Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) — previously called HRT — is the most effective treatment for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Yet many Australian women are still hesitant, often due to outdated safety concerns from a 2002 study that has since been significantly revised. Here is what the current evidence actually says.
💡 🇦🇺 Australian update: From July 2025, Australian women can access a Medicare-rebated menopause health assessment with their GP to discuss MHT and other treatment options.
What Is MHT?
MHT replaces the hormones — primarily oestrogen and progesterone — that decline during perimenopause and menopause. By restoring these hormones to more stable levels, MHT directly addresses the root cause of most perimenopause symptoms rather than treating each symptom individually.
What Does MHT Treat?
- Hot flushes and night sweats — MHT is 90%+ effective
- Sleep disruption
- Vaginal dryness and painful sex
- Mood changes, anxiety, and depression
- Brain fog and cognitive symptoms
- Joint pain
- Urinary symptoms
- Bone density protection (reduces osteoporosis risk)
Is MHT Safe? The Current Evidence
The 2002 Women's Health Initiative study caused widespread fear about MHT by suggesting it increased breast cancer and cardiovascular risk. Subsequent analysis revealed significant flaws in that study — the participants were older (average age 63), used older synthetic hormone formulations, and many had pre-existing health conditions.
Current evidence from multiple large studies shows that for healthy women under 60 who start MHT within 10 years of menopause, the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. Modern body-identical MHT (using hormones chemically identical to those your body produces) has a more favourable safety profile than the older synthetic formulations.
Types of MHT Available in Australia
- Oestrogen-only MHT — for women who have had a hysterectomy
- Combined MHT (oestrogen + progestogen) — for women with a uterus
- Body-identical MHT — uses micronised progesterone (Prometrium/Utrogestan) and oestradiol patches or gel
- Tibolone — a synthetic hormone with combined oestrogen, progestogen, and androgen effects
How to Access MHT in Australia
MHT requires a prescription from your GP. Book an appointment specifically to discuss menopause and MHT. Bring a list of your symptoms — or use our printable GP report. Your GP will take a medical history, discuss your risk profile, and prescribe the most appropriate formulation for you.
Most MHT formulations are available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), making them affordable for Australian women. Costs vary by formulation but are typically $30–60 per month.