Types of HRT Available in the UK: Patient Information Guide (2026)
Patient information on UK HRT delivery formats — transdermal gels and patches, oral tablets, sprays, vaginal products and testosterone for women. UK regulations restrict advertising prescription medicines, so this page does not display medicine-brand prices.
Important context
TreatCompare uses public data, provider-published information, official datasets, structured research and analysis. Figures can change and may not be complete in real time. Use this page for research and comparison only, then verify directly with the relevant provider.
- Source type
- TreatCompare compiled research
- Primary source
- Provider-published information and TreatCompare research
- Reporting period
- 2026-05-13
- Last updated
- 2026-05-13
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
Are you a clinic, provider or data owner?
If you believe information on this page is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete or presented without necessary context, contact us with the page URL and supporting evidence. We review correction requests promptly, but they are not automatically accepted.
How this guide was checked
TreatCompare uses published provider fees, official regulator registers, NHS/PBS/Medicare references where relevant, and the methodology described on our methodology page. If a clinic, provider or reader spots information that is out of date, they can use our corrections page. Prices are point-in-time and can change before booking.
Most useful next step
Compare current HRT options
This guide explains the costs. The live comparison pages show the current prices, providers and next actions.
Continue from this guide
Turn this HRT article into a comparison
Article visitors often need one of three routes next: provider prices, a calculator, or a related guide that narrows the decision.
Important information for UK consumers. HRT products are prescription-only medicines (POMs) in the UK. UK Human Medicines Regulations 2012 restrict the advertising of prescription medicines to the public, so this article is general patient information about HRT delivery formats — it is not an advertisement, not an offer of sale, and not medical advice. Which HRT type and licensed product is clinically appropriate for you is a decision for a UK-registered prescriber following an assessment. Medicine prices are set by the dispensing pharmacy at the point of dispensing and are not displayed on consumer comparison pages.
What types of HRT are available in the UK? This guide explains the delivery formats (gel, patch, tablet, spray, vaginal) and pharmacological categories (oestrogen-only, combined, progesterone-only, testosterone) used in UK private HRT, with the questions to ask before deciding with a prescriber.
Oestrogen — the core of HRT
Oestrogen replaces the hormone that declines during menopause. It is available in several delivery formats:
Transdermal (through the skin) — recommended first choice
| Delivery format | How it's used | Why it's chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Transdermal gel | Daily application to the skin (pump or sachet) | Steady-state absorption, easy dose titration |
| Transdermal patch | Applied twice weekly | Continuous absorption, no daily application |
| Transdermal spray | Sprayed on the forearm daily | Dries quickly, alternative for patch sensitivity |
NICE guidelines recommend transdermal oestrogen (gel, patch or spray) as the first choice for most women. Transdermal oestrogen does not increase the risk of blood clots, unlike oral oestrogen tablets.
Oral (tablets)
Oral oestrogen tablets are taken daily. Several licensed products are available in the UK. They are effective but carry a slightly higher risk of venous thromboembolism (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. The specific licensed product is a clinical decision for the prescriber.
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 UK options by pharmacological category:
| Delivery format | What it is | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Body-identical micronised progesterone | Daily oral or vaginal capsule | Same molecular structure as natural progesterone; preferred current UK practice |
| Combined patch (continuous) | One patch delivers oestrogen and progestogen continuously | Single patch for postmenopausal women |
| Combined patch (sequential) | Oestrogen-only patches then combined patches in a cycle | Suitable for perimenopausal women who still cycle |
| Combined tablet (continuous or sequential) | Oral tablet delivering both hormones | Cycle pattern depends on menopausal stage |
| Intrauterine progesterone system | Inserted device, lasts several years | Higher one-off fitting cost, lower ongoing |
Body-identical micronised progesterone is the preferred option in current UK practice. It has the same molecular structure as the progesterone your body naturally produces.
Testosterone (off-label for women)
Testosterone is increasingly recognised as important for women during menopause, particularly for:
- Low libido
- Fatigue and low energy
- Brain fog and poor concentration
There is currently no testosterone preparation licensed in the UK for women. Specialists prescribe off-label products in line with British Menopause Society guidance, with blood-test monitoring of levels. The specific product and dose are clinical decisions for the prescriber.
Vaginal oestrogen
For vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary symptoms. Can be used alongside systemic HRT or on its own:
| Delivery format | How it's used | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal pessary (tablet-shaped) | Inserted with applicator | Low-dose, local effect, minimal systemic absorption |
| Vaginal cream | Applied with applicator | Local urogenital relief |
| Vaginal ring | Worn for 3 months at a time | Continuous low-dose delivery |
A vaginal oestrogen product is now available over the counter in the UK for women aged 50+ with vaginal dryness symptoms — no prescription required.
Body-identical vs bioidentical
- Body-identical HRT: Has the same molecular structure as human hormones. MHRA-regulated. Available on the NHS and privately.
- 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 British Menopause Society.
For most women, regulated body-identical HRT is the recommended choice.
