Published on Feb 22, 2025

Estradiol Prescription Online Australia

Estradiol Prescription Online Australia

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Carol Gom (on 2025-02-22)

Menopause can be a challenging transition, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Today, women have more choices than ever to manage symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and bone changes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains one of the most effective treatments for menopausal symptoms. Even better, accessing treatment has become easier with telehealth services – you can now get an estradiol prescription online and explore other menopause medication online prescription options in Australia without the usual hassle. In this article, we’ll chat about the different HRT options available (from conjugated estrogens like Premarin to estradiol patches and pills, combination therapies with drospirenone or dydrogesterone, and alternatives like Tibolone) and how they compare. We’ll also show you how simple it is to renew your HRT prescription through an HRT online consultation in Australia, quickly and discreetly.

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Conjugated Estrogens (Premarin)

Conjugated estrogens are one of the classic forms of HRT. The most well-known example is Premarin, an oral tablet made from a mixture of estrogen compounds derived from natural sources (specifically, the urine of pregnant mares – hence the name Premarin, “PREgnant MARes’ urINe”). Premarin and other conjugated equine estrogens have been used for decades to relieve menopause symptoms. They contain a blend of estrogen types (such as estrone and equilin), which collectively help ease hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness​. Conjugated estrogen therapy can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause.

Benefits: Conjugated estrogens are effective at reducing common menopausal symptoms and improving quality of life. Many women experience significant relief from hot flush intensity and frequency, improved sleep, and less vaginal discomfort on Premarin or similar therapies. These estrogens also contribute to maintaining bone density, thereby lowering fracture risk​. Premarin is typically taken as a daily tablet (available in Australia in doses like 0.3 mg or 0.625 mg). It’s a convenient, once-a-day treatment and has a long track record of use. For women who cannot take pills, Premarin is also available as a vaginal cream to treat local symptoms, though systemic (whole-body) relief usually comes from the oral form​.

Considerations: Because conjugated estrogens are not identical to the estrogen your body naturally produces, some women prefer other forms of estrogen. While Premarin works in the same way to alleviate symptoms, it is not bioidentical to human estrogen. In contrast, estradiol (the other major type of estrogen used in HRT) is chemically identical to the primary estrogen made by your ovaries. This difference may or may not be important to you, but it’s good to know. From a symptom-relief standpoint, Premarin and estradiol are both effective, though individual responses can vary. Some women report that one type suits them better than the other – for example, if you’ve tried estradiol and still have symptoms, your doctor might suggest a switch to Premarin, or vice versa.

Another consideration is that if you still have your uterus, taking any estrogen (including Premarin) on its own isn’t enough – you’ll also need a progestogen (progesterone-like hormone) to protect the uterine lining. Unopposed estrogen can cause the lining of the uterus to build up, raising the risk of endometrial cancer​. Premarin is often prescribed alongside a progestogen in women who haven’t had a hysterectomy. This can either be a separate progestogen tablet or a combined regimen (more on combined HRT options below). If you’ve had a hysterectomy, estrogen alone (without progestogen) is suitable.

Availability in Australia: Premarin (conjugated equine estrogens) is available by prescription in Australia in various strengths (commonly 0.3 mg and 0.625 mg tablets)​. It’s a well-established medication, so most GPs or specialists are familiar with it. You can obtain Premarin through a traditional prescription or via an online doctor service. In fact, getting a Premarin or conjugated estrogen prescription online is now possible – services like NextClinic include conjugated estrogens in their offerings for HRT. This means if you’re doing well on Premarin and just need a repeat script, you could request it through an online consultation and get your e-script without an in-person visit. (Always ensure you’ve had an initial evaluation and discussion about risks with your doctor before continuing long-term HRT, though.)

In summary, Premarin is a tried-and-true menopause medication. It may not be “natural” estradiol, but it is a reliable option for many women. If you’re comfortable with it and it works for you, there’s no reason you can’t continue – and now you have the option to renew that menopause medication prescription online for convenience.

