Hormone Replacement Therapy Providers in Missouri

What it is

Hormone replacement therapy, also called menopausal hormone therapy, replaces the estrogen your body makes less of after menopause. It's the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats [1].

There are two main types [1]:

• Systemic therapy goes into your bloodstream. It comes as a pill, patch, gel, spray or vaginal ring, and treats hot flashes and other whole-body symptoms.
• Low-dose vaginal estrogen treats vaginal dryness and pain with sex. Very little gets into your blood.

If you still have your uterus, you'll take a progestogen along with estrogen to protect against uterine cancer. If you've had a hysterectomy, estrogen alone may be used [1].

In 2026, FDA approved label changes that remove heart disease, breast cancer and dementia from the boxed warning on these products [3][4].

Who it's for

Hormone therapy is mainly for women with moderate to severe menopause symptoms. The Menopause Society says that for most women, the benefits outweigh the risks when therapy starts before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause [1].

Low-dose vaginal estrogen is an option for vaginal and urinary symptoms. Much less of the hormone reaches your blood [1].

HRT still has risks. These include blood clots and stroke, and a higher breast cancer risk after several years of use [1]. It may not be a good fit if you've had breast cancer, blood clots, a stroke or heart disease. Your provider will weigh your history and help you choose a type and dose.

If you can't or don't want to take hormones, non-hormone medicines are another option.

Cost and coverage

Estrogen and progesterone come in pills, patches, gels and rings, and many have generic versions. What you pay depends on your plan's drug list and the form you choose.

Commercial insurance. Each plan lists which forms it covers and at what cost. Ask your pharmacist or insurer what's on your plan's list before you fill.

Medicare. Prescription hormone therapy falls under Part D drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. Each plan sets its own drug list and cost tiers. Generics are usually in the lowest-cost tier [6]. If a drug you need isn't covered, you or your provider can ask for an exception [6].

Patch supply. In September 2026, FDA said some estradiol patch brands were harder to find because demand went up. Patches are still available. Ask your pharmacist about switching to another FDA-approved patch [5].

Visit costs. Your office visit is billed like any other doctor visit. Some menopause clinics don't take insurance, so ask first.

For more, see our menopause guide and our Veozah savings guide for a non-hormone option.

How to choose a provider

Look for menopause training. Many OB/GYNs and primary care doctors prescribe HRT. Some have extra training. The Menopause Society certifies clinicians who pass its exam. Its online directory lets you search by ZIP code and telehealth [7]. Some of our listings show a "Menopause Society Certified" badge.

Ask about FDA-approved hormones. FDA-approved estradiol and progesterone are bioidentical, tested and labeled. Custom-compounded hormones, including pellets, aren't tested for safety or effectiveness and may not contain the dose prescribed [1][2]. Be cautious of clinics that sell only compounded products.

Expect a real conversation. A good provider asks about your symptoms, your health history and your family history. They should explain the risks for you, not just in general, and plan follow-up visits.

Confirm the basics yourself. Call to check insurance, new-patient openings and telehealth. We don't verify these.