Menopause treatment in Australia: your options explained

Menopause treatment in Australia includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT, now often called MHT), non-hormonal medications, symptom-specific interventions, and lifestyle approaches. For most women the best outcome comes from a combination rather than a single solution. If you have recognised that perimenopause or menopause may be contributing to your symptoms, the next question is usually: what can actually help? This guide explains the options available to Australian women, how they work, and how to find care that takes your experience seriously.

For many women, this stage can feel just as confusing as the beginning. Advice is often polarised, medical versus natural, hormones versus no hormones, with very little calm explanation in between. Some sources promise transformation, while others dismiss symptoms as something to simply endure.

This guide is designed to provide clear, evidence-informed context about menopause treatment and relief options available in Australia. Not to tell you what to choose, but to help you understand what exists, how different approaches fit together, and when it may be appropriate to seek support.

According to the Australasian Menopause Society, around 80 percent of Australian women experience menopause symptoms, yet many delay seeking treatment, often because they have been dismissed by a previous provider, or because conflicting information has left them unsure what to believe. Current Australian clinical guidelines are clear that for most healthy women under 60, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks. The challenge is finding a provider who can translate that evidence into care that is right for you.

There is no single “right” way to manage menopause. There is a right way to be informed, supported, and taken seriously.

What is menopause treatment?

In plain terms: menopause treatment in Australia refers to the full range of medical and non-medical approaches used to manage symptoms associated with hormonal change during perimenopause and menopause. It is not a single intervention. It is a personalised combination of options that changes over time based on your symptoms, health history, and preferences. The goal is not to “fix” menopause, which is a natural biological process, but to reduce symptom burden, protect long-term health, and improve quality of life.

Menopause treatment is often misunderstood as a single intervention, usually hormone therapy, when in reality it refers to a range of medical and non-medical approaches used to support symptoms associated with hormonal change.

Treatment may involve:

• Medical therapies (such as hormone replacement therapy or non-hormonal prescriptions)
• Lifestyle and behavioural strategies
• Psychological support and therapy
• Symptom-specific interventions
• Education and monitoring over time

Importantly, treatment is not about “fixing” menopause. It is about reducing symptom burden, protecting long-term health where relevant, and improving quality of life during and after the transition.

If you are still unsure where you are in the transition, our guide to perimenopause and menopause symptoms and stages provides helpful context before exploring treatment options.

You can also search for menopause-trained GPs through the Australasian Menopause Society’s Find a Practitioner service.

When is it reasonable to seek support?

Many women delay seeking help because they believe their symptoms are “not bad enough”, or that they should simply push through. Others worry about being dismissed, judged, or told their symptoms are unrelated to hormones.

It is reasonable to seek support from a women’s health clinic if menopause-related symptoms are:

• Affecting sleep, mood, or concentration in ways that disrupt daily life
• Interfering with work performance, relationships or your ability to function as you normally would
• Persisting or worsening despite lifestyle changes you have already tried
• Causing distress, anxiety, loss of confidence or affecting your sense of self
• Making you feel isolated, confused or unsure of what is happening to your body

You do not need to wait until your periods stop. Support during perimenopause is both appropriate and common. You also do not need to have tried “everything else first” before seeking medical input. And you do not need to prove a certain level of suffering before support is justified.

If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, that is reason enough.

Medical treatment options: HRT and medications

Medical treatments are one part of menopause treatment in Australia. For some women, they are central and life-changing. For others, they are complementary, unnecessary, or not suitable due to medical history.

Vetted menopause doctors can help you understand what may be suitable for your symptoms, medical history, and preferences. What matters is that you have access to accurate information and respectful guidance. You may find a gynaecologist with a menopause focus to be specifically helpful.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT) in Australia

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also referred to as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in Australia, involves replacing the hormones the body produces less of during menopause, primarily oestrogen, often combined with progesterone, and in some cases testosterone.

HRT is considered the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats), and it may also help with other symptoms including sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, joint pain, and vaginal dryness. Current Australian guidance, including from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, supports menopausal hormone therapy as a first-line option for menopausal symptoms in women for whom it is suitable.

