A GoodRx Savings Guide to 11 Popular Menopause Treatments
Key takeaways:
Oral estrogen, progestogen, and combination tablets that come as lower-cost generics are generally the most affordable menopause medications.
Topical estradiol patches are also an affordable option. They’re often preferred to oral hormones as they have a lower risk of some side effects. Combination patches are available, but they only come as brand-name medications and may not be as affordable.
Nonhormonal menopause treatments include vaginal inserts and oral tablets. They can help with vaginal symptoms (Osphena and Intrarosa) or hot flashes and night sweats (Brisdelle and Veozah). Brisdelle comes as a lower-cost generic. The rest are currently only available as brand-name medications. But copay cards are available to help you save on the cost if you have commercial insurance.
GoodRx can help you save on the cost of most menopause medications. Savings are typically greater for generic versions, but GoodRx also offers exclusive pricing on certain brand-name menopause treatments.
Table of contents
When it comes to treating menopause, there are a variety of hormonal (referred to as hormone replacement therapy, or HRT) and nonhormonal medications to choose from. Each has its own risks and benefits to consider, as well as the potential cost.
But at GoodRx, we believe that the price of a medication shouldn’t be a barrier for people who need it. Here, we’ll take a look at the most common menopause medications and ways to save on their cost.
1. Oral estrogen
Medication | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Estradiol (Estrace) | ^ | Yes | ~$10 or less with GoodRx |
Conjugated estrogens (Premarin) | ^ | No | • $99 (exclusive GoodRx savings) |
Oral estrogen tablets have been around the longest when it comes to hormonal menopause treatments. The available generics are also generally more affordable than other HRT options. The most common types of oral estrogen are estradiol and conjugated estrogens (Premarin). Estradiol is a lab-made form of estrogen that’s identical to the estradiol made by the body. Conjugated estrogens come from the urine of pregnant horses.
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Oral estrogen treats all types of menopause symptoms, since it enters the bloodstream. But it also comes with some risks. It may raise your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. And it can raise the risk of uterine cancer. So if you have a uterus, you’ll need to take a progestogen (compound with activity that’s similar to progesterone) along with oral estrogen treatment to lower your risk of uterine cancer. Oral estrogen may also raise your risk of breast cancer, especially if you’re also taking a progestogen.
How to save on oral estrogen medications
Estradiol tablets are only available as a lower-cost generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 90% off the average retail price of estradiol tablets. A 30-day supply of generic estradiol tablets is as low as $9.46 with a free GoodRx discount.
Premarin tablets (conjugated estrogens) are only available as a brand-name medication. But anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Premarin at an exclusive price of $99 per month. If you have commercial insurance, you can save up to $55 per month with a copay card from the manufacturer. A patient assistance program is also available if you’re uninsured or underinsured.
2. Oral progestogens
Medication | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Progesterone (Prometrium) | N/A | Yes | ~$15 or less with GoodRx |
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) | N/A | Yes | ~$8 or less with GoodRx |
As mentioned, oral progestogens are prescribed along with some estrogen treatments to help reduce the risk of uterine cancer. They’re only needed if you have a uterus, and play a protective role rather than reducing any menopause-related symptoms. So you may only need to take them for 10 to 14 days each month.
There are two main types of progestogens: micronized natural progesterone (Prometrium) and synthetic progestins. Synthetic progestins include medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and norethindrone, which is found in combination HRT medications such as Activella (estradiol / norethindrone).
Micronized progesterone seems to have a lower risk of breast cancer and heart-related side effects than synthetic progestins. But the best type of progestogen treatment for you depends on your personal health history.
Natural menopause treatments: Learn more about supplements and over-the-counter options for menopause, including which ones are worth a try and which you should avoid.
Is hormone replacement therapy for menopause safe? Here’s what to know about the risks and benefits of taking hormones to treat your menopause symptoms.
What does menopause feel like? Read these first-hand accounts to help you determine if your symptoms might be menopause-related.
How to save on oral progestin medications
Micronized progesterone (Prometrium) is available as both a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of progesterone capsules. A 30-day supply of generic progesterone is as low as $14.10 with a free GoodRx discount.