Estradiol-Based Therapies

Estradiol is often considered the gold standard of HRT estrogen, largely because it is chemically identical to the estrogen (17β-estradiol) that a woman’s ovaries produce in her pre-menopausal years​. In menopause, your body’s estradiol levels plummet, leading to symptoms. Replacing it with bioidentical estradiol can effectively relieve hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and more. Many doctors actually prefer estradiol-based HRT for symptomatic women, because it closely mimics natural hormones and comes in flexible delivery forms.

Forms of Estradiol: In Australia, estradiol is available in several forms – giving you options to suit your lifestyle and health needs:

  • Tablets: Oral estradiol tablets (like Progynova or Estrofem) come in 1 mg or 2 mg doses. These are taken daily. They’re simple and effective for symptom relief. However, oral estrogen does pass through the liver first, which can slightly increase factors related to blood clotting and triglycerides. For most healthy women under 60 this isn’t a big issue, but if you have risk factors (like a history of clots), another form might be preferable.
  • Patches: Estradiol transdermal patches are very popular. You stick a patch on your skin (usually lower abdomen or buttocks) and change it every few days (frequency depends on the brand; some are once weekly, others twice weekly). Patches release estradiol steadily into your bloodstream. Brands in Australia include Estradot, Estraderm MX, Climara, etc., with doses like 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 100 mcg per day. Transdermal estradiol is gentler on the blood clot risk – it bypasses the liver, leading to minimal impact on clotting factors. This makes patches (or gel) a great choice for women with migraine, high blood pressure, or higher clot risk (like smokers or those overweight). Patches can also be easier if you have trouble remembering pills.
  • Gels and Creams: Estradiol gel (such as Estrogel or Sandrena) is another transdermal option. You apply a measured dose of gel on your skin (arms, thighs, or abdomen depending on product) daily, and it absorbs to deliver estrogen. Some women prefer gels because they can fine-tune the dose and there’s no visible patch. There are also vaginal estrogen creams or tablets (like Vagifem or Ovestin cream), but those are typically for local symptoms (vaginal dryness, painful intercourse) rather than whole-body symptom relief. Low-dose vaginal estradiol mainly helps local tissues and doesn’t require progestogen add-on, but it won’t fix hot flushes.
  • Other forms: Less commonly, estradiol can come as a nasal spray, implant, or vaginal ring (e.g., the Femring, though not sure if available in Australia). The most common by far, however, are the pills, patches, and gels listed above.

Benefits: Using estradiol for HRT means you’re replacing exactly what your body is missing. Many women feel this is a “natural” approach (though the products are pharmaceutically made, the hormone is the same as human estrogen)​. Estradiol effectively reduces vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) by around 85% and improves sleep, mood, and quality of life for many. It also prevents bone loss and fractures at least as well as conjugated estrogens. Because there are so many ways to take estradiol, treatment can be tailored: if one method doesn’t suit you, another might. For example, if you get nausea from pills, a patch could solve that. If you don’t like adhesive, try gel, and so on. Transdermal estradiol is recommended for women with certain risk factors (like migraine or clot risk) because it has minimal impact on clotting or blood pressure compared to oral forms. Overall, estradiol is a first-line choice for most women who need HRT.

Considerations: Estradiol on its own, like Premarin, is estrogen – so the same rule applies: if you have a uterus, you’ll need a progestogen alongside it to protect against endometrial cancer risk​. Estradiol can be given in combination with a progestogen (either as a single combined product or two separate prescriptions). We’ll talk about combined HRT options next. Another consideration is side effects – estrogen, especially when you first start HRT, can cause some breast tenderness, bloating, or nausea in the first few weeks. These effects often subside as your body adjusts. If not, you might need a dose adjustment or a switch in delivery method.

Some women worry about risks like breast cancer or blood clots with HRT. It’s true that HRT carries some risks, but for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits often outweigh the risks​. Estradiol, particularly transdermal, has a very low risk profile at standard doses. If used with appropriate progestogen and under medical guidance, HRT is considered safe for most healthy women in their 50s. Always discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor, but for many, estradiol is a safe and effective therapy for symptom relief.

