Why won’t my GP prescribe HRT?

Author

Wellbeing Team

26 April, 2026
Why won’t my GP prescribe HRT?

Getting support for your perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be a struggle, and many clinicians are still inadequately trained in hormone health. Liz talks about the barriers women face and ways to feel confident requesting HRT.

Plus: easy ways to stay hydrated, the benefits of NMN supplements, hair dye for a sensitive scalp and easy ways to reduce our risk of falls as we get older.

How to ask your GP for HRT (and what to do if you’re dismissed)

If you’ve asked your GP about HRT and felt dismissed, you’re not alone. Many women in midlife still find it surprisingly difficult to get support for perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

For years, women’s health, especially menopause, has been under-prioritised in medicine. As a result, some GPs are still catching up on hormone training and the latest guidance. There’s also lingering fear around HRT and cancer risk, stemming from outdated studies that focused on synthetic hormones.

But the guidance and treatment have moved on, and for many women, the benefits outweigh the risks. If you’re not getting the support you need, Liz has some practical steps you can take to approach your GP with confidence.

Before the appointment

Track your symptoms

Get clear on what you’re experiencing, from hot flushes and sleep issues to mood changes and joint pain, and note how they’re affecting your daily life. This will help your GP see the full picture quickly. The free Balance app is a useful tracking tool.

Ask for a specialist

When booking your appointment, ask if there’s a GP in the practice with a special interest in women’s health or menopause. That alone can make a big difference.

Inform yourself

Take a look at the NICE menopause guidelines, which support the use of HRT for both symptom relief and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. You don’t need to become an expert, but doing your homework will give you confidence.

During the appointment

Talk about your symptoms and their impact and ask about HRT as a treatment option. Refer to the NICE guidance if needed. It’s not about being difficult, but being informed and confident that you are the expert in your own body.

If your GP refuses HRT, you’re allowed to ask why, and to have that logged in your records for later reference. “Ask for the decision and the reasoning to be documented in your notes,” advises Liz.

If you’ve seen a private specialist, your GP may not support the prescription as they can decline shared care, but they should still follow national guidance when advising treatment. You can also request a second opinion within the practice or ask for a referral to a menopause clinic, says Liz (though wait times can be long).

The good news, Liz notes, is that awareness is growing, and things are starting to move in the right direction. “Menopause care must be seen as core health care, not an optional extra,” she says. “For every woman who can calmly insist on evidence-based care, it really does help to move the system forward for the next one.”

Also in this episode:

  • How to dye your hair if your scalp is sensitive
  • Protecting yourself from falls as you get older
  • Tips for staying hydrated when you don’t drink water
  • What are NMN supplements and who should take them?

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