Vegan-Friendly HRT and Contraception: A Complete UK Guide

By Dr Nikki Ramskill, MRCOG, MRCGP, DFSRH, LoC-IUT, GP and British Menopause Society Registered Menopause Specialist | The Female Health Doctor Clinic

If you follow a vegan lifestyle, you probably check the ingredients in your food, skincare and cosmetics. But have you ever wondered whether your contraception or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) contains animal products?

You might be surprised by the answer.

Some commonly prescribed contraceptives and menopause treatments contain animal-derived ingredients. And sometimes, the animal-derived material isn’t in the medicine itself — it’s in the device used to administer it.

The good news is that there are vegan-friendly options for both HRT and contraception, including alternatives to treatments such as Utrogestan and Mirena.

As a women’s health doctor, I believe your healthcare should reflect not only your medical needs, but also your personal values.

Whether you’re vegan for ethical, environmental or religious reasons, you deserve to understand what’s in your medication and make informed decisions about your treatment.

Let’s explore the options available in the UK.

Vegan-Friendly HRT and Contraception: At a Glance

Choosing contraception or HRT when you’re vegan can be surprisingly complicated.

Some products contain obvious animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatine or lactose. Others may use animal products in their manufacturing processes or insertion devices.

What makes a medication vegan-friendly?

Medications contain more than just their active ingredients.

They also contain substances called excipients, which help stabilise, preserve or deliver the medication.

Some commonly used excipients are derived from animals:

• Gelatine: Derived from animal collagen and commonly found in capsules.
• Lactose: A milk-derived sugar frequently used in tablets.
• Lanolin: Obtained from sheep’s wool.
• Magnesium stearate: May come from plant or animal sources.
• Shellac: A coating derived from insects.

Even when a hormone is manufactured from plant-derived materials, the finished medicine may contain animal products.

This is why plant-derived, body-identical and vegan-friendly don’t necessarily mean the same thing.

Which HRT preparations are vegan-friendly?

Many modern HRT treatments contain estradiol, a hormone that has the same molecular structure as the oestrogen naturally produced by the ovaries.

Estradiol is often manufactured using plant-derived starting materials, but that doesn’t automatically make every preparation vegan.

Fortunately, several commonly prescribed UK treatments have been identified as suitable for vegans.

Vegan-friendly oestrogen HRT

Options identified as vegan-friendly in a published UK menopause prescribing review include:

• Oestrogel
• Sandrena gel
• Estradot patches
• Evorel patches
• Estraderm MX patches
• Lenzetto spray
• Progynova TS patches

These transdermal preparations deliver oestrogen through the skin, avoiding the lactose fillers found in some oral tablets.

However, not every oestrogen preparation is suitable.

Premarin contains conjugated oestrogens derived from pregnant mares’ urine.

Zumenon and Progynova tablets contain lactose, making these particular formulations unsuitable for women wishing to avoid dairy-derived ingredients.

The exact product and formulation should always be checked before prescribing.

Is Utrogestan vegan?

No. Utrogestan is not vegan-friendly.

Utrogestan contains micronised progesterone, which is chemically identical to the progesterone naturally produced by the body. Although the progesterone is manufactured from plant-derived starting materials, the capsules contain bovine gelatine. This makes Utrogestan unsuitable for women wishing to avoid animal-derived ingredients.

However, there are important alternatives.

Cyclogest: A vegan-friendly alternative to Utrogestan

For women who follow a vegan lifestyle, finding suitable progesterone can be one of the biggest challenges when choosing HRT.

Cyclogest is a micronised progesterone pessary that has been identified as vegan-friendly in a UK menopause prescribing review.

Like Utrogestan, it contains progesterone that is chemically identical to the hormone naturally produced by the body, but without the gelatine capsule.

Importantly, Cyclogest is also included in the published clinical treatment plans of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The hospital describes both sequential and continuous vaginal progesterone regimens using Cyclogest as part of combined HRT.

Another potential vegan-friendly alternative is Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel, which is also included in the hospital’s published treatment plans.

Can Cyclogest or Crinone be used as part of HRT?

Yes, they may be considered for selected women.

Women who have a uterus generally need adequate progesterone or another suitable progestogen when taking systemic oestrogen HRT.

This is because oestrogen stimulates the lining of the womb. Without adequate protection, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer increases.

Both Cyclogest and Crinone may be considered as vaginal progesterone options by clinicians experienced in menopause care.

However, neither preparation is licensed in the UK specifically for endometrial protection as part of menopausal HRT.

Their use for this purpose is off-label, and evidence about optimal dosing and long-term endometrial safety remains more limited than for established licensed regimens.