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) is also available as both a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the price of the generic. A 10-day supply of generic medroxyprogesterone is as low as $6.58 with a free GoodRx discount.
3. Oral combination pills
Medication | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Estradiol / norethindrone (Mimvey, Loprezza, Activella) | ^ | Yes | • ~$25 or less with GoodRx |
Estradiol / norethindrone (Fyavolv, Jinteli, Femhrt, Jevantique) | ^ | Yes | • ~$27 or less with GoodRx |
Estradiol / progesterone (Bijuva) | ^ | No | • $85 with GoodRx |
Conjugated estrogens / medroxyprogesterone (Prempro, Premphase) | ^ | No | |
Conjugated estrogens / bazedoxifene (Duavee) | * | No | • $99 with GoodRx |
Combination tablets that contain both an estrogen and a progestogen can make HRT easier and more cost-effective in some cases. The main differences between combination products is the type of estrogen and progestogen they contain. And some products have different dosages available, as well. Some are only available as brand-name medications, while others have lower-cost generics.
Some of the commonly prescribed combination HRT medications include:
Estradiol / progesterone: Bijuva
Estradiol / norethindrone: Activella, Mimvey, Lopreeza
Estradiol / norgestimate: Prefest
Estradiol / drospirenone: Angeliq
Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone: Femhrt, Fyavolv, Jinteli
Conjugated estrogens / medroxyprogesterone: Prempro, Premphase
Conjugated estrogens / bazedoxifene: Duavee
As you can see, there are a wide variety of combination products available. Your prescriber can help you decide which option is best for you. If you have insurance coverage, they may prefer one type over another. So it may be worth checking your formulary when deciding on a treatment option.
Good to know: Duavee is slightly different from other oral combination products because it doesn’t contain a progestogen. Instead, it contains a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) called bazedoxifene. Like a progestogen, this ingredient helps reduce the risk of uterine cancer from the estrogen component of the medication.
How to save on oral combination estrogen / progestogen medications
Activella is available as a brand-name medication as well as several lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save on generic Activella, with a price as low as $44.00 per month.
Femhrt is no longer made as a brand-name medication, but there are still lower-cost generic options available. You can pay as little as $25.10 for a one-month supply of the generic with a free GoodRx coupon. And the savings are even greater on a 3-month supply.
Bijuva is only available as a brand-name medication. Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Bijuva at an exclusive cash price of $85. A copay savings card can lower your monthly cost to $35 if you have insurance and $75 if you’re uninsured or underinsured. Additional savings options are also available from the manufacturer.
Prempro and Duavee are only available as brand-name medications, but special savings are available on the cash price of both medications using an exclusive GoodRx coupon. Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 1-month supply of Duavee at an exclusive cash price of $99. A copay card and patient assistance program through Pfizer can also help cover the cost, if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
4. Topical estrogen gel or spray
Medication | Dosage Form | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Estradiol gel (Divigel) | Topical estrogen (single-use packets) | * | Yes | ~$50 or less with GoodRx |
Estradiol spray (Evamist) | Topical estrogen spray | * | No | $75 with GoodRx Savings card (copay as low as $25/month or up to $70 off cash price) |
Estradiol gel (Estrogel) | Topical estrogen (metered-dose pump) | ^ | Yes | ~$60 or less with GoodRx |
Topical estrogens are applied to the skin and come as gels or a spray (we’ll cover patches separately). These products all contain estradiol and include:
Divigel (estradiol gel)
All topical estrogens help with hot flashes and night sweats, but Estrogel helps with vaginal menopause symptoms too.
The products differ as far as where you apply them and what form and doses they come in. You’ll need to take a progestogen along with topical estrogen if you have a uterus. But topical estrogens don’t carry the same risk of blood clots that oral estrogens do.
How to save on topical estrogen gels or spray
Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Evamist at an exclusive cash price of $75. A copay card is also available if you have commercial insurance.
Divigel and Estrogel are both available as brand-name medications and lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the monthly cost of the generic.
