If you think hormone replacement therapy might be the best treatment option for you, then speak to your local GP practice to get underway. Usually, you can begin HRT once you start experiencing menopausal symptoms that affect everyday life without needing to carry out any tests, although if you are aged between 40 and 45 you may require a simple blood test to measure hormone levels. 

During your consultation, a healthcare professional they will inform you about the various types of HRT and advise which might be best for you, before writing you a prescription which you can take to the pharmacy.

As of the 1st April 2023, menopausal women are also eligible to the government's new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). The certificate is valid for 12 months, and will bring the annual cost for any HRT items such as patches, tablets and topical preparations down to under £20. This means you can now tackle hot flushes, night sweats and other menopause symptoms for the price of two prescriptions!

How is HRT taken?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can come in various forms, including:

1. Vaginal Tablets or pills
2. Skin Patches
3. Gels
4. Creams
5. Injections
6. Implants
7. Vaginal rings
8. Transdermal sprays
9. Nasal sprays

It's important to note that the specific form of HRT recommended may vary depending on the individual's needs, preferences, medical conditions, medical history, and the symptoms of menopause that individual may be experiencing.  

How to get over-the-counter HRT

You can now buy HRT over-the-counter and alleviate unpleasant menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life without a prescription. As of September 2022 you can buy Gina's new, 10 microgram vaginal tablets shown to relieve vaginal symptoms that are caused by a drop in oestrogen levels, such as dryness and inflammation. However, Gina remains the only HRT product available over-the-counter, (with prescriptions still required for other brands) and works by improving flexibility in the vaginal tissue. If you do receive HRT over-the-counter, make sure you are equally wary of side effects which can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Increased risk of ovarian cancer
• Low libido (sex drive)

If you need any more information about how to get HRT, or any concerns about getting it over-the-counter, speak to your GP or Fertifa Patient Advisor who will always be happy to help!