For women who prefer to avoid animal-derived ingredients, these treatments offer additional options to discuss with their menopause specialist.

Are hormonal coils vegan-friendly?

This is one of the most overlooked questions in vegan women’s healthcare.

Many women assume that hormonal coils are vegan-friendly because they contain synthetic hormones rather than hormones extracted from animals.

However, the hormone is only part of the picture.

The coil itself, its insertion device and the materials used during manufacturing may also matter.

Mirena: Not vegan-friendly because of the introducer

Mirena is one of the most widely recognised hormonal coils in the UK.

It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestogen, and is used for contraception, heavy menstrual bleeding and endometrial protection alongside HRT.

Although the Mirena coil itself does not contain identified animal-derived ingredients, its insertion device contains animal-derived materials, according to a published UK menopause prescribing review.

The introducer is used by the clinician during fitting and is discarded afterwards.

Nevertheless, for women wishing to avoid animal products throughout the treatment process, Mirena is not considered vegan-friendly.

Kyleena and Jaydess: Vegan status unknown — best avoided if strictly vegan

Kyleena and Jaydess are also manufactured by Bayer, the company behind Mirena.

All three devices use Bayer’s EvoInserter system, although their sizes and hormone doses differ.

Because of the reported animal-derived materials in the Mirena introducer, questions arise about whether similar materials are used in the Kyleena and Jaydess insertion systems.

At present, we cannot confirm that either product is vegan-friendly.

For women who strictly avoid animal-derived medical products, our precautionary advice is to avoid Kyleena and Jaydess until their full material composition has been confirmed by the manufacturer.

This does not establish that either device definitely contains animal products. It reflects the absence of sufficient confirmation.

Levosert and Benilexa: Vegan-friendly hormonal coil alternatives

Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Levosert and Benilexa have both been identified as suitable for vegans in a published UK menopause prescribing review.

Both contain 52 mg of levonorgestrel and provide highly effective, long-acting contraception.

They may also be used for endometrial protection alongside systemic oestrogen HRT, supported by Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare guidance, although this particular use is off-label.

For women who want a hormonal coil without the animal-derived introducer issue associated with Mirena, Levosert and Benilexa are important alternatives to consider.

Can a hormonal coil provide the progesterone component of HRT?

Yes, but the type of coil matters.

Women who have a uterus and take systemic oestrogen HRT usually need progesterone or a progestogen to protect the womb lining.

A suitable 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system can provide this protection.

Mirena is licensed for this purpose, while FSRH guidance supports the use of other 52 mg systems, including Levosert and Benilexa, for up to five years as an off-label option.

Kyleena and Jaydess contain lower doses of levonorgestrel and are not recommended for endometrial protection as part of HRT.

For women seeking vegan-friendly HRT, this means that a suitable oestrogen gel or patch combined with Levosert or Benilexa may be an option worth discussing.

Is the contraceptive pill vegan?

Not necessarily.

Many contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones, but some also contain lactose, which is derived from milk.

This can apply to both combined oral contraceptive pills and progestogen-only pills.

Examples of progestogen-only pills containing lactose include Cerazette, Hana and Lovima.

Even though the hormones themselves are synthetic, the presence of milk-derived lactose means these particular products would not be considered strictly vegan.

Different brands can contain different excipients, so individual formulations should always be checked.

If you’re vegan, ask your pharmacist or prescribing clinician to review the ingredients of your current pill and explore alternatives.

Importantly, never stop contraception without arranging an effective alternative if you wish to avoid pregnancy.

Are contraceptive injections vegan?

Contraceptive injections, including Depo-Provera and Sayana Press, contain medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen.

Unlike oral contraceptive pills, they do not require lactose tablet fillers or gelatine capsule shells.

This makes them potentially suitable alternatives for women following a vegan lifestyle.

However, the full formulation and the origin of excipients should be checked before confirming vegan status.

Contraceptive injections can also affect bleeding patterns, delay the return of fertility after stopping and reduce bone mineral density during use.

Your clinician can help you weigh these considerations against your contraceptive needs.

Is the contraceptive patch vegan?

The contraceptive patch is another option worth considering.

In the UK, Evra is a combined hormonal contraceptive patch containing ethinylestradiol and norelgestromin.

Because the hormones are delivered through the skin rather than in a tablet, the patch avoids lactose-containing tablet fillers.

Its published formulation does not identify lactose or gelatine, making it a potential option for vegan women.

However, the full source of its adhesives and other materials should be confirmed before describing it as completely vegan.

