The numbers at a glance
Key figures
| Women who saved on listed MHT | About 540,000 |
|---|---|
| PBS prescriptions | About 3.43 million |
| Reported savings | About $121 million |
| Previous annual cost to some women | Up to $670 |
| PBS co-payment 2026 | Up to $25 general, $7.70 concession |
Source: Australian Government World Menopause Day announcement, 18 October 2026. PBS and retail prices may change.
Frequently asked questions
How much does menopausal hormone therapy cost in Australia?
For a medicine that is PBS-listed and prescribed under the relevant PBS restriction, the 2026 co-payment is up to $25 for a general patient or $7.70 for a concession card holder per prescription. Private prescriptions, non-listed medicines and other circumstances may cost more; confirm the price with your pharmacy.
Which menopause medicines are on the PBS?
The Australian Government’s women’s health package added PBS listings for Prometrium, Estrogel and Estrogel Pro. PBS subsidy is limited to the listed product and applicable prescribing conditions; it does not apply automatically to every medicine or formulation used for menopause. Check the current listing with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Menopause medicine costs: PBS and private examples
Eligible PBS prescriptions are subject to the listed item, pack and patient eligibility. Private prices below are retailer examples and can vary by pharmacy and pack.
| Medicine | Form | PBS general | PBS concession | Private example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estrogel | Estradiol gel, 64 actuations | Up to $25 if eligible | Up to $7.70 if eligible | $59.30† |
| Prometrium 100 mg (30 capsules) | Progesterone capsules | Up to $25 if eligible | Up to $7.70 if eligible | $43.84† |
| Estrogel Pro | Combination pack, 1 pack | Up to $25 if eligible | Up to $7.70 if eligible | $104.32† |
| Estradot | Estradiol patches | Up to $25 if eligible | Up to $7.70 if eligible | Pharmacy-dependent |
What do I pay as a concession card holder?
For an eligible PBS prescription, the 2026 co-payment is up to $7.70 per prescription for a concession card holder. Eligibility, PBS restrictions and the medicine supplied matter; private prescriptions and medicines outside the PBS may have a different price.
Why did the cost of menopause medicines change?
The Australian Government’s 18 October 2026 announcement reports that about 540,000 women saved $121 million across 3.43 million prescriptions for PBS-listed menopausal hormone therapies. The earlier annual cost of up to $670 applied to some women, not every treatment or patient.
What if my HRT patch is unavailable?
Supply and substitution arrangements can vary by product and change over time. A pharmacist can explain whether an approved alternative is available and whether it changes the price or PBS subsidy for your prescription. Do not change or stop treatment based on this page; check your options with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Why might I pay less than $25 for a PBS medicine?
$25 is the maximum standard general co-payment, not a mandatory fixed charge for every prescription. The medicine price, dispensing arrangements, eligibility and any applicable premium can affect what you pay. Ask the pharmacy to confirm the amount for your prescription.
How does the PBS Safety Net affect menopause medicine costs?
The 2026 PBS Safety Net thresholds are $1,748.20 for general patients and $277.20 for concession card holders. Once you reach the relevant threshold and have the applicable Safety Net entitlement, further eligible PBS medicines generally cost up to $7.70 for general patients or have no PBS co-payment for concession patients. Applicable premiums may still apply.
Is a menopause health assessment covered by Medicare?
Eligible patients may receive a Medicare rebate for a qualifying GP menopause or perimenopause health assessment under MBS item 695. Item 19000 may apply to eligible non-GP medical practitioners. The consultation must meet item requirements, and an out-of-pocket gap may apply. Ask the practice about eligibility and fees.
Prices and PBS arrangements can change. MediRemind provides prescription and medication management tools and does not prescribe, supply or recommend medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual treatment.