Availability in Australia: Australia has a wide range of estradiol products. Estradiol tablets like Progynova (estradiol valerate 1 mg or 2 mg) and Estrofem (estradiol 1 mg) are common​. Patches like Estradot (25–100 µg) and Estraderm MX are on the PBS and stocked in pharmacies. Estradiol gel (Estrogel, Sandrena) can also be obtained with a prescription​. All these require a prescription – but you can absolutely get an estradiol prescription online through licensed services. If you’ve discussed HRT with your GP in the past and have a stable regimen, renewing that via an online telehealth platform is now a convenient option. For instance, if you use an estradiol 50 µg patch and are due for a refill, you could request a renewal through NextClinic’s online system and get an e-script within hours, without waiting for a clinic appointment.

In summary, estradiol-based HRT is a versatile and effective way to treat menopause symptoms. It’s widely used in Australia and can be tailored to your needs. Many women appreciate that it’s “body-identical” estrogen, and it’s often the first thing doctors recommend for significant menopause symptoms​. If estradiol is part of your HRT plan, rest assured it’s easily accessible – and you can manage ongoing prescriptions through regular GP visits or via online renewal services when appropriate.

Combined HRT: Estradiol + Progestogen (Drospirenone or Dydrogesterone)

If you still have your uterus, combined HRT (estrogen plus progestogen) is the standard recommendation. The progestogen’s job is to protect your endometrium (uterine lining) from the stimulating effects of estrogen, greatly reducing the risk of uterine cancer​. Combined HRT can be given in different ways – some women take continuous estrogen and add a progestogen for part of the month (cyclic therapy, which causes a monthly bleed, like a period), or more commonly for postmenopause, both hormones are given continuously (which usually avoids any bleeding after the first few months).

Several progestogens are used in HRT, and they can come either as a separate capsule (like micronised progesterone) or pre-combined with estrogen in one tablet/patch. In Australia, common combined HRT pills include estradiol with norethisterone (e.g., Kliovance® or Kliogest®), estradiol with drospirenone (Angeliq®), and estradiol with dydrogesterone (Femoston-Conti®)​. There’s also a combined patch (Estradot + levonorgestrel IUS, or Estalis® patch with estradiol+norethisterone). For this section, we’ll focus on the combinations highlighted – estradiol + drospirenone and estradiol + dydrogesterone – as these are popular modern options.

Why drospirenone or dydrogesterone? These two progestogens are often chosen for their favorable side effect profiles:

  • Drospirenone is a unique progestin derived from spironolactone (a diuretic). It has anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties. In plain language, it can counteract water retention and bloating that estrogen might cause, and it doesn’t have testosterone-like side effects (so it won’t cause acne or hair growth; in fact it may improve those issues). In the combined HRT pill Angeliq®, drospirenone 2 mg is paired with estradiol 1 mg. Clinical studies found that this combo not only relieves menopause symptoms well, but also tends to prevent weight gain and increases in blood pressure that sometimes accompany HRT. In a large trial, women on estradiol+drospirenone actually saw a slight decrease in body weight (about 1.2 kg on average) and a drop in systolic blood pressure by ~9 mmHg, whereas women on estradiol alone gained a little weight and had a smaller BP change. This suggests drospirenone can make HRT more weight-neutral and possibly beneficial for blood pressure – a nice perk for women concerned about these issues. Drospirenone also has a mild diuretic effect (so it may reduce swelling) and can help counteract estrogen-related breast tenderness by reducing water retention. Many women report feeling “less puffy” on an estradiol+drospirenone regimen compared to other progestins. Angeliq (estradiol/drospirenone) is taken once daily and is usually a continuous (no-period) HRT. It’s a good option if you want a single pill and especially if you’ve had side effects like bloating on other HRT formulations.
  • Dydrogesterone is another modern progestogen, very similar in structure to natural progesterone. In the combined HRT product Femoston-Conti®, estradiol 1 mg is combined with dydrogesterone 5 mg in each tablet. Dydrogesterone is known for being well-tolerated – it tends to cause fewer mood side effects for some women and has minimal impact on cholesterol or clotting factors. Importantly, dydrogesterone (and micronised progesterone) may carry a lower risk of breast cancer compared to older synthetic progestins like medroxyprogesterone or norethisterone. For this reason, some guidelines consider dydrogesterone or natural progesterone as first-line choices for adding to estrogen. In practice, that means a product like Femoston can be an excellent HRT choice – it provides body-identical estradiol and a kinder, less androgenic progestogen. Femoston comes in a continuous version (for postmenopause) and a cyclic version (for perimenopause, where you still get a monthly withdrawal bleed). Women on estradiol+dydrogesterone often report that they feel emotionally balanced and have fewer progesterone-type side effects (like depression or bloating) compared to certain other combinations.