The patch contains oestrogen, so it is not appropriate for everyone. Its suitability depends on factors including migraine history, blood pressure and risk of blood clots.

Is the vaginal contraceptive ring vegan?

Vaginal contraceptive rings, including NuvaRing and SyreniRing, release synthetic oestrogen and progestogen.

They are made using synthetic polymer materials rather than gelatine capsules or lactose tablets.

They are therefore promising options for women wishing to avoid common animal-derived excipients.

However, the complete manufacturing process and material sourcing should be checked before guaranteeing vegan suitability.

Like the combined pill and contraceptive patch, vaginal rings contain oestrogen and are not suitable for every woman.

Are contraceptive implants vegan-friendly?

The contraceptive implant contains a synthetic progestogen and provides long-acting contraception.

Because it isn’t taken as a tablet or gelatine capsule, it avoids some of the ingredients commonly found in oral medication.

However, the full composition and manufacturing process need checking before a particular implant can be confirmed as vegan-friendly.

Which copper coil is vegan-friendly?

Copper coils are generally considered vegan-friendly because they provide contraception without hormones or animal-derived active ingredients.

Examples available in the UK include T-Safe 380A and Neo-Safe T380, which are manufactured using copper and synthetic plastic materials.

However, we have not been able to verify manufacturer-certified vegan status for these specific devices, including their insertion systems.

For women who strictly avoid animal-derived products, we recommend confirming the materials with the manufacturer before fitting.

Copper coils are highly effective and can provide contraception for several years, but they may make periods heavier or more painful.

For women who already experience heavy menstrual bleeding, a hormonal coil may be more appropriate.

Are diaphragms vegan?

Diaphragms are non-hormonal barrier contraceptives that sit inside the vagina and cover the cervix.

Modern diaphragms, including Caya, are made from silicone rather than animal-derived materials.

This makes them potentially suitable for vegans.

However, diaphragms must be used with an appropriate contraceptive gel, and that product needs checking separately.

A silicone diaphragm doesn’t automatically make the entire contraceptive combination vegan.

Diaphragms are also less effective at preventing pregnancy than implants or intrauterine contraception, particularly with typical use.

Are cervical caps vegan?

Cervical caps work in a similar way to diaphragms, fitting directly over the cervix.

FemCap is made from silicone and may be suitable for women who prefer non-hormonal contraception.

As with diaphragms, the accompanying contraceptive gel or spermicide needs to be checked for animal-derived ingredients.

Cervical caps also require correct fitting and use, and their contraceptive effectiveness is lower than that of long-acting reversible methods.

Which contraceptive gel is vegan-friendly?

Two specific options are Caya Gel and ContraGel Green.

Both are identified as vegan-friendly by their manufacturer, Medintim.

Importantly, although these gels contain lactic acid, it is produced through fermentation rather than extracted from milk.

They are designed for use with compatible diaphragms or cervical caps.

Neither gel should be relied upon as contraception on its own. They must be used with a suitable barrier device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Are condoms vegan?

Not all condoms are vegan-friendly.

Some latex condoms are manufactured using casein, a protein derived from cow’s milk.

Although casein may not appear as a prominent ingredient on the packaging, its use during processing can make the product unsuitable for someone following a strict vegan lifestyle.

Fortunately, vegan-certified condoms are available.

If avoiding animal-derived ingredients is important to you, look for explicit confirmation that the manufacturer does not use casein or other animal-derived processing aids.

It’s also worth checking the ingredients of any lubricant used alongside condoms.

Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections, unlike hormonal contraception or intrauterine devices.

Are internal condoms vegan?

Internal condoms, sometimes called female condoms, are commonly manufactured using synthetic materials such as nitrile or polyurethane.

This means they may be suitable for vegans, but the exact materials, lubricants and manufacturing processes should be checked for the specific brand.

Internal condoms can also help protect against sexually transmitted infections.

What about vaginal oestrogen and testosterone?

For women experiencing vaginal dryness, discomfort or urinary symptoms related to menopause, local vaginal oestrogen can be very effective.

Several preparations have been identified as vegan-friendly.

Treatment	Vegan-friendly?
Ovestin cream	Yes
Blissel gel	Yes
Estring	Yes
Imvaggis	Yes
Vagifem	No — contains lactose
Vagirux	No — contains lactose

Testosterone preparations sometimes prescribed off-label for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder may also have vegan-friendly options.

Products identified as suitable in the published UK review include Testogel, Testim, Tostran and Androfeme.

Testosterone prescribing for women requires an individual assessment and appropriate monitoring.

Is body-identical HRT the same as vegan HRT?

No.

This is one of the most important messages I want women to understand.

