Thinking about HRT? HRT For Women can be a daunting task, and embarking on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Australia requires understanding the steps involved and choosing the right provider to ensure effective treatment tailored to individual needs. From initial testing to selecting the appropriate treatment method, here's a guide to accessing and assessing HRT in Australia.
How to Access HRT in Australia:
The first step in accessing HRT in Australia is typically a consultation with a healthcare provider to assess symptoms and possibly blood tests to assess hormone levels. There are two main routes to find help:
Through a Private Specialised HRT Clinic in Australia:
Specialised HRT clinics, such as The Functional Doctors, offer tailored services focused on HRT provided by GPs. Here are some advantages of choosing a specialised clinic:
Expertise: HRT clinics have specialists experienced in providing personalised treatment plans and closely monitoring progress.
Expedited Care: With a dedicated focus on HRT, specialised clinics can often provide quicker access to assessment and treatment.
Comprehensive Approach: In addition to HRT, clinics address related health issues, offering holistic care to patients.
Through a General Practitioner (GP):
Accessing HRT through a GP can be a lower-cost option but also may come with limitations:
Treatment Protocols: GPs may be restricted in what treatment methods are available through Medicare or PBS potentially limiting treatment options.
Lack of Special Interest and time constraints: Being a modern GP is an extremely difficult job and GPs are expected to be able to manage countless medical conditions while also seeing a large number of patients every day. This can sometimes lead to some GPs being less comfortable managing Menopause, potentially impacting treatment outcomes.
Limited Support: Comprehensive support and off-label medications may not be readily available through a GP, affecting symptom management.
Is Accessing HRT in Australia Easy?
While obtaining HRT through the PBS can be complex, accessing treatment through a specialised clinic like The Functional Doctors streamlines the process:
Remote Consultation (free): Consult with a dedicated patient care coordinator remotely to discuss your health situation and assess suitability.
Pathology Testing: Suitable patients undergo comprehensive blood tests, either at a preferred pathology testing centre or through our partner clinicallabs.com.au.
Doctor Consultation: Meet with a doctor for a Telehealth consultation to discuss pathology results, symptoms, and suitable treatments.
Medication: We recommend third-party pharmacies for medication dispensing, with delivery completed in 3-10 days in 95% of cases.
Choosing the Right HRT Treatment:
There are many options available for how to engage with your HRT treatment. Below, we've listed some of the more common options, as well as the general pros and cons of each.
Please note that this is not intended to be a comprehensive list, nor is it intended to recommend/ deter from any treatment, and it should it be used in place of medical advice. Consult your GP or get in touch with the Functional Doctors in order to assess suitability and options available.
Treatment Type | Pros | Cons |
Tablets |
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Patches |
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Oestrogen Gel |
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Spray |
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Intrauterine System | Long-lasting, up to 5 years of hormone release Acts as contraception | Possible side effects such as abdominal pain,bleeding and increased breast cancer risk |
Vaginal Oestrogen | Relieves vaginal symptoms without systemic effects Does not increase risk of breast cancer | Limited efficacy in treating other menopausal symptoms |
Why Choose The Functional Doctors for HRT?
The Functional Doctors provides compelling reasons to consider HRT through their services:
Experienced Team: Our team comprises seasoned doctors and healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering personalised treatment plans tailored to patient needs.
Optimised Treatment: We adopt a personalised approach based on pathology and patient background to optimise hormone levels while minimising side effects.
Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis to ongoing care, patients receive support and guidance throughout their HRT journey.
Conclusion:
Accessing HRT in Australia involves evaluating options and selecting the most suitable provider based on individual needs. Whether privately through a specialised clinic or through Medicare via a GP, prioritising expertise, personalised care, and comprehensive support is essential for maximising the benefits of HRT. If you are over 45 years of age and you’d like to understand whether you could be a good candidate for TRT, or just to learn more about the treatment, feel free to book in with our team for a free conversation using the link below:
While we've ensured that everything you read on our blogs is medically reviewed and approved, the information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should never rely on this blog for specific medical advice, and if you have any questions or concerns specific to your personal case, you should speak to your doctor or reach out to our team directly.