Aside from drospirenone and dydrogesterone, there are other progestogen options (norethisterone, levonorgestrel IUD, medroxyprogesterone, micronised progesterone as a separate capsule, etc.). Each has pros and cons, but the key is finding one that agrees with you. Drospirenone and dydrogesterone stand out as two that many women do well on, which is why we’re highlighting them.

Benefits of Combined HRT: The obvious benefit is complete hormone balance – you get estrogen to relieve your menopause symptoms and a progestogen to keep the uterus healthy. Combined formulations in one pill or patch simplify the regimen (one prescription, one medication to take). They are very convenient for continuous use; you typically won’t have a monthly bleed if you’re fully in menopause and on a continuous combined HRT (though some spotting can occur in the first 3–6 months as the body adjusts). Combination HRT provides all the same benefits of estrogen (symptom control, bone protection, possibly improved cardiovascular markers) with the safety of uterine protection. When using newer progestogens like drospirenone or dydrogesterone, you might also get extra benefits: for instance, drospirenone can help reduce HRT-related breast tenderness and bloating, and may even lead to slight weight loss or blood pressure reduction​; dydrogesterone is very “neutral” in side effects and closely mimics natural progesterone, which many women prefer.

Considerations: With any combined HRT, you’re taking two hormones, so consider the side effects of each. Some women are sensitive to progestogens – if you’ve had mood issues on the birth control pill in the past, for example, you might need to find the right type of progestogen now. It’s somewhat individual; what’s great for one person (say drospirenone) might not suit another, and vice versa. The good news is there is no one-size-fits-all – you can work with your doctor to try different combinations if needed. Another consideration is breast cancer risk: Combined estrogen-progestogen therapy can slightly increase breast cancer risk after several years of use (whereas estrogen alone has a lower effect on breast cancer risk)​. However, the absolute risk increase is small, and using a less breast-stimulatory progestogen (like dydrogesterone or micronised progesterone) might mitigate that risk somewhat. It’s a topic to review with your doctor based on your personal and family history.

When starting combined HRT, some women experience irregular spotting or bleeding in the first months. This is common as the body adapts to the hormones. If bleeding persists beyond 6 months or is heavy, your doctor will investigate further. Usually, though, continuous combined HRT leads to an end to periods, which many find liberating.

Availability in Australia: Australia has all the above combined options available by prescription. Angeliq (estradiol 1mg + drospirenone 2mg) is available (usually as a 28-day pack of tablets)​. Femoston-Conti (estradiol 0.5mg or 1mg + dydrogesterone 2.5mg or 5mg) is available for continuous therapy, and Femoston (in a pack with two types of tablets for cyclic use) is available for those still transitioning. Kliovance/Kliogest (estradiol + norethisterone) are other brands, and Estalis patches (estradiol + norethisterone) provide a transdermal combined option. All require a doctor’s prescription, but as with others, you can use telehealth to renew combined HRT prescriptions online. For example, if you’ve been stable on Angeliq, a service like NextClinic can renew that script for you after a short online questionnaire, saving you a trip to the GP. All the combined HRT products mentioned are listed on NextClinic’s platform at the time of writing, meaning they recognize these as standard therapies that can be managed via online consultation (as long as you meet the criteria and it’s safe to continue).

