Stella is an online menopause clinic that offers fast relief for your symptoms.

We have partnered with Tesco Pharmacy to help you access specialist menopause care privately. You pay Stella if have an online appointment. You pay Tesco Pharmacy for any prescribed medication.

Here’s how to get started:

• Create a Stella account and complete our health history questionnaire – it’s free and takes 15 minutes
• Stella clinicians recommend treatment or ask you to book an appointment if they need more information to prescribe. Online appointments cost £45
• Choose your treatment, which is approved by Stella clinicians
• Stella emails you a prescription ID to collect your medication from Tesco Pharmacy
• Show your prescription ID to Tesco Pharmacy to collect your medication. You can check medication costs before paying. Prices range from £11-£70 for 90 days of HRT, similar to other pharmacies

Once you have paid, you have access to Stella’s menopause app for 12 months. It offers lifestyle guidance, coaching, menopause library and online events with our experts.

You pay Stella for an appointment if more information is needed to prescribe or if you want to book one. Online appointments with a Stella clinician cost £45. Not everyone will need an appointment.

You pay Tesco Pharmacy for any prescribed medication. You can check medication costs before paying. Prices range from £11-£70 for 90 days of HRT, similar to other pharmacies.

Medications prescribed privately do not have standardised costs like the NHS. Prices vary depending on what is prescribed.

Menopause is a natural part of ageing and typically happens between ages 45 and 55, although some experience it earlier. Menopause can also follow cancer treatment or surgery to remove your ovaries or uterus.

Menopause stages

• Perimenopause is when your body’s hormone levels change, such as oestrogen. You may notice irregular periods and other symptoms, such as mood changes, sleep issues, hot flushes, weight gain, joint pain and more. This stage lasts 4-8 years on average
• Menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 months. This is typically in your early 50s. This can be hard to work out if you are using hormonal contraception
• Postmenopause is the time after menopause and symptoms can continue. There are more than 30 symptoms, such as sleep issues, hot flushes, mood changes, joint pain, weight gain and bladder problems. What you experience can be affected by your health history, lifestyle and age

Remember, you do not have to wait until symptoms severely affect your life before seeking treatment – you deserve support to feel better.

Healthier habits help many menopause symptoms including weight gain, sleep disturbance, bladder problems, and joint pain. Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t always enough.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

HRT is prescribed for mood problems, sleep disturbance, hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. It can also help joint pain and changes that affect your genital area, such as:

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal skin thinning, irritation, and tightening of your vaginal walls
• Painful sex

Typically, you can notice positive effects after 4-6 weeks when starting HRT – it can take some trial and error to find the right prescription. Its effectiveness can depend on your lifestyle, family history and medical conditions. You may notice side effects shortly after starting HRT, which usually wear off after 1-3 months.

Non-hormonal treatment

HRT is not suitable for everyone. There are also several safe and effective non-hormonal medications that can help reduce menopause symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings. These medications may be a good alternative.

You may notice side effects shortly after starting HRT, which usually wear off after 1-3 months. If side effects do not settle or your symptoms haven’t improved, your medication may need to be adjusted or changed. Contact Stella’s care team at hello@onstella.com or 020 8016 2064 for support.

If you need to speak to a Stella clinician, online appointments cost £45.

Repeat prescriptions

Your first prescription is for 90 days. Stella will email you before your prescription runs out to invite you to complete a repeat assessment. We check your treatment is working, if you have new symptoms and if your health history has changed.

Stella will renew your prescription for 90 days if treatment is easing symptoms. You may need to speak to a Stella clinician, online appointments cost £45.

Stella’s customer care team is here to answer any questions at hello@onstella.com or 020 8016 2064.

No, Stella does not replace your GP and the service they provide for your general health queries and support. Stella offers a fast, hassle-free way to evaluate if medication is suitable to ease your symptoms during menopause.

With your consent, we will send a clinical letter to your GP. It is important they update your healthcare records about any new prescriptions as it may affect other medications or medical conditions.