HRT for Vegans and Vegetarians: Options and What to Know
Article written by Dr Mari Walling, British Menopause Society Registered Specialist, GP, Co-founder of Lemala Health, January 2026
This information is based on UK practice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.
Many women following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle wonder whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is suitable for them. Some HRT products contain animal-derived ingredients, while others are fully synthetic or plant-based.
This guide focuses on HRT options available in the UK. Please note that HRT products, formulations and ingredients can change over time. If avoiding animal-derived ingredients is important to you, we recommend checking the current patient information leaflet and/or confirming suitability with the manufacturer or pharmacist when your medication is dispensed.
Is HRT suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Many modern HRT options use synthetic or plant-derived hormones and may be suitable.
However, some products contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin or equine-derived oestrogen, so it is important to check individual preparations.
With the right guidance, most women are able to find an HRT option that aligns with both their health needs and personal values.
Do you need both hormones?
If you have a womb, you need both oestrogen and progesterone. Progesterone protects the womb lining. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, you usually only need oestrogen. Progesterone can be taken as natural micronised progesterone or a synthetic progestogen.
Oestrogen options for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan/vegetarian-friendly options (transdermal):
Gels: Oestrogel, Sandrena
Patches: Estradot, Evorel, Progynova TS, Estraderm MX
Spray: Lenzetto
Not suitable for vegans:
Tablets such as Premarin (derived from pregnant mares). There are currently no oestrogen-only tablets fully suitable for vegans; some are vegetarian-friendly.
You may wish to look at our guide on how to use oestrogen patches gel, sprays and tablets, for effective treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
Progesterone and progestogen options
Vegan/vegetarian-friendly options:
Cyclogest (vaginal pessary)
Crinone (vaginal gel)
Notes:
Oral micronised progesterone capsules (Utrogestan) contain gelatin.
Mirena coil: contains no animal products, but the inserter used during fitting does.
Alternative coils such as Levosert and Benilexa may provide options for those wishing to avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Synthetic progestogens (e.g. norethisterone, medroxyprogesterone) are fully synthetic and suitable for vegans/vegetarians.
Combined HRT options
Vegan/vegetarian-friendly patches:
Evorel Sequi, Evorel Conti, FemSeven Sequi, FemSeven Conti
Not suitable (contains gelatin or animal oestrogen):
Tablets: Indivina, Tridestra, Bijuve
Tablets with equine oestrogen: Prempak C, Premique
Vaginal oestrogen options
Suitable for vegans/vegetarians:
Ovestin cream, Blissel gel, Imvaggis pessaries, Estring ring
Intrarosa (DHEA-based, no animal products)
Testosterone options
Commonly prescribed testosterone gels that are currently considered vegan/vegetarian-friendly include:
Testogel, Testim, Tostran, and Androfeme
Please see our testosterone guide for more information.
Vegetarian-only options
Some HRT tablets contain lactose, so they are suitable for vegetarians but not vegans:
Oestrogen-only tablets: Elleste Solo, Zumenon, Progynova
Combined tablets: Femoston, Femoston Conti, Elleste Duet, Elleste Duet Conti, Kliofem, Kliovance, Trisequens, Tibolone
Progesterone pessaries: Lutigest
Local vaginal oestrogen: Vagifem, Vagirux
Other separate progestogen tablets for vegetarians: Provera, Norethisterone
Religious considerations
Some HRT capsules, like Gepretix, contain bovine-derived gelatin. The manufacturer has certified the gelatin as halal and kosher, but the product still contains animal-derived ingredients.
Patients who avoid all animal products for religious reasons may prefer gelatin-free alternatives.
Others who follow halal or kosher rules may consider it acceptable.
Always check with your healthcare professional if you are concerned about religious dietary rules when choosing HRT.
Practical considerations and tips
Some women may choose to use an HRT product containing an animal-derived ingredient if there is no suitable alternative, or may make an individual decision based on their health needs and personal values.
For example, Utrogestan capsules contain gelatin. Some women may nevertheless choose to use Utrogestan vaginally as part of their HRT. Vaginal use is off-label in the UK but may be recommended in certain circumstances, particularly when oral progesterone causes side effects.
Always discuss your priorities and the available options with your clinician.
Next steps and support
If you’d like to explore HRT options based on your dietary or religious choices, speak to your healthcare professional. They can help you find an option that best fits your individual health needs, preferences and values.
As product formulations and ingredient sources can change, we recommend checking the most up-to-date product information with your pharmacist or the manufacturer before starting or changing treatment.
References:
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