Typical first-year service-level cost
| Component | Service cost range |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | £49–£395 |
| Follow-up consultations (2–3) | £100–£600 |
| Blood tests (2–3) | £100–£300 |
| Service-level subtotal | £249–£1,295 |
| Medicine cost (dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacy) | Priced separately by the dispensing pharmacy at the point of dispensing — not displayed on consumer pages under UK regulations |
The medicine itself is set by the dispensing pharmacy and varies by licensed product, dose and supply length. Ask the pharmacy for an itemised dispensing receipt.
Patient information and verified UK menopause specialist directory.
Compare HRT pricesCompare UK menopause specialist consultations
Compare initial and follow-up consultation prices from UK menopause clinics. Service-level pricing only — UK regulations restrict the advertising of medicine prices.
Compare HRT consultations pricesRelated guides
- How Much Does Private HRT Cost? — first-year service-cost breakdown
- HRT Prescription Cost UK — NHS PPC, private prescription routes
- Testosterone for Women — why it is prescribed, monitoring, where to ask
Frequently asked questions
What delivery formats of oestrogen HRT are available in the UK?
Transdermal options are the NICE first choice: oestrogen gels (applied daily), oestrogen patches (applied twice weekly) and oestrogen spray (applied to the forearm daily). Oral oestrogen tablets are also available but carry slightly higher venous thromboembolism risk. The specific licensed product within each format is a clinical decision for the prescriber. UK Human Medicines Regulations 2012 restrict the advertising of prescription medicines to the public, so this page does not display medicine-brand prices.
Which progesterone is recommended in UK HRT?
Body-identical micronised progesterone is preferred in current UK practice because it has the same molecular structure as the progesterone your body naturally produces. Synthetic progestogens are also used, often in combined patches or tablets that deliver oestrogen and progestogen together. Women with a uterus must take progesterone alongside oestrogen to protect the womb lining. The specific licensed product is a clinical decision for the prescriber.
What is body-identical HRT vs bioidentical HRT?
Body-identical HRT has the same molecular structure as human hormones (oestradiol, micronised progesterone). It is MHRA-regulated and available on the NHS and privately. Bioidentical (compounded) HRT is custom-mixed in specialist pharmacies, is not MHRA-regulated, costs more, and is not recommended by NICE or the British Menopause Society (BMS). For most women, regulated body-identical HRT is the recommended choice.
Is testosterone licensed for women in the UK?
No — there is currently no testosterone preparation licensed in the UK for women. It is prescribed off-label by menopause specialists in line with BMS guidance, particularly for low libido, fatigue, and brain fog when systemic HRT alone has not relieved these symptoms. Prescribers monitor levels with blood tests. The specific product is a clinical decision for the prescriber.
Can I get HRT over the counter in the UK?
Yes — there is now a vaginal oestrogen product available over the counter in the UK for women aged 50+ with vaginal dryness symptoms. No prescription is required. All other HRT (systemic oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone) requires a prescription from a UK-registered prescriber following a clinical assessment.
How much does the first year of private HRT cost?
Service-level costs total approximately £600–£2,000+ for the first year, broken down roughly as: initial consultation £49–£395, follow-up consultations £100–£600, blood tests £100–£300, plus the cost of the medicine itself (priced by the dispensing pharmacy, not displayed on consumer pages under UK regulations). Compare consultation and follow-up prices across UK menopause specialists.
What HRT delivery formats treat vaginal dryness?
Local vaginal oestrogen is the standard treatment for vaginal dryness and other urogenital symptoms of menopause. Available delivery formats include vaginal pessaries (tablet-shaped, inserted with an applicator), vaginal creams, and a vaginal ring. Local vaginal oestrogen has minimal systemic absorption and can be used alongside systemic HRT or on its own.
Get an email when prices change
Free alerts when a new provider lists, or the lower-cost published price falls. Confirm by email; unsubscribe in one click.
We'll send a confirmation link first. No marketing — alerts only. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.
Compare prices from verified providers
Private HRT Prices
Compare consultation and prescription costs from 60+ verified UK menopause specialists.
Related articles
HRT Prescription Cost UK 2026: NHS vs Private Service-Level Framework
How HRT prescription costs are structured in the UK — NHS HRT PPC rules, private consultation and prescription fees, service-level cost components. UK regulations restrict advertising prescription medicines, so this page does not display medicine-brand prices.
Menopause Clinic Cost UK 2026: Private Consultation & Follow-Up Fees
Private menopause clinic costs in the UK, including initial consultation prices, follow-up fees, blood tests, prescriptions and what to check before booking.
NHS vs Private HRT UK 2026: Costs, Waits & What You Get
Compare NHS and private HRT in the UK, including consultation costs, prescription charges, medicine prices, follow-up appointments and what to check before paying.
Testosterone for Women UK: Menopause, Cost & Where to Get It (2026)
Testosterone for women during menopause — why it's prescribed, which products are used, how much it costs privately, and which UK clinics prescribe it.