HRT may help with:

• Hot flushes and night sweats (often significantly)
• Sleep disruption caused by night sweats or hormonal changes
• Mood changes, anxiety and irritability linked to hormonal fluctuation
• Vaginal dryness, discomfort and urogenital symptoms
• Joint aches and muscle stiffness
• Some aspects of brain fog and concentration difficulties
• Bone density preservation when started at appropriate ages

HRT is not suitable for everyone, and it is not a single medication or dose. It comes in different forms, including patches, gels, sprays, tablets, and local vaginal preparations. The type, dose, and delivery method matter, both for effectiveness and for managing individual risk factors.

HRT has been the subject of significant research, including studies that created fear and confusion in the early 2000s. Current evidence, when interpreted carefully, shows that for many women, particularly those under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits often outweigh the risks. The Australasian Menopause Society provides current Australian guidelines on HRT safety and use. Individual medical history, age, symptom severity, and personal values all play a role in whether HRT is appropriate.

Understanding the benefits, risks, and individual considerations is essential. Our detailed guide on menopause hormone therapy explores this in more depth, including what questions to ask and how to have informed conversations with your doctor.

Testosterone as part of MHT in Australia

Testosterone is the third hormone sometimes included in menopausal hormone therapy in Australia. AndroFeme 1, a transdermal testosterone cream made by Lawley Pharmaceuticals, was registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in November 2020, making Australia the first country in the world with a TGA-approved testosterone product formulated specifically for women.

AndroFeme is approved for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women. The international Global Consensus Position Statement on testosterone therapy for women, endorsed by the Australasian Menopause Society, confirms HSDD as the only evidence-based indication, and notes that current evidence does not support prescribing testosterone for symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, mood, or energy. This is worth knowing, because testosterone is sometimes promoted online as a general midlife tonic, which the evidence does not support.

In practice, some Australian clinicians prescribe testosterone off-label for symptoms beyond HSDD where other hormone therapy has not provided full relief. This is an area where evidence is still developing, and any decision to use testosterone, on-label or off-label, should be made with a menopause-informed clinician who can assess suitability, baseline blood levels, and ongoing monitoring.

AndroFeme is not currently subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). At its November 2025 meeting, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) declined to recommend PBS listing, and the manufacturer has since applied to the Federal Court of Australia for judicial review of that decision, so the position may change. Until it does, AndroFeme is dispensed as a private prescription, with a tube costing around $110 to $140 and lasting roughly three to four months.

Non-hormonal prescription options

For women who cannot or choose not to use HRT, there are non-hormonal medications that may help manage specific symptoms. These are not as effective as HRT for vasomotor symptoms, but they can provide meaningful relief for some women.

These may include options for:

• Hot flushes and night sweats: certain antidepressants at lower doses or other medications may reduce frequency or severity.
• Mood and anxiety symptoms: antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be appropriate if symptoms are significant or if there is a history of depression or anxiety.
• Sleep difficulties: short-term sleep support may be considered if sleep disruption is severe and other strategies have not helped.

Non-hormonal treatments can be particularly relevant for women with certain medical histories, including breast cancer, blood clotting disorders, or other conditions where oestrogen may not be advisable. For a deeper look at evidence-based natural approaches, see our guide to natural menopause treatment in Australia.

These medications are not without side effects, and effectiveness varies. A healthcare professional familiar with menopause care can help assess suitability, set realistic expectations, and monitor response. Understanding your symptoms first can help guide treatment discussions, see our complete symptoms guide.

Symptom-specific and targeted treatments

Some menopause symptoms benefit from targeted treatment rather than broad approaches. This recognises that menopause affects different body systems, and not all symptoms respond to the same interventions.

Examples include:

Vaginal oestrogen for urogenital symptoms. Local vaginal oestrogen (creams, pessaries, or rings) can be highly effective for vaginal dryness, pain during sex, recurrent UTIs, and urinary urgency. It is considered safe for most women, including those who cannot use systemic HRT, as very little oestrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Migraine-specific management. Some women experience worsening migraines during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuation. Preventive medications, hormonal stabilisation, or tailored migraine treatments may help.

Treatments for recurrent urinary symptoms. Beyond vaginal oestrogen, pelvic floor physiotherapy, behavioural strategies, or specific medications may be helpful for incontinence or urgency.

