cost | Notes | |---------|------|-------------|-------| | Vagifem | Vaginal tablet | £15–£30/3 months | Inserted with applicator | | Ovestin | Vaginal cream | £10–£20/tube | Applied with applicator | | Gina | Vaginal tablet (OTC) | £30 (10 tablets) | Available without prescription |

Body-identical vs bioidentical

• Body-identical HRT: Has the same molecular structure as human hormones. Oestrogel, Evorel patches, and Utrogestan are body-identical. Available on NHS and privately. Regulated.
• Bioidentical HRT (compounded): Custom-compounded in specialist pharmacies. Not regulated by the MHRA. More expensive. Used by some private clinics but not recommended by NICE or the BMS.

For most women, regulated body-identical HRT is the recommended choice.

Typical first-year cost

| Component | Cost range | |-----------|-----------| | Initial consultation | £49–£395 | | Follow-up consultations (2–3) | £100–£600 | | Blood tests (2–3) | £100–£300 | | Oestrogen (12 months) | £96–£300 | | Progesterone (12 months) | £240–£420 | | Testosterone (if prescribed) | £360–£840 | | Total first year | £600–£2,000+ |

Compare HRT provider prices

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