Hormone replacement therapy will be offered over the counter for the first time after a decision by the medicines watchdog.
Postmenopausal women, aged 50 and over, will be able to access low-dose HRT from a pharmacist from September.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the decision was a "landmark reclassification" that will benefit millions of women going through the menopause.
The move will also relieve pressure on GPs by removing the need for a doctor's appointment and prescription.
Maria Caulfield, the health minister, said the move was a "huge step forward" in improving access to HRT.
The medication that women will be able to access without a prescription are Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets, which contain estradiol, an oestrogen steroid hormone.
Gina tablets are used for the treatment of vaginal symptoms - such as dryness, soreness, itching and uncomfortable sex - caused by an oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women who have not had a period for at least one year.
It comes after women struggled to access certain HRT products earlier this year because of supply shortages and increased demand.
Ms Caulfield said the Government is continuing to work with suppliers "to secure sustainable short-term and long-term access to HRT and our UK-wide menopause taskforce will tackle taboos and issues surrounding menopause".
The MHRA conducted a safety review and public consultation on the proposal to offer Gina tablets over the counter. Views were sought from pharmacists, prescribers and official bodies, including the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists and the British Menopause Society.
Women will be able to access the tablets from a pharmacy following a consultation with a pharmacist.
Pharmacists will use a checklist to help them advise women on whether the tablets are appropriate and safe for them to use.
'Landmark reclassification'
Dr Laura Squire, the chief healthcare quality and access officer at the MHRA, said: "This is a landmark reclassification for the millions of women in the UK who are going through the menopause and experience severe symptoms that negatively impact their everyday life.
"Women will be able to safely obtain a local vaginal HRT product without a prescription, which increases women’s access to treatment and gives them greater control over their choices while relieving pressure on frontline GP services.
"In reaching this decision, we have seen positive support from a wide range of people, including many women aged 50 years and above who could benefit from this decision."
Ms Caulfield, said: "Menopause affects hundreds of thousands of women every year, but for some its symptoms can be debilitating and for many they can be misunderstood or ignored.
"Making Gina available over the counter is a huge step forward in enabling women to access HRT as easily as possible, ensuring they can continue living their life as they navigate the menopause."
