Providers listed here are vetted for menopause relevance and alignment with our standards. “Vetted” means we check fit and clarity. It does not mean we verify clinical outcomes or replace medical advice.
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Hormone therapy is the most effective medical treatment available for menopause symptoms – reducing hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and joint pain in the majority of women who use it. Despite decades of confusion following a 2002 study that significantly overstated its risks, current evidence and Australian clinical guidelines consistently support hormone therapy as the first-line treatment for healthy women experiencing significant menopause symptoms.
In plain terms: Hormone therapy for menopause replaces the oestrogen (and in women with a uterus, a progestogen) that the body stops producing during menopause. Symptoms occur because of the hormonal drop – restoring those hormones reduces the symptoms directly rather than masking them.
MHT and HRT – understanding the terminology
In Australia, the preferred clinical term is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), used by the Australasian Menopause Society and in Australian prescribing guidelines. Many women and some GPs still use HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) – both refer to the same treatments. The shift in terminology reflects an updated understanding of hormone therapy as a targeted treatment rather than a simple replacement, and aligns with the current evidence on its benefits and risks. Throughout this directory, MHT and HRT are used interchangeably to match how women search.
Types of hormone therapy available in Australia
Hormone therapy comes in several forms, and the right choice depends on individual symptoms, health history, preferences, and whether a uterus is present. Women who have had a hysterectomy can use oestrogen-only hormone therapy. Women with a uterus require a combined approach – oestrogen plus a progestogen – to protect the uterine lining. Progestogen options include synthetic progestogens (found in older combined preparations) and micronised progesterone (a body-identical form with a more favourable safety and side-effect profile).
Delivery methods vary and affect both efficacy and individual tolerability. Transdermal oestrogen – delivered via patch, gel, or spray – is absorbed through the skin and bypasses first-pass liver metabolism, which is associated with a lower risk of blood clots than oral oestrogen tablets. Patches are changed twice weekly or weekly depending on the product. Gels and sprays are applied daily. Oral tablets remain an option for women where transdermal delivery is not preferred. Oestrogen implants are available via specialist prescription. Local oestrogen preparations (cream, pessary, or ring) address vaginal and urinary symptoms specifically and have minimal systemic absorption, making them appropriate for a wide range of women including many with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers.
PBS subsidy and access in Australia
Many hormone therapy products are subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia, making them significantly more affordable than unsubsidised private prescriptions. PBS-listed products include several oestrogen patches, gels, tablets, and local vaginal preparations. Availability on the PBS changes periodically – your prescribing GP or pharmacist can confirm current subsidy status for specific products. Some newer or less common formulations may not be PBS-listed and are dispensed at full private price. A menopause-informed GP will be aware of which options are most cost-accessible for their patients.
What to look for in a hormone therapy prescriber
Hormone therapy prescribing quality varies significantly between GPs. A menopause-informed GP will be familiar with current Australian guidelines and the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) position statements, which are based on the most current international evidence. AMS membership or a RANZCOG Certificate of Women’s Health are useful indicators that a GP has undertaken specific training in this area. A good prescriber will take a full symptom history, discuss your individual risk-benefit profile honestly, explain the available formulations and their differences, and offer ongoing management and review rather than a single prescribing visit. GPs who are reluctant to prescribe hormone therapy without clear clinical reason, or who have not updated their knowledge since the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study, are not reflecting current best-practice care.
Non-hormonal medical treatment options
For women who cannot use or prefer not to use hormone therapy, several non-hormonal medical options have evidence for specific symptoms. SSRIs and SNRIs (certain antidepressants) reduce hot flush frequency and are the most evidence-supported non-hormonal option for vasomotor symptoms. Gabapentin has evidence for hot flushes and sleep disruption. Oxybutynin, primarily used for bladder urgency, also reduces hot flushes in some women. These are prescribed off-label for menopause indications and require GP assessment. Emerging options including fezolinetant, a neurokinin B antagonist, offer a new non-hormonal mechanism and may become available in Australia in coming years.
Common questions about hormone therapy in Australia
Is hormone therapy safe in Australia?
Yes – for the majority of healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy significantly outweigh the risks. Current Australian and international guidelines are clear on this. The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study that created widespread fear about HRT applied to an older population using a specific oral synthetic preparation – its findings do not apply to modern transdermal hormone therapy, which has a different risk profile. Discuss your individual health history with a menopause-informed GP for a personalised risk-benefit assessment.
What is the difference between MHT and HRT?
MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy) and HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) refer to the same treatments. MHT is the preferred Australian clinical term and reflects current understanding of hormone therapy as targeted symptom treatment. Both terms describe preparations that restore oestrogen and, where needed, progestogen to levels that reduce menopause symptoms. You may encounter both terms – they mean the same thing.
How do I find a doctor who will prescribe hormone therapy in Australia?
Look for GPs who specifically list menopause or women’s health as a clinical focus. AMS membership is a reliable indicator of current knowledge. Telehealth has significantly expanded access to menopause-informed prescribers nationally – many women outside major cities can now access expert hormone therapy prescribing via video consultation. The providers in this directory have been reviewed for menopause relevance, and filtering by this category shows practitioners offering medical hormone management.
Is hormone therapy subsidised on the PBS?
Many MHT products are PBS-listed in Australia, making them affordable with a valid prescription. Patches, gels, oral tablets, and local vaginal oestrogen preparations are among the categories with PBS-subsidised options. Your GP or pharmacist can confirm current subsidy status for specific products. Some newer formulations are not PBS-listed and incur higher out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get hormone therapy via telehealth in Australia?
Yes – a menopause-informed GP can assess your suitability for hormone therapy and issue a prescription via a telehealth consultation under the same clinical standards as an in-person visit. Follow-up for dose adjustment and ongoing management is also well-suited to telehealth. Electronic prescriptions can be sent directly to your chosen pharmacy. MBS item 695 – the dedicated 20-minute menopause assessment – is available via telehealth.
For a comprehensive guide to MHT types, delivery methods, and the current safety evidence, read our MHT in Australia guide. For broader information on all treatment options for menopause, see our menopause treatment guide.
Browse hormone therapy prescribers and menopause medical specialists in Melbourne and Sydney, or search the full Australian menopause directory.