Bone health monitoring and support. After menopause, bone density declines due to lower oestrogen levels. For women at higher risk of osteoporosis, bone density scans and treatments (including HRT, calcium, vitamin D, and in some cases bone-specific medications) may be recommended.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health. Oestrogen has a protective effect on cardiovascular health. After menopause, attention to blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and cardiovascular risk factors becomes increasingly important.

This tailored approach acknowledges that menopause is not one experience, and treatment should reflect individual symptom patterns and health priorities.

Understanding benefits, risks and individual context

Menopause treatment decisions are highly individual. What works for one woman may not suit another, and what feels right at one stage may change over time.

Factors that may influence recommendations include:

• Age and stage of menopause (perimenopause, early postmenopause, or later postmenopause)
• Severity and type of symptoms
• Personal and family medical history (including breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, blood clots or other conditions)
• Previous response to treatments or hormonal therapies
• Personal values, preferences and concerns
• Lifestyle factors and other health priorities

Good menopause care should involve shared decision-making, where options are explained clearly, questions are welcomed, and your concerns are taken seriously. You should never feel pressured into a decision, nor dismissed if you choose not to pursue a particular option.

There is rarely a need for rushed decisions. Taking time to understand your options, ask questions, and consider what feels right is not indecision. It is an informed choice.

Medical and non-medical approaches: how they fit together

Menopause care is not an either/or choice between medical treatment and lifestyle strategies. In reality, most women benefit from a combination of approaches, adjusting over time as symptoms and needs change.

Medical approaches, such as HRT or symptom-specific medications, may provide significant symptom relief, particularly for vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, mood changes, and urogenital symptoms. For some women who need complex hormone management, a specialist provider such as an endocrinologist with a menopause focus may be appropriate.

Non-medical strategies, including providers like a pelvic health physiotherapist for movement, allied health services for stress management, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and psychological support, can improve overall wellbeing, resilience, and long-term health. They may also reduce symptom severity or help you manage symptoms that do not fully respond to medical treatment.

These approaches are not in opposition. They work together. A woman taking HRT may still benefit enormously from strength training, good sleep practices, and stress management. A woman not taking HRT may find lifestyle strategies helpful but insufficient on their own, and later choose to explore medical options.

Our comparison guide, Medical vs Natural Approaches to Menopause, explores how these options are often used together rather than as competing philosophies.

You may also find it helpful to explore our Lifestyle and Wellness Support During Menopause guide for practical, day-to-day strategies that support symptom management and overall health. Some women also work with a naturopath who focuses on menopause for nutrition and lifestyle support alongside their treatment.

Cost, Medicare and the PBS

Menopause care in Australia has become more affordable over the past two years, and it helps to know what is covered before you book.

Medicare covers standard GP consultations for menopause care, including follow-up appointments. Since 1 July 2025 there is also a dedicated Medicare-funded menopause health assessment, a longer appointment designed to review your symptoms, history and options properly rather than in a rushed visit. It is worth asking your GP whether this assessment suits your situation.

On the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, several modern menopause hormone therapies were added in 2025, the first new listings in more than twenty years. Estrogel, Estrogel Pro and Prometrium became available on the PBS from 1 March 2025, which has lowered the cost of treatment for many women who were previously paying privately. From 1 January 2026 the general PBS co-payment also dropped to $25, with the concessional co-payment held at $7.70. Not every product is subsidised, so it is reasonable to ask your doctor or pharmacist what a given option will cost, and whether a PBS-listed alternative would suit you.

Specialist consultations, for example with a gynaecologist or endocrinologist, attract a Medicare rebate when you have a GP referral, though specialists set their own fees and a gap is common.

Finding a menopause-informed provider in Australia

One of the most important factors in menopause care is who you work with. Not all GPs or specialists have received comprehensive menopause training, and experiences can vary widely. A national education campaign from 1 July 2026 is funding accredited menopause training for GPs, which should widen the pool of well-informed providers over time.

A menopause-informed provider should:

• Take your symptoms seriously and believe you when you describe your experience
• Explain options clearly, without pressure or judgment
• Discuss benefits and risks openly, using current evidence
• Respect your pace, preference and questions
• Be willing to revisit treatment plans if something is not working
• Coordinate care with other providers when needed

This may be a GP with additional menopause training, a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, or another qualified health professional depending on your needs and symptom complexity. Explore specialised care options including hormone replacement therapy providers and a dietitian for nutrition support.

