Travelling with HRT: 5 Essential Things You Need to Know

Travelling with HRT can feel a bit stressful at first, especially if you’re using something like HRT gel or Lenzetto spray, which counts as a liquid and usually comes in bottles over the 100ml carry-on limit. The good news? I’ve flown quite a few times now and never once had a problem.

Every time, I’ve just taken the bottle out of my bag at security and said, “This is prescribed medication.” That’s it. I’ve never been asked to show a doctor’s letter or prescription, although technically, you are advised to carry both, especially if you’re going abroad. Just in case.

That said, if someone had taken my gel off me, I would have been in a bit of trouble. I’ve gone six days without HRT once before and that was hard. Energy gone, mood low, headache creeping in. Not something I’d want to repeat while trying to enjoy a holiday.

So I think these tips are worth following…

Important Travelling with HRT Tip: Tell Your Insurance Company

This is something not many people know, if you’re on HRT, you need to declare it when you take out travel insurance. It is classed as prescribed medication, and there was actually a case in the news where a woman had her claim denied because she hadn’t listed it. So unfair, but it does happen. If you’re travelling with HRT, it’s just not worth the risk if you need to use your insurance.

It’s usually just a tick box or quick conversation when setting up your insurance, but it’s definitely worth making sure you’re covered, better safe than stuck with a huge bill.

Planning Ahead when travelling with HRT

• Make sure you have enough HRT for the full trip, and ideally a little extra, in case of delays or lost luggage.
  
• Keep it in your hand luggage, especially if you’re checking bags. Lost luggage means lost HRT, and that’s not a fun way to start your break.
  
• If you use gel, consider transferring some into smaller travel bottles (check with your pharmacist that this is safe and still considered ‘labelled medication’) or pack it in checked luggage if you’re worried about security.
  
• Keep your prescription or a GP note with you. You might never need it, but it’s reassuring to have.
  

Adjusting Your Routine on Holiday when Travelling with HRT

Holidays usually mean a totally different daily rhythm, and that might mean rethinking when you apply your HRT.

For me, I’m often straight in the sea or pool in the morning, which doesn’t mix well with freshly-applied gel or spray. So I switch things up and apply mine in the early evening, while getting ready for dinner (definitely not right before bed, wine and HRT don’t mix!).

If you use patches, and you’re worried about them peeling off from swimming or sweating, it might be worth chatting with your GP. Some women switch to gel or capsules temporarily for their holiday week. Just something to think about if you want a hassle-free time.

Personally I wouldn’t care about them being on show when I am in my swim stuff, but if that is something that might concern you it could be worth trying different types of HRT for a while.

Quick Travel Checklist for HRT Users

• Carry your HRT in your hand luggage
• Bring a copy of your prescription or GP letter
• Declare HRT when buying travel insurance
• Pack extra, just in case
• Adjust your routine around swimming or sunbathing
• Speak to your doctor if patches might be a problem
• Keep meds in a cool, dry place if you’re going somewhere hot
• Don’t forget to pack your supplements, so you feel your absolute best

Travelling with HRT and HRT doesn’t need to be a barrier to travel, it just takes a bit of extra planning. Once you’ve done it once or twice, it becomes second nature. And honestly, lying on a beach feeling hormonally stable… worth every ounce of preparation.

I have written a guide to menopause and HRT that you can get here – it’s pretty useful!