Alternatives in combined therapy: One interesting newer alternative for women with a uterus is a combination of conjugated estrogens with a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) called bazedoxifene. This product (brand name Duavive® in Australia) pairs estrogen with bazedoxifene, which acts like an estrogen blocker in the uterus (so it protects the uterine lining without needing a progestogen)​. It’s an option for those who can’t tolerate progestogens. Bazedoxifene + estrogen has been shown to improve menopausal symptoms and bone density while reducing breast tenderness and preventing uterine lining growth. However, it might be slightly less effective on symptoms than traditional estrogen-progestogen HRT. This combination is only for postmenopausal women with a uterus who want to avoid progestins. It’s available in Australia (Duavive 0.45mg/20mg). While not as commonly used as the others, it’s good to know it exists as another tool in the HRT toolkit.

To wrap up, combined HRT ensures you get comprehensive hormone support during menopause. Products containing estradiol + drospirenone or dydrogesterone are modern, well-tolerated choices that balance efficacy with minimal side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider to find the best combination for you. And remember, continuing your combined HRT can be made easier by using online prescription renewal services when it’s time for a refill – no need to pause your therapy or suffer symptoms while waiting for an appointment.

Tibolone – A Different Approach to HRT

Tibolone is a unique option for menopause treatment that doesn’t fit into the typical estrogen/progestogen categories. It’s actually a synthetic steroid that your body breaks down into three components, which have effects like estrogen, progesterone, and a bit of testosterone​. Essentially, tibolone is one compound that does the work of a combined HRT (estrogen + progestogen) and also adds a mild androgenic effect. In Australia, tibolone is available as a 2.5 mg tablet (brand name Livial® and generics) taken once daily.

How Tibolone works and benefits: After you take tibolone, your body metabolizes it into substances that stimulate estrogen receptors (important for relieving hot flushes and protecting bones), progesterone receptors (to protect the uterus), and androgen receptors (which can influence sexual function and mood)​. Because of this, tibolone can improve a broad range of menopausal issues. It reduces hot flush frequency and severity (though pure estrogen therapy is a bit more potent in that regard), helps with vaginal dryness, and maintains bone density, thereby preventing osteoporosis similarly to traditional HRT. One of tibolone’s standout benefits is in the realm of sexual health: thanks to its slight testosterone-like activity, it often helps boost libido and sexual pleasure for women who have experienced a drop in sex drive after menopause. In fact, some studies found tibolone significantly improved sexual function in postmenopausal women with low libido compared to placebo. Women who choose tibolone sometimes do so for this added benefit, finding an increase in their energy and sexual desire.

Another big plus: No monthly bleeding. Tibolone is taken continuously and, unlike cyclic combined HRT, it does not cause a monthly period. It tends not to cause the irregular breakthrough bleeding that can occur in the early months of continuous combined HRT either – although if taken too soon (while a woman is not fully postmenopausal), it can cause some irregular bleeding, so timing is key. Generally, tibolone is recommended for women who are at least 12 months past their last natural period (i.e., fully in menopause)​. If started earlier, the residual ovarian activity combined with tibolone can lead to spotting.

Because tibolone has estrogenic effects, it too will help with mood, sleep, and possibly even cognitive symptoms for some. Interestingly, tibolone’s effect on the breast tissue is weaker than that of standard estrogen – it may even reduce breast density and tenderness in some cases​. This raised hopes that it might carry a lower breast cancer risk, but more on safety in a moment.

Considerations and safety: Tibolone is a bit of a “three-in-one” drug, which is great, but it also means we need to consider three sets of effects. Overall, tibolone is well-tolerated. Side effects can include minor weight gain, abdominal pain or bloating, or breast tenderness, but rates are relatively low and often temporary. It does not usually cause significant weight gain; in fact, like other forms of HRT, tibolone is not associated with long-term weight gain on average​. Most women either maintain or have a slight increase due to menopause itself, not specifically due to HRT. Tibolone does require the same precautions as combined HRT: it’s contraindicated if you have breast cancer or a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, active blood clots, liver disease, etc. Notably, because tibolone has androgenic activity, it’s absolutely not for use during reproductive years or pregnancy (not that pregnancy is a concern in menopause, but important to note it’s a menopause-only drug).

