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Types of HRT Compared

  • Licensed clinicians only
  • 9 providers compared
1Best Overall
Nuvella by Direct Meds logo
  • All-Inclusive HRT From $97, $100 Off
  • Up to 4 bioidentical therapies bundled
  • At-home blood work and nurse team included
9.52ExcellentEditorial score
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Get Started from $97

Editor's pick · Reviewed October 2026
2
Hers logo
  • Menopause Care From a Trusted Brand
  • Insurance and HSA/FSA accepted
  • Available in all 50 states
9.34GreatEditorial score
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Get Started from $30

3
Inner Balance logo
  • Bioidentical HRT Cream, $199/mo
  • Drops to $99.50/mo after 6 months
  • Unlimited clinical support, free shipping
9.21GreatEditorial score
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Get Started from $199

4
Allara Health logo
  • Insurance-Covered Hormone Care
  • Doctors, dietitians and testing
  • Personalized care plans
9.07GreatEditorial score
5
Hone Health logo
  • Lab-Guided HRT From $65/mo
  • Treatment built on your biomarkers
  • Doctor consult and prescriptions included
8.86Very GoodEditorial score
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Get Started from $65

6
Fem Excel logo
  • Hormone Optimization, $29 to Start
  • At-home testing with virtual care
  • Unlimited follow-ups
8.63Very GoodEditorial score
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Get Started from $29

7
Effecty logo
  • Bioidentical HRT From $55/mo
  • Progesterone included free when prescribed
  • No membership fee, free shipping
8.54Very GoodEditorial score
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Get Started from $55

8
Gala logo
  • Personalized HRT for $79/mo
  • Board-certified providers prescribe online
  • Ongoing support included
8.32GoodEditorial score
Visit Site

Get Started from $79

Our Top Choice
Nuvella by Direct Meds logo

All-Inclusive HRT From $97, $100 Off

9.52ExcellentEditorial score
Visit Site

Get Started from $97

Editor's pick · Reviewed October 2026

Understanding your options helps you find the right fit for your lifestyle and symptoms. Here is how each HRT delivery method compares on convenience, side effects and monthly cost.

Pills

Oral tablets taken daily

✓ Pros

  • ✓ Easy to adjust dosage
  • ✓ Convenient
  • ✓ Familiar delivery method

⚠️ Cons

  • • Must remember daily
  • • Can affect liver function
  • • May cause nausea

Cost: $20-$60/month

Offered by: Hers, Allara, Effecty

Patches

Adhesive patches applied to skin, changed 2-3x per week

✓ Pros

  • ✓ Steady hormone release
  • ✓ Bypass liver metabolism
  • ✓ Less frequent dosing

⚠️ Cons

  • • Skin irritation possible
  • • Visible on skin
  • • More expensive

Cost: $30-$100/month

Offered by: Hers, Allara, Hone Health

Gels

Applied topically to skin daily

✓ Pros

  • ✓ Rapid absorption
  • ✓ Easy dose adjustment
  • ✓ No pills to take

⚠️ Cons

  • • Transfer risk to others
  • • Daily application needed
  • • Can be messy

Cost: $40-$80/month

Offered by: Hers, Allara, Winona

Creams

Vaginal or topical creams applied daily

✓ Pros

  • ✓ Direct vaginal absorption
  • ✓ Low systemic dose
  • ✓ Treats vaginal dryness

⚠️ Cons

  • • Requires daily application
  • • Can stain clothing
  • • Transfer risk

Cost: $25-$75/month

Offered by: Inner Balance, Hone Health

Pellets

Small implants inserted under skin, last 3-6 months

✓ Pros

  • ✓ Longest-acting option
  • ✓ Consistent hormone levels
  • ✓ No daily maintenance

⚠️ Cons

  • • Requires minor surgery
  • • Expensive upfront
  • • Can cause granulomas

Cost: $400-$800 per implant

Offered by: Inner Balance, Winona

Injections

Intramuscular or subcutaneous injections

✓ Pros

  • ✓ Consistent delivery
  • ✓ Skip-dose flexibility
  • ✓ Avoids first-pass liver

⚠️ Cons

  • • Requires clinic visits
  • • Needle anxiety
  • • Less convenient

Cost: $50-$150/month

Offered by: Hone Health

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Types of HRT: frequently asked questions

BestMenopauseCare Editorial Team

Independent provider research and pricing analysis

Non-clinical editorial team, see our disclosure

Last Updated
October 2, 2026

This page is independent editorial research, not medical advice, and has not been reviewed by a licensed clinician. Hormone therapy requires evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional, and a prescription is not guaranteed. Discuss your health history, medications and treatment goals with a qualified clinician before starting any treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on BestMenopauseCare.com is provided for educational and comparison purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Hormone therapy requires evaluation by a licensed clinician, and a prescription is not guaranteed. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and treatment availability varies by state and provider.

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Medical disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting hormone therapy. We may earn a commission from partner links on this page - see our affiliate disclosure.