Our vetted Australian directory lists GPs, specialists, and allied health practitioners with a demonstrated interest in menopause, so you can find someone who understands current evidence and takes your symptoms seriously. Coverage is deepest in Melbourne and Victoria and is growing across other states. You can also find practitioners offering telehealth and online care if in-person visits are not accessible.

Finding the right provider can take time, and it is okay to seek a second opinion if your concerns are not being addressed. You deserve care that respects your experience and supports your wellbeing.

Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics

From 1 July 2026, the 33 government-funded Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics also provide perimenopause and menopause care, with at least one clinic in every Primary Health Network region. The clinics sit inside existing general practices, so care stays close to home, and many offer pelvic health physiotherapy, dietitian and psychology support alongside clinical care. For women who want lower-cost, multidisciplinary menopause care, particularly in areas with few menopause-focused providers, these clinics are a useful new option. You can find your nearest clinic through the Australian Government Department of Health.

Preparing for a menopause appointment

Preparing for an appointment can make discussions more productive, less overwhelming, and help ensure your concerns are heard and addressed within the time available.

Helpful steps include:

Note your symptoms and when they occur. Write down what you are experiencing, how often, and how symptoms affect your day-to-day life. This can include physical symptoms, mood changes, sleep disruption, cognitive symptoms, or anything else that feels different.

Consider how symptoms affect your quality of life. Are symptoms affecting work, relationships, sleep, or your sense of self? This context helps clinicians understand symptom impact, not just frequency.

Write down questions or concerns. It is easy to forget what you wanted to ask once the appointment begins. Having a written list ensures nothing important is missed.

Bring relevant medical history. This includes current medications, family history (particularly breast cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis), and any previous treatments you have tried.

Be clear about your preferences and concerns. If you have specific concerns about HRT, or if you are interested in particular treatment options, it is helpful to say so. Good clinicians want to understand your perspective.

If you would like a structured way to prepare, our free appointment-ready workshop walks you through getting the most from your time with your GP.

What if treatment does not help?

Not all treatments work for all women, and finding the right approach can take time and adjustment.

If a treatment is not helping, this does not mean you are “treatment-resistant” or that nothing will work. It may mean:

• The dose or type needs adjusting
• Symptoms have multiple causes that require different approaches
• A different treatment option may be more suitable
• Additional support (psychological, lifestyle or symptom-specific) may be needed alongside medical treatment

A good clinician will work with you to adjust the approach, rather than suggesting you simply “wait it out” or that symptoms are unrelated to menopause.

If you feel unheard or dismissed, seeking a second opinion is reasonable and appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Is HRT safe for menopause?
For most healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of HRT (also called MHT) typically outweigh the risks. Current Australian guidelines support HRT as an effective and safe treatment for menopause symptoms when prescribed appropriately. Individual factors like medical history, age, and type of HRT affect safety. Your doctor can help assess whether HRT is suitable for you based on your circumstances.

What is the difference between HRT and MHT?
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy) are the same thing, just different names. In Australia, the term MHT is now preferred by many clinicians, but many women and doctors still use HRT. Both refer to hormone therapy that replaces oestrogen, and where appropriate progesterone and testosterone, to relieve menopause symptoms.

Can I get menopause treatment without hormones?
Yes. Non-hormonal treatment options include certain antidepressants, other medications, vaginal moisturisers, lifestyle strategies, and psychological support such as CBT. These options may be suitable if you cannot or do not want to use HRT. While generally less effective than HRT for hot flushes, they can provide meaningful relief for some women.

How do I find a menopause-informed doctor in Australia?
Look for GPs with specific menopause training, gynaecologists, or endocrinologists with menopause expertise. The Australasian Menopause Society website has a Find a Practitioner service. Our vetted directory lists menopause-informed providers who meet clear screening standards. A good menopause doctor takes your symptoms seriously, explains options clearly, and respects your preferences.