When it comes to effectiveness, tibolone falls somewhere in between estrogen-only and combined HRT. For vasomotor symptoms, tibolone at 2.5 mg is more effective than placebo but can be a touch less effective than a full-dose estrogen/progestogen regimen​. Many women still get excellent relief; a few might find they need to switch to standard HRT if hot flushes persist. Bone-wise, tibolone is just as effective as conventional HRT in preventing bone loss and fractures – in the large LIFT trial (in older women 60-85), tibolone significantly reduced vertebral and non-vertebral fractures compared to placebo. Libido-wise, tibolone often outperforms standard HRT because regular HRT can sometimes dampen testosterone levels (which can lower libido), whereas tibolone provides a slight androgen boost. So, for sexual function, tibolone might have an edge.

Risks: The safety profile of tibolone is generally good for healthy postmenopausal women under 60. However, important cautions: tibolone should not be used if you have had breast cancer. Studies indicate tibolone might increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence, so it’s contraindicated in that scenario​. Also, a trial in older women found that starting tibolone after age 60 was associated with an increased risk of stroke. So, like other forms of HRT, tibolone is best started in your 50s or early 50s, not when you’re much older. If a woman is already on tibolone and doing well as she passes 60, her doctor will weigh the pros and cons of continuing. Additionally, if you have significant risk factors for stroke (uncontrolled high blood pressure, previous TIA, etc.), tibolone might not be the ideal choice. These are similar considerations as with standard HRT, though some guidelines are a tad more cautious with tibolone in older patients.

Who might choose Tibolone? Tibolone is especially appealing for postmenopausal women who want simplicity (one pill) and who have a particular interest in maintaining sexual function or who have troublesome side effects on conventional HRT. For instance, a woman who tried estrogen-progestogen HRT and experienced mood swings or breast tenderness on the progestogen might find tibolone a smoother ride. Also, if you’re a year or more into menopause and just looking for a way to feel better overall (flushes, energy, bone health, libido), tibolone could be a great fit. It’s not typically used in the very initial stages of menopause (because of the bleeding issue), but once you’re clearly postmenopausal, it’s an option.

Availability in Australia: Tibolone 2.5 mg is available on prescription (often under brand name Livial, or generics by Sandoz, Apo, etc.). It’s usually prescribed for continuous daily use. As with other HRT prescriptions, you can discuss tibolone with your GP or specialist. If you’re already on tibolone and need a refill, you can also consider renewing it through an online prescription service. Since tibolone is categorized as menopausal hormone therapy, platforms like NextClinic include it in their list of HRT medications eligible for online script renewal (provided you’ve been reviewed and it’s appropriate to continue).

In summary, tibolone is a one-pill alternative to conventional HRT that provides estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic effects. It’s effective for many menopause symptoms (especially bone health and libido) and is a convenient option for women more than a year past menopause. Just be mindful of its contraindications (not for breast cancer survivors or women with significant stroke risk). If you and your doctor decide tibolone is right for you, it’s reassuring to know you can easily continue therapy with regular check-ins and even online prescription renewals to keep you supplied.

Renewing HRT Prescriptions Online in Australia

By now, we’ve covered the key players in menopause hormone therapy – conjugated estrogens, estradiol, combined formulations, and tibolone – and how each might fit into your treatment plan. Whichever HRT option you and your doctor choose, one thing is certain: managing menopause is not a one-and-done event. Menopause can last for years, and many women stay on HRT for several years (with periodic reviews) to keep symptoms at bay and protect their long-term health. That means you’ll need ongoing prescriptions. Traditionally, that would involve visiting your GP or specialist for each repeat script or check-up. While regular follow-ups are important, sometimes you just need a quick renewal because you’re doing well and nothing has changed. That’s where the beauty of modern telehealth comes in. You can renew your HRT prescription online in Australia quickly and discreetly, through NextClinic.

We made it easy to get an online prescription for many routine medications – including hormone replacement therapies – for a flat fee of $29.90. The process is designed to be user-friendly and fast, so you can avoid long wait times at the clinic.

If you’re a menopausal woman in Australia benefiting from HRT, consider how online prescription renewal could simplify your life. Different options exist for treatment – from estradiol patches and Premarin tablets to combined HRT pills with drospirenone or dydrogesterone, and even Tibolone – and now there’s also an option in how you get your medicine. We offer a quick, affordable pathway to keep your treatment on track. No one should have to suffer through returning symptoms just because getting a script was a hassle. With NextClinic’s HRT online consultation service, you have a supportive partner to ensure you can access your menopause medication when you need it, with minimal fuss and maximum privacy.

