What you’ll learn
We’ll cover the costs of menopause hormone therapy (MHT) with insurance versus cash-pay options, what factors affect your price (like medication type and dosage), and any additional expenses you might see during treatment. You’ll get clear price comparisons to help you choose the best option for your budget.
Are menopause and perimenopause symptoms hitting hard with hot flashes, mood changes, and sleepless nights? You’re not alone, and help is available. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is one of the most effective ways to manage these symptoms. MHT works by supplementing the estrogen (and sometimes progesterone and/or testosterone) that your body produces less of during menopause. For many women, restoring these hormone levels brings significant relief.
So, what will it cost? The answer depends on your insurance coverage, the type of hormone therapy prescribed (such as pills, patches, creams, or injections), your dosage, and how long you need the treatment.
While insurance can help lower out-of-pocket costs, many women find it hard to predict what they’ll actually pay after coverage limits, copays, and unexpected pharmacy or lab fees. These things can all add up, and that unpredictability is one reason some women choose providers with clear, upfront cash-pay pricing. When costs are transparent, you’ll know exactly what you’ll owe before starting treatment, without the surprise bills that sometimes come later.
We’ll break down typical price ranges and what affects them, but your exact costs may vary. To find out what you’ll actually pay, check with your doctor.
MHT has helped thousands of women manage their symptoms and feel like themselves again. For many, it’s one of the most effective ways to relieve hot flashes, improve sleep, and restore their overall well-being. MHT isn’t always the right fit for everyone, but there’s also a lot of misinformation around hormone therapy and its safety, which can make it hard to know what to believe. Having an open, honest discussion with your doctor about your personal and family medical history can help you make an informed decision.
If you’ve already spoken to your doctor and are ready to take the next step, learning more about MHT pricing can help you understand your options, set clear expectations, and avoid surprise costs along the way.
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) options
MHT comes in a variety of delivery methods, dosages, and brands, which all affect cost and effectiveness. We’ll look at some of the typical prices for each type so you have a general idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that the best option for you depends on your health history, current medications, and personal goals. Your provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits and provide specific cost information for your situation.
Creams
Hormone creams are applied directly to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream to treat symptoms affecting the whole body or to vaginal tissue for localized relief.
Why consider creams:
- Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills.
- Can have a lower risk of blood clotting because it bypasses the liver.
- Vaginal creams provide targeted relief for vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Testosterone can help with low energy, libido, and cognitive function.
Common side effects: Skin irritation at site, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, mood swings.
Typical cost: Up to $400+ per month, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Cost with QuickMD MHT Membership:
- Estradiol vaginal cream: $29/month
- Estriol face cream: $49/month
- Testosterone cream for women: $49/month
Gels
Transdermal gels deliver estrogen through the skin once daily, where it’s absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Why consider gels:
- Delivers a steady dose of hormones to relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
- Good if you can’t use patches due to skin irritation.
- Doses are easily adjustable.
Common side effects: Bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, hair loss.
Typical cost: Up to $320+ per month, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Injections
Estradiol shots can be given under the skin (subcutaneous) or in the muscle (intramuscular) on a set schedule that could be weekly or monthly.
Why consider injections:
- Can provide consistent hormone levels for some patients.
- If you prefer infrequent dosing over daily pills or creams.
- Can have a lower risk of blood clots because it bypasses the liver.
Common side effects: Pain at injection site, mood changes, bloating.
Typical cost: Up to $298+ per month, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Patches
Hormone patches are adhesive stickers you apply to your skin, usually once or twice a week to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and mood changes. The hormones are absorbed through your skin directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the liver for a steady dose throughout the week.
Why consider patches:
- Recommended if you start MHT after age 60 or have cardiovascular risk factors.
- May have fewer side effects than pills (no nausea, less impact on liver).
- Ensures more consistent hormone levels.
- Only need to change once or twice weekly, not daily.
Common side effects: Skin irritation or redness where the patch is applied, breast tenderness, nausea, and weight changes.
Typical costs: Up to $320+ per month, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Cost with QuickMD MHT Membership:
- Estradiol patches: $49/month
Tablets
Oral estrogen and/or progesterone tablets that are taken daily to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and brain fog. Oral estrogen may increase the risk of blood clots, so discuss your medical and family history with your provider to see if this option is right for you.
Why consider tablets:
- Simple to take, easy to start or stop.
- Often the cheapest MHT option.
- Has a wide variety of doses and generic options.
Common side effects: Headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, changes in sleep, nausea.
Typical cost: Up to $500 per month, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Cost with QuickMD MHT Membership:
- Estradiol tablets: $14/month
- Progesterone capsules: $19/month
- Birth control with Loestrin Fe: $24/month
- Estradiol and norethindrone: $34/month
- Norethindrone tablets: $19/month
- Minoxidil for women: $14/month
Vaginal rings
A flexible ring is placed in the vagina and releases a low dose of estrogen to treat vaginal symptoms and sometimes hot flashes and night sweats. They are typically replaced every 90 days.
Why consider vaginal rings:
- Convenient option if you prefer not having to worry about taking something daily.
- Provides a steady dose of hormones for symptom relief.
Common side effects: Vaginal discharge or irritation.
