Menopause treatments
Every option, explained plainly. Your doctor will help you choose what suits your body, your history and your life.
Compare the ways oestrogen is given-
Oestrogen patches
A small patch on the skin, changed once or twice a week. Steady oestrogen with no daily routine.
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Oestrogen gel and spray
Applied to the skin once a day. Easy to adjust, and no patch to stick on.
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Progesterone and progestogens
Protects the lining of the womb if you still have one. Taken as a capsule, tablet, patch or coil.
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Vaginal oestrogen
Low-dose oestrogen used locally for dryness, discomfort and urinary symptoms.
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Testosterone for women
The part of HRT most women are never offered. Considered where symptoms persist on oestrogen and progesterone.
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Non-hormonal options
For women who can't or prefer not to take HRT. Medicines, CBT and lifestyle support.
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HRT alongside weight medication
Taking both is common. There are a few things your doctor needs to know about first.
Compare the four ways oestrogen is given
Pick what matters most and we'll show which option tends to fit. More than one may light up, but you only ever take oestrogen one way, chosen with your doctor. It's a starting point for that conversation, not a prescription.
Pick one or more and we'll highlight the closest fit.
| Attribute | Oestrogen patchBest fit Through the skin | Oestrogen gelBest fit Through the skin | Oestrogen sprayBest fit Through the skin | Oestrogen tabletBest fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it's taken | Stuck on clean, dry skin below the waist, moving the site each time. | Rubbed into clean skin on the arms or thighs, then left to dry before dressing. | Sprayed onto the inside of the forearm, where it dries in a couple of minutes. | A small tablet swallowed with water. |
| How often | Changed once or twice a week | Every day | Every day | Every day |
| Steady levels | Steadiness of levels: 4 out of 4 | Steadiness of levels: 3 out of 4 | Steadiness of levels: 3 out of 4 | Steadiness of levels: 2 out of 4 |
| Convenience | Convenience: 4 out of 4 | Convenience: 2 out of 4 | Convenience: 3 out of 4 | Convenience: 3 out of 4 |
| Dose flexibility | Dose flexibility: 2 out of 4 | Dose flexibility: 4 out of 4 | Dose flexibility: 3 out of 4 | Dose flexibility: 2 out of 4 |
| Clot risk | No added risk at standard doses | No added risk at standard doses | No added risk at standard doses | Slightly raised. Through the skin is preferred if your risk is higher, or you have migraine. |
| Combined with progestogen | Combined versions available | Oestrogen only | Oestrogen only | Combined versions available |
| Transfer risk | None | Yes. Avoid skin contact with others until it has dried. | Yes. Keep children and pets from touching the area until it has dried. | None |
| Typical cost relative, 1 dot is lowest | Relative cost: 2 out of 4 | Relative cost: 2 out of 4 | Relative cost: 3 out of 4 | Relative cost: 1 out of 4 |
| Tends to suit | Women who'd rather not take something every day and want steady levels. Less suited to skin that reacts to adhesive. | Women who want fine control over their dose, or who react to patch adhesive, and can keep a daily habit. | Women who like the flexibility of gel but want something quicker to apply and faster to dry. | Women at low risk of clots who find a daily tablet the simplest routine, or whose skin reacts to everything else. |
Oestrogen patch
Best fit Through the skinA small patch that releases oestrogen through the skin at a steady rate.
- How it's taken
- Stuck on clean, dry skin below the waist, moving the site each time.
- How often
- Changed once or twice a week
- Steady levels
- Steadiness of levels: 4 out of 4
- Convenience
- Convenience: 4 out of 4
- Dose flexibility
- Dose flexibility: 2 out of 4
- Clot risk
- No added risk at standard doses
- Combined with progestogen
- Combined versions available
- Transfer risk
- None
- Typical cost relative, 1 dot is lowest
- Relative cost: 2 out of 4
- Tends to suit
- Women who'd rather not take something every day and want steady levels. Less suited to skin that reacts to adhesive.
Oestrogen gel
Best fit Through the skinA measured dose of gel rubbed into the skin once a day.
- How it's taken
- Rubbed into clean skin on the arms or thighs, then left to dry before dressing.
- How often
- Every day
- Steady levels
- Steadiness of levels: 3 out of 4
- Convenience
- Convenience: 2 out of 4
- Dose flexibility
- Dose flexibility: 4 out of 4
- Clot risk
- No added risk at standard doses
- Combined with progestogen
- Oestrogen only
- Transfer risk
- Yes. Avoid skin contact with others until it has dried.
- Typical cost relative, 1 dot is lowest
- Relative cost: 2 out of 4
- Tends to suit
- Women who want fine control over their dose, or who react to patch adhesive, and can keep a daily habit.
Oestrogen spray
Best fit Through the skinA few sprays onto the inner forearm once a day.
- How it's taken
- Sprayed onto the inside of the forearm, where it dries in a couple of minutes.
- How often
- Every day
- Steady levels
- Steadiness of levels: 3 out of 4
- Convenience
- Convenience: 3 out of 4
- Dose flexibility
- Dose flexibility: 3 out of 4
- Clot risk
- No added risk at standard doses
- Combined with progestogen
- Oestrogen only
- Transfer risk
- Yes. Keep children and pets from touching the area until it has dried.
- Typical cost relative, 1 dot is lowest
- Relative cost: 3 out of 4
- Tends to suit
- Women who like the flexibility of gel but want something quicker to apply and faster to dry.
Oestrogen tablet
Best fitA tablet swallowed once a day.
- How it's taken
- A small tablet swallowed with water.
- How often
- Every day
- Steady levels
- Steadiness of levels: 2 out of 4
- Convenience
- Convenience: 3 out of 4
- Dose flexibility
- Dose flexibility: 2 out of 4
- Clot risk
- Slightly raised. Through the skin is preferred if your risk is higher, or you have migraine.
- Combined with progestogen
- Combined versions available
- Transfer risk
- None
- Typical cost relative, 1 dot is lowest
- Relative cost: 1 out of 4
- Tends to suit
- Women at low risk of clots who find a daily tablet the simplest routine, or whose skin reacts to everything else.
Cost is relative medication cost in general terms, not Arc's prices. See pricing. Which option you are offered, if any, is a decision for you and your prescribing doctor.
Hormones matter.
Let's treat them properly.
Medical care that puts you back in control, with a doctor who listens, clear options and treatment tailored to you.
