This month, I wanted to share an update on some new HRT products that have recently come onto the UK market. These additions broaden the range of options available, particularly for those who have experienced side-effects with standard regimens.
New Continuous Combined HRT Products
Estradot Conti (Estradiol/Norethisterone patch)
Estradot Conti is a low to standard dose continuous combined transdermal HRT patch designed for postmenopausal people with a uterus. It combines oestrogen and progestogen in a single patch, offering a convenient and well-tolerated option.
The Estradot brand is already popular due to its small, discrete size and excellent adhesion, and the Conti versions use the same patch design in a continuous combined regimen.
Two strengths are available:
Estradot Conti 30/95
- Releases 30 mcg estradiol and 95 mcg norethisterone per 24 hours
- Patch size: 6 cm²
Estradot Conti 40/130
- Releases 40 mcg estradiol and 130 mcg norethisterone per 24 hours
- Patch size: 7 cm²
For comparison, Evorel Conti releases 50 mcg estradiol and 170 mcg norethisterone per 24 hours, with a patch size of 16 cm².
Estradot Conti patches are changed twice weekly and are available in packs of 8 or 24. They are already included on the HRT prepayment certificate (PPC).
Estradot oestrogen only patches continue to be in short supply in many community pharmacies, so it will be interesting to see how popular Estradot Conti turns out to be!
Angeliq (Estradiol/Drospirenone tablet)
Angeliq is a continuous combined oral HRT that has recently been relaunched in the UK after being discontinued in 2019 for commercial reasons. It is designed for postmenopausal people with a uterus and combines oestrogen and progestogen in a single daily tablet.
- Contains 1 mg estradiol and 2 mg drospirenone
Drospirenone is the same progestogen used in the combined oral contraceptive pill Yasmin, which many people associate with benefits for mood, fluid retention, and skin. At present, please note that Angeliq may not yet be available on local formularies for GPs to prescribe, and, as of January 2026, is not included on the HRT PPC.
New Progestogen Options
While oestrogen choice is important, in terms of side-effects many people struggle most with the progestogen component of HRT. Two newer standalone progestogen options—Nalvee and Slynd—offer welcome alternatives. Both contain familiar progestogens that have been widely used in combined products, but until recently were not available as standalone tablets to use alongside transdermal oestrogen.
Nalvee (Dydrogesterone)
Nalvee contains dydrogesterone 10 mg, a progestogen that was previously available in the UK as Duphaston until 2008, when it was withdrawn for commercial reasons.
Dydrogesterone is in combined HRT products such as Femoston Sequi and Conti, but Nalvee is now available as a progestogen-only tablet, allowing it to be paired with transdermal oestrogen.
Key benefits:
- Licensed specifically for HRT
- Structurally similar to natural progesterone, considered a more body-friendly synthetic progestogen, with a better breast and cardiovascular profile than many other synthetic progestogens
- Excellent bleeding control
- Generally well tolerated, neutral effects on libido and skin
- May be better suited to people who experience mood side effects or bloating with other progestogens
Dosing:
- Standard dose: 10 mg daily for 12–14 days per month (sequential regimen)
- Continuous use is typically at a lower dose, is off-licence, and requires individualised clinical decision-making
Nalvee is already included on the HRT-PPC, but may not yet be available on local formularies for GPs to prescribe.
Slynd (Drospirenone)
Slynd is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill containing drospirenone. While it is not licensed for HRT, it is recognised by the British Menopause Society (BMS) as an off-licence option for people who do not tolerate other progestogens. Drospirenone is the same progestogen found in the combined oral contraceptive pill Yasmin, and in Angeliq described above.
Key benefits:
- May be better tolerated in progesterone-sensitive people, can be beneficial in PMS and PMDD
- Good bleeding control for most
- May improve hormonal acne
- Mild diuretic effect (may be helpful for fluid retention)
- Provides contraceptive cover
Things to consider:
- Anti-androgenic effects may reduce libido in some people
- Must be taken continuously, ignoring placebo pills
- Off-licence use requires informed discussion
- Not suitable for those with kidney disease
Slynd may not yet be available on local formularies for GPs to prescribe.
Tailoring an HRT regime
Some of these newer products may not yet be available from GP surgeries, and prescribing may require specialist input. As ever, a personalised approach is key. There is no “best” type of HRT, no “one size fits all”. The right HRT for you is the one that is safe for you, supports your symptoms, is convenient for you to use and hopefully gives no side effects. Here at Rethink, I work with you, to tailor an HRT regime that’s right for you.