What are the treatment options for menopause symptoms?
Treatment options include hormone therapy (HRT/MHT) in various forms like patches, gels, tablets, or for some women testosterone cream; non-hormonal medications for hot flushes and mood; vaginal oestrogen for urogenital symptoms; lifestyle changes including exercise and nutrition; psychological support like CBT; and symptom-specific treatments. Most women benefit from a combination approach tailored to their individual symptoms and circumstances.

How long do you take HRT for menopause?
There is no fixed duration. Many women use HRT for several years, and some continue longer if symptoms persist and the benefits still outweigh the risks. Australian guidelines do not set a maximum duration. Regular reviews with your doctor help assess whether continuing remains appropriate. Some women stop to see if symptoms return; others continue with informed monitoring. Duration should be based on your individual symptoms, health factors, and preferences.

What is the most effective treatment for menopause?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT) is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, reducing them by up to 80 to 90 percent. It is also effective for vaginal dryness, some mood symptoms, and sleep disruption. The most effective option for you depends on your individual symptoms, since some respond better to specific targeted treatments, and effectiveness must be balanced with individual suitability and preferences.

Can I take HRT if I have had breast cancer?
Systemic HRT is generally not recommended for women with a history of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. However, vaginal oestrogen, which acts locally with minimal absorption, may be considered for severe urogenital symptoms. Non-hormonal treatments are typically recommended instead. This is a complex decision requiring careful discussion with your oncologist and menopause specialist about individual risks and alternatives.

Does Medicare cover menopause treatment in Australia?
Medicare covers GP consultations for menopause care, including follow-ups, and since 1 July 2025 there is a dedicated Medicare-funded menopause health assessment for a more thorough review. Several modern menopause hormone therapies are now on the PBS, including Estrogel, Estrogel Pro and Prometrium, listed from 1 March 2025, which has lowered costs for many women. From 1 January 2026 the general PBS co-payment is $25, or $7.70 with a concession card. Specialist consultations attract a rebate with a GP referral. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what a specific medication will cost.

What questions should I ask my doctor about menopause treatment?
Key questions: what treatment options are suitable for my symptoms and medical history? What are the benefits and risks of HRT for me specifically? Are there non-hormonal alternatives? How long would I need to take treatment? What side effects should I watch for? How often should I have follow-up appointments? Are there any tests I need? What happens if this treatment does not work? Coming with written symptoms and questions helps ensure nothing is missed.

Can Australian women access testosterone as part of menopause treatment?
Yes. AndroFeme 1, a transdermal testosterone cream made by Lawley Pharmaceuticals, is TGA-approved in Australia for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and Australia was the first country in the world to approve a testosterone product formulated specifically for women. It is a private prescription and is not on the PBS. At its November 2025 meeting the PBAC declined to recommend listing, and the manufacturer has applied to the Federal Court for judicial review, so the position may change. A tube costs around $110 to $140 and lasts roughly three to four months. A menopause-informed clinician can assess whether testosterone is appropriate for your symptoms and medical history, including baseline blood tests and ongoing monitoring.

Taking the next step

Menopause treatment is not about choosing the “best” option or following a single prescribed path. It is about finding appropriate support for you, for your symptoms, your body, your life, and your preferences.

Some women begin with education and monitoring. Others explore lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or a combination of both. Some start with one approach and adjust over time as symptoms or circumstances change.

Wherever you are, you deserve clear information, respectful care, and time to decide what feels right. You deserve to be taken seriously, to have your questions answered, and to feel supported in whatever choices you make.

From here, you may wish to:

• Learn more about lifestyle and wellness strategies
• Explore symptom-specific guidance
• Understand more about HRT and whether it may be appropriate
• Speak with a menopause-informed health professional

Support exists, and it can be approached calmly, thoughtfully, and on your terms.

Related resources

Understanding your symptoms. Not sure if what you are experiencing is menopause-related? Read our complete guide to perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Lifestyle support. Complement medical treatment with evidence-based nutrition, exercise, and wellness menopause support strategies.

Find providers. Connect with vetted menopause-informed doctors and specialists through our directory, with the deepest coverage in Melbourne and Victoria.

Specialist categories.

• Hormone Replacement and Medical Treatment
• GP and Specialist Medical Care
• Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine
• Mental Health and Counselling