5. Estrogen patches
Medication | Frequency | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Estradiol patch (Climara) | Once-weekly | ^ | Yes | ~$35 or less with GoodRx |
Estradiol patch (Dotti, Vivelle-dot) | Twice-weekly | ^ | Yes | ~$30 or less with GoodRx |
Topical estrogen patches are also available, and they’re often preferred over estrogen tablets. That’s because you absorb estrogen better through a patch than when you take it by mouth. And patches keep your estrogen levels more stable, have a lower risk of blood clots, and don’t seem to raise your triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) as much as oral estrogen does. You also typically only apply the estrogen patches once or twice a week, which makes them convenient, too.
Like other topical estrogens, estrogen patches contain estradiol. The main difference is what doses they come in and how often you apply them. And you’ll also need to take a progestogen separately if you have a uterus.
How to save on popular estrogen patches
Climara, a once-weekly patch, is available as a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. Generic Climara’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $30.62 for a 4-week supply with a free GoodRx discount.
Vivelle-dot, Dotti, a twice-weekly patch is available as both a brand-name medication and more than one lower-cost generic. You can pay as little as $30.52 monthly for the generic with a free GoodRx coupon.
6. Combination estrogen / progestogen patches
Medication | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Estradiol / levonorgestrel (Climara Pro) | ^ | No | Savings card (copay as low as $0 or $75 off cash price) |
Estradiol / norethindrone (Combipatch) | ^ | No | Savings card (copay as low as $25/month or up to $55 off the cash price) |
There are also topical patches available that contain both an estrogen and a progestogen. The main differences between them are the type of progestogen they contain and how often you need to change them. Options include:
Climara Pro (estradiol / levonorgestrel), a once-weekly patch
Combipatch (estradiol / norethindrone), a twice-weekly patch
Combination HRT patches are currently only available as brand-name medications. So they may not be as affordable as other options.
How to save on combination estrogen / progestogen patches
Climara Pro has a copay card that can lower your copay to as little as $25 if you have commercial insurance. A patient assistance program is also available.
Combipatch also has a savings card from the manufacturer. It can save you up to $55 off the monthly cost of your prescription without insurance, or lower your copay to as little as $25 per month if you do.
7. Vaginal estrogen
Medication | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Estradiol vaginal cream (Estrace) | ^ | Yes | • ~$30 or less per tube with GoodRx |
Conjugated estrogens vaginal cream (Premarin cream) | ^ | No | • $249 with GoodRx |
Estradiol vaginal tablets (Yuvafem, Vagifem) | ^ | Yes | • ~$50 or less with GoodRx |
Estradiol vaginal ring (Estring) | ^ | No | • $249 with GoodRx |
Estradiol vaginal ring (Femring) | ^ | No | • Copay card (as little as $25 per ring) |
Vaginal estrogen comes in several different forms:
Most forms of vaginal estrogen contain estradiol, but Premarin vaginal cream contains conjugated estrogens. Vaginal estrogen products work in a similar way to treat vaginal symptoms of menopause. The main difference between them is how often you need to use them. Otherwise, it’s largely your personal preference as far as which form you prefer.
The one exception to this is the Femring vaginal ring. Unlike other vaginal estrogens, Femring treats vaginal symptoms as well as body-wide menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes. That’s because it contains a higher dose of estradiol that’s able to enter the bloodstream.
How to save on vaginal estrogen medications
Estradiol vaginal cream (Estrace) is available as both a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. Generic estradiol cream’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $24.00 for one tube with a free GoodRx discount.
Premarin vaginal cream is only available as a brand-name medication, but there are still ways to save on the cost. A copay card can lower your cost to $35 if you have commercial insurance. GoodRx offers exclusive savings on the out-of-pocket cost if insurance isn’t an option for you. A patient assistance program is also available.
Estradiol vaginal tablets are available as a brand-name medication (Vagifem) as well as two different lower-cost generics (Yuvafem and estradiol). GoodRx can help you save over 75% off the average retail price of the generic versions.
Imvexxy is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $35 using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Estring is only available as a brand-name medication, but a copay card can lower your cost to $45 per ring (90-day supply) if you have commercial insurance. GoodRx also offers exclusive savings on the cash price of Estring without insurance. A patient assistance program is also available.
Femring is also only available as a brand-name medication. A manufacturer copay card can lower your price to $25 per ring (90-day supply) if you have commercial insurance.