Why not give yourself that peace of mind? The next time your HRT prescription is due for renewal, try NextClinic’s simple online process for a smooth experience. For just $29.90, you can renew your prescription and have an e-script in hand typically on the same day, keeping you in control of your menopause journey. It’s care on your terms – because menopause is tough enough, accessing treatment shouldn’t be. 💕 Take charge of your health confidently and conveniently!

TLDR

Q: What are the main HRT options for menopause in Australia?

The main hormone replacement therapy options include estrogen-only treatments and combined estrogen-progestogen treatments. Estrogen-only HRT can be conjugated estrogens (e.g., Premarin tablets) or estradiol-based therapies (such as estradiol patches, gels, or pills). Women with a uterus usually need a combined HRT that adds a progestogen – common combined options are estradiol with drospirenone (a progestin that helps reduce bloating) or estradiol with dydrogesterone (a progestin similar to natural progesterone). There are also alternatives like Tibolone, a single tablet that has estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic effects. All of these HRT options are available by prescription in Australia, and you can discuss with your doctor which fits your needs best.

Q: Estradiol vs. Premarin – what’s the difference?

Estradiol is bioidentical to the primary estrogen your ovaries produce, whereas Premarin is a mixture of conjugated equine estrogens (from natural sources). Both are used to treat menopause symptoms effectively, but they differ in origin and formulation. Estradiol is considered closer to your body’s own estrogen and comes in many forms (pills, patches, gels), while Premarin is an older option typically given as a pill or cream. In practice, many women get excellent relief from either. Your doctor might choose estradiol for a more “natural” approach or Premarin if it has worked well for you before. It often comes down to personal response and preference.

Q: Why do some HRT pills contain drospirenone or dydrogesterone?

Drospirenone and dydrogesterone are types of progestogens included in combined HRT to protect the uterus and enhance tolerability. Drospirenone (as in Angeliq®) not only prevents estrogen from causing uterine issues, but also has anti-water retention and anti-androgen effects – meaning it can reduce bloating and may help keep blood pressure and weight in check. Dydrogesterone (as in Femoston®) is a progestin very similar to natural progesterone, known for causing fewer side effects and possibly a lower breast cancer risk than some older progestins. In short, these ingredients ensure you get the benefits of estrogen safely, and many women find them more comfortable (less mood swings, less breast tenderness) compared to other progestogens.

Q: What is Tibolone and how is it different from other HRT?

Tibolone is a unique HRT tablet that isn’t just estrogen – it breaks down into compounds that mimic estrogen, progesterone, and a bit of testosterone in the body. It’s like an all-in-one therapy. Tibolone helps with hot flushes and bone health similar to regular HRT, and it can also improve libido and mood thanks to its mild androgenic (testosterone-like) effect. Unlike taking separate estrogen and progestogen, tibolone doesn’t usually cause monthly bleeding and is taken continuously. It’s meant for women who are at least a year past menopause (starting it too early can cause irregular bleeding). Tibolone isn’t suitable if you have had breast cancer and should be used cautiously if you’re over 60 due to stroke risk. It’s a great alternative for women who want simplicity (one pill) and an extra boost in sexual wellbeing.

Q: How can I get a menopause medication prescription online in Australia?

You can obtain a menopause HRT prescription online through NextClinic for just $29.90. NextClinic allows you to request an online prescription for HRT medications (e.g., estradiol patches, Premarin, combined HRT pills, Tibolone) by filling out a short online consultation. An Australian-registered doctor will review your request, and if appropriate, issue an e-script​. The e-script (electronic prescription token) is sent to your phone, which you can take to any pharmacy in Australia. You can renew your menopause medication from home without a GP visit, as long as your situation is straightforward and safe for online prescribing.

Disclaimer

This medical blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your regular doctor for specific medical concerns. The content is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication and may change. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding completeness or reliability. Use the information at your own risk. Links to other websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily representative of any institutions.

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