The term body-identical describes the molecular structure of a hormone.

It means that the hormone is chemically identical to one produced naturally by the body.

It doesn’t tell us whether the medication contains animal-derived ingredients.

Utrogestan is a perfect example: it contains body-identical progesterone, but the capsule contains bovine gelatine.

Likewise, the words natural and plant-based don’t automatically mean that a medication is vegan or safer.

The best treatment is one supported by good clinical evidence and appropriate for your individual health needs.

How can I check whether my medication is vegan-friendly?

If avoiding animal products is important to you, here are some practical steps:

1. Check the Patient Information Leaflet for ingredients such as lactose, gelatine and lanolin.
2. Ask your pharmacist to review the complete formulation.
3. Contact the manufacturer if the origin of an ingredient or medical device component is unclear.
4. Discuss alternatives with your clinician, including different brands, formulations or routes of administration.
5. Don’t stop prescribed treatment without medical advice, particularly progesterone used alongside systemic oestrogen HRT.

It’s also important to acknowledge that medicines may have undergone animal testing as part of regulatory development, even when their finished ingredients are considered vegan-friendly.

Different individuals may make different decisions about essential medicines, and those choices deserve respect.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mirena vegan?

No, not if you wish to avoid animal-derived materials throughout the insertion process. Although the coil itself contains no identified animal-derived ingredients, its introducer contains animal-derived materials, according to a published UK menopause prescribing review.

Are Kyleena and Jaydess vegan?

Their vegan status is currently unknown. Because both use Bayer’s EvoInserter system, we recommend a precautionary approach and suggest avoiding them if strict vegan suitability is essential, until manufacturer confirmation is available.

Is Levosert vegan?

Yes. Levosert has been identified as suitable for vegans in a published UK menopause prescribing review.

Is Benilexa vegan?

Yes. Benilexa is also listed as suitable for vegans in the same prescribing review.

Is Cyclogest vegan?

Yes. Cyclogest has been identified as vegan-friendly and provides a potential alternative to gelatine-containing Utrogestan capsules. Its use for endometrial protection as part of HRT is off-label and requires specialist assessment.

Is the contraceptive pill vegan?

Many contraceptive pills contain lactose, which is derived from milk. The ingredients vary between formulations, so your clinician or pharmacist should check the specific product.

Is Caya Gel vegan?

Yes. Caya Gel is identified as vegan-friendly by its manufacturer. It is designed for use with a compatible diaphragm or cervical cap and should not be used as contraception on its own.

Which copper coil is vegan?

Copper coils such as T-Safe 380A and Neo-Safe T380 contain copper and synthetic plastic materials, but their full vegan status, including insertion systems, has not been independently confirmed.

Can I take vegan HRT if I still have a uterus?

Yes, potentially. Options may include a vegan-friendly oestrogen preparation combined with an appropriate progesterone or progestogen regimen. Your clinician should ensure adequate protection of the womb lining.

Does HRT work as contraception?

No. Standard HRT does not reliably prevent pregnancy. If you still require contraception, this should be considered separately when planning your treatment.

Your values deserve a place in your healthcare

For many women, veganism is more than a dietary choice.

It’s part of how they live, what they believe and the decisions they make every day.

Your healthcare should respect that.

At The Female Health Doctor Clinic, we believe women deserve clear information about the treatments they’re offered — including what those treatments contain.

Whether you’re considering a contraceptive coil, reviewing your HRT or looking for an alternative to Utrogestan, we’re here to help you explore the options.

You shouldn’t have to choose between feeling well and having your values taken seriously.

Looking for personalised menopause or contraception advice?

At The Female Health Doctor Clinic in Milton Keynes, we offer specialist women’s healthcare, including:

• Menopause and HRT consultations
• Contraception advice
• Hormonal and copper coil fittings
• Personalised treatment reviews

We take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, preferences and priorities.

Visit The Female Health Doctor Clinic to arrange a consultation.

References and further reading

1. My Menopause Centre — Hormone Replacement Therapy for Vegans and Vegetarians
2. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — General Clinical Plans
3. Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare — Clinical Guidelines
4. SH:24 — What Types of Contraception Are Vegan?
5. Medintim — Caya Gel Manufacturer Information
6. NHS Scotland — Diaphragms and Caps
7. Hawkins A. Dietary restrictions — ingredients and excipients in hormone replacement therapy products. Post Reproductive Health. 2022;28(2):107–110.

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Product ingredients, availability and manufacturing processes can change. Vegan suitability should be confirmed for the specific product being prescribed. Never stop or change HRT or contraception without appropriate clinical advice.

Last reviewed: October 2026.