Nonhormonal menopause medications
Medication | Dosage Form | Symptoms Treated | Generic Available | How to Save |
Prasterone (Intrarosa) | Vaginal DHEA derivative insert | ^ | No | • Copay card (as low as $35) |
Ospemifene (Osphena) | Oral SERM | ^ | No | • $99 with GoodRx |
Pareoxetine (Brisdelle) | Oral SSRI | * | Yes | • ~$55 or less with GoodRx |
Fezolinetant (Veozah) | Oral NK3 antagonist | * | No | • Copay card ($0 first month, $30 thereafter) |
8. Intrarosa (prasterone)
Intrarosa (prasterone) is a vaginal insert that helps lessen vaginal dryness and pain related to menopause. It contains a lab-made, plant-based form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It’s not clear exactly how Intrarosa works, but it’s thought that the body converts DHEA into estrogen and other hormones once it’s inserted. In studies, Intrarosa was shown to be similarly effective as vaginal estrogen treatments.
How to save on intrarosa
Intrarosa is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, a manufacturer copay card can lower your monthly cost to $35. Other savings are available if you have a Medicare Part D plan with a copay of over $85 or if your insurance plan doesn’t cover Intrarosa.
9. Osphena (ospemifene)
Osphena (ospemifene) is an oral tablet that can help improve painful sex and vaginal dryness caused by menopause. It’s not a hormone, but it works by stimulating estrogen receptors. So Osphena carries some of the same risks as oral estrogen, especially if you take it for more than 1 year.
How to save on Osphena
Osphena is only available as a brand-name medication. Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Osphena at an exclusive cash price of $99. A copay savings card is also available if you have commercial insurance.
10. Brisdelle (paroxetine)
Brisdelle is a low-dose form of paroxetine (an antidepressant medication) that treats menopausal hot flashes. Other antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed off-label for menopausal symptoms, but Brisdelle is the only one that’s FDA approved for this use.
How to save on Brisdelle
Brisdelle is available as both a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the retail cost of a 30-day supply of generic Brisdelle at certain pharmacies.
11. Veozah (fezolinetant)
Veozah (fezolinetant) is a nonhormonal tablet that was approved in 2023 for hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. It works by blocking neurokinin B, a chemical that’s involved in regulating body temperature.
How to save on Veozah
Veozah is currently only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, a manufacturer discount card can lower your cost to $0 the first month and $30 monthly thereafter. A patient assistance program is also available.
The bottom line
There are various hormonal and nonhormonal treatments available for menopause symptoms. Oral estrogen, progestogen, and combination tablets that come as lower-cost generics are generally the most affordable forms of treatment. They help with both vaginal symptoms as well as hot flashes and night sweats.
Topical estradiol patches are also an affordable treatment option. They’re often preferred to oral hormones as they have a lower risk of some side effects. But you’ll need to take a progestogen with them if you have a uterus. Combination patches are available, but they only come as brand-name medications and may not be as affordable.
Nonhormonal menopause treatments include vaginal inserts and oral tablets. They can help with vaginal symptoms (Osphena and Intrarosa) or hot flashes and night sweats (Brisdelle and Veozah), but not both. And they’re currently only available as brand-name medications. But copay cards are available to help you save on the cost if you have commercial insurance.
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References
American Cancer Society. (2015). Menopausal hormone therapy and cancer risk.
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Ascend Therapeutics US, LLC. (2024). Estrogel- estradiol gel, metered [package insert].
DePolo, J. (2024). Using HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Breastcancer.org.
Duchesnay USA, Inc. (2024). Osphena- ospemifene tablet, film coated [package insert].
Edwards, M., et al. (2024). Progestins. StatPearls.
Kohn, G. E., et al. (2019). The history of estrogen therapy. Sexual Medicine Reviews.
LaVasseur, C., et al. (2022). Hormonal therapies and venous thrombosis: Considerations for prevention and management. Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2024). Elestrin- estradiol gel, metered [package insert].
Stevenson, J. C., et al. (2020). Progestogens as a component of menopausal hormone therapy: The right molecule makes the difference. Drugs in Context.
U.S. Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Duavee- conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene tablet, film coated [package insert].