Typical cost: Up to $1,049+ per 90-day supply, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Vaginal suppositories
Vaginal suppositories provide localized relief from vaginal irritations, bladder problems, and irritation during sex.
Why consider vaginal suppositories:
- Targets vaginal symptoms with a low dose of estrogen that has a minimal effect on the rest of your body.
- Easy to use as needed when symptoms appear.
- May help prevent frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Common side effects: Vaginal irritation, discharge, itching, light spotting.
Typical cost: Up to $2,059 per month, depending on type, brand, and insurance coverage.
Cost with QuickMD MHT Membership:
- Estradiol vaginal inserts: $49/month
Out-of-pocket vs. insurance coverage for MHT
Paying fully out-of-pocket for menopause hormone therapy can sometimes cost more than going through insurance, though this varies by plan and medication. Many insurance plans (including some Medicare plans) cover some forms of FDA-approved MHT, which can bring your out-of-pocket costs down to co-pays that can range from $12 to $360 per month, depending on the medication. That said, insurance coverage often comes with strings attached, like prior authorizations, formulary restrictions, and approval wait times that can delay your treatment.
Cash-pay options like our MHT Membership offer a similar and more direct path. While pricing may differ from certain insurance copays, you get the benefit of speed, price transparency, and a simplified process. Skipping the insurance approval process also means you could start treatment quickly without waiting for authorizations.
Our MHT membership includes a doctor visit, ongoing support, and related care services for $79 per month, plus the cost of your medication. This means you know your total costs upfront with no surprise bills after hitting deductibles. If you’d rather use your insurance instead, QuickMD can send your prescription to any pharmacy so you can use your coverage.
Here’s how average MHT costs stack up between insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and QuickMD’s membership pricing:
| MHT treatment | Average cost with insurance | Average out-of-pocket cost (without QuickMD) | QuickMD MHT Membership pricing |
| Tablets | Approximately $30/month | Up to $500/month | $14 to $34/month |
| Patches | Up to $40/month | Up to $320+/month | $49/month |
| Creams | Up to $360/month | Up to $400+/month | $29 to $49/month |
| Vaginal suppositories | Approximately $40/month | Up to $2,059/month | $49/month |
Additional costs to consider
Medication isn’t the only expense when budgeting for MHT. Depending on your treatment plan, a few other costs may come up, including:
- Lab tests: Your doctor may order bloodwork to monitor hormone levels, liver function, or cholesterol before and during treatment.
- Doctor visits and follow-ups: Whether virtual or in-person, you’ll need to check in with your doctor to adjust dosages or evaluate progress, which may add to overall costs.
- Side effect management: You may need additional medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products to address mild side effects like bloating or breast tenderness.
- Supplies: If you use patches, gels, or injections, you may need applicators, syringes, or alcohol wipes that result in small recurring costs.
Not everyone will have all of these costs. Your doctor can help you understand which additional costs could apply to your specific treatment plan, if any.
Chat with our QuickMD doctors to learn what MHT will cost for you
Menopause hormone therapy is an effective treatment that can relieve disruptive and exhausting hormonal symptoms, but it’s not right for everyone. When you connect with us here at QuickMD, we’ll go over your health history, family background, current medications, and your goals for treatment. Together, we’ll figure out if MHT makes sense for you, what it’ll cost, and what your next steps look like.
Our licensed doctors are experts in helping women through menopause at every stage – from perimenopause to postmenopause. You can connect with us quickly, with no waiting rooms or rushed appointments. We’ll work with you to build a personalized treatment plan that fits your symptoms, goals, and budget. Our costs are upfront and transparent with no surprises or hidden fees.
Frequently asked questions
What are the disadvantages of MHT?
Like any medication, menopause hormone therapy (MHT) isn’t risk-free. Some women experience side effects like bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes. MHT can also increase the risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke, depending on your age and the type of MHT you’re taking. It’s important to discuss your full health and family health history with your doctor before starting MHT.
Who is a candidate for MHT?
MHT is typically recommended for women with moderate to severe menopause symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes) who are under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset. Women with a personal or family history of blood clots, certain cancers, liver disease, or untreated cardiovascular conditions may need alternative treatments.
Can you take MHT forever?
There is no fixed time limit for taking MHT. Most women use it for as long as the benefits (symptom reduction) outweigh the risks.
How do you get approved for menopause hormone therapy?
Getting approved for MHT starts with an evaluation by a doctor who will review your symptoms, medical and family history, and any current medications. They may also order bloodwork to assess your hormone levels and other lab results. If MHT is appropriate for you, your doctor will prescribe a formulation that fits your needs. You’ll also have follow-up appointments to monitor your response and adjust dosing as needed.
How much does MHT cost per month?
Cost varies widely depending on the type of therapy, dosage, your insurance status, and whether you’re using brand name or generic options. MHT can cost as little as $10 per month on the low end (for generic tablets) to $2,059+ per month at the high end (for vaginal suppositories).
Will insurance cover hormone testing?
Many health insurance plans (and Medicare Part B) cover hormone testing when it’s medically necessary and ordered by a provider. However, deductibles, copays, or out-of-network costs will vary. Check with your insurer for details on your specific coverage.
