Menopause & HRT

Utrogestan is no longer on the Scottish Formulary available for NHS prescriptions, making it difficult for GP practices to prescribe. However, it is available via private prescription. Body-identical and Bio-identical progesterone have been shown in large studies not to increase the risk of breast cancer (Ref 1), making them a safer option compared to patches, oral combined pills and the Mirena coil. Body-identical hormones are standard dose pharmaceutical medicines such as:

1. Utrogestan which is a progesterone capsule.
2. Sandrena or Oestrogel, which are estradiol gels.

These products have the same structure as your own natural hormones and numerous studies show them to have very low side effects. They work on more receptors around your body which is especially important to improving your mood.

Patient Journey

The service starts with an initial 30 minute consultation by video link from the comfort of your own home. Prior to your appointment you need to complete a very detailed online medical history form. Then by understanding your symptoms and my knowledge I will start you on your HRT journey by prescribing suitable products to obtain from a specialist pharmacist. No blood test is necessary.

I will then see you by video link for a 15 minute review every 6 weeks until we are both satisfied that you are getting the best symptom relief.  Once this is achieved you simply need to request a repeat prescription using an online form until your 6 month review. All video consultations and reviews are held on Mondays.

You pay the pharmacist directly when ordering your prescription and the items are shipped to your home. Products typically cost between £0.75 - £1.50 per day.

Personalised BHRT for a better quality of life.

Do you want to enhance your health and wellbeing, have more energy and sleep better whilst maintaining an enhanced level of cognitive performance as you cross into your post menopause years? Wouldn't you rather enjoy engaging at work, socially with your friends or intimately at home with your partner?

Personalise medicine enables a combination of a wider range of Bio-identical hormones to be prescribed to enhance your life. Plus it has established benefits to your bones, heart and brain function.

Creams, sublingual tablets or drops, lozenges, capsules and pessaries are made to your personal prescription and preference.

Patient Journey

The service starts with you attending a 15 minute appointment at the clinic for your first blood test, the results of which will enable me to tailor your prescription to your deficiencies. Prior to your appointment you need to complete a very detailed online medical history form. 1-2 weeks later we will have a 30 minute consultation, by video link, from the comfort of your own home to discuss the blood test results during which you must be prepared to have a full and frank discussion about your aspirations which may include: promotion at work, emotionally supporting your family, sex and intimacy.

Together we will take a holistic approach in examining lifestyle changes, supplements, sleep and how I can support you hormonally with prescription medication. Hormonal balance is a wonderful destination, but it normally takes 3-6 months to achieve.  Onward referral to your GP, nutritionist, herbalist, gym may all be part of your plan, so be pre-pared to make some changes.

Blood Tests

The first blood test is used to get a snapshot of what your body is producing. The timing of the blood test is extremely important:

• If you have regular periods - it’s important to book the test on day 19-21 after the start of your last period. This is particularly important for those who are peri-menopausal, because many factors can cause symptoms, including stress, so we want to reduce as many variables as possible. 
• If you have irregular, or no, periods you can book your blood test any day.

A standard blood profile test includes Progesterone, Estradiol, Testosterone, DHEA, and vitamin D3.  We can include Thyroid TSH / T4 / T3 Ferratin and B12 if you are suffering from fatigue - BUT please ask before your appointment so the correct test is performed and a personalised lab report can be requested.

You pay the pharmacist directly when ordering your prescription and the items are shipped to your home. Products typically cost between £1.00 - £3.00 per day.

Androfeme Body-identical HRT is the only standard pharma female testosterone gel available on private prescription in the UK. Men naturally have much higher levels of testosterone, so it is very difficult to apply the correct dose of male products, such as Trostram, for women. Alternately Testosterone Bio-identical HRT can be compounded.

NICE require a blood test when starting, and annually, for testosterone supplementation regardless of whether the product is Body-identical HRT or Bio-identical HRT.

There is a lot of discussion in forums regarding testosterone as a wonder hormone for libido, energy and weight loss. My experience is testosterone must be an appropriate dose and only works well for women when progesterone and estradiol are already being taken and are well absorbed.

The patient journey is the same as Bio-identical HRT since a blood test is required. The cost of of either product works out at about £1.00 per day. 

Prescription medication is provided as Bio-identical or Body-identical hormone products prepared by the Specialist Pharmacy who are a regulated pharmacy compliant with Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) using regulated and tested pharmaceutical ingredients.

Prescriptions are sent direct to the pharmacy, and patients need to login into the pharmacy portal to order and pay for products, which are then prepared and sent direct to you. Existing patients can request repeat prescriptions online. 

Processing and preparing prescriptions can take up to 2 weeks, so you should order or request repeat prescriptions well in advance of your product finishing.

My goal is to help you feel really positive and excited to be enjoying life, whilst allowing your closest relationships to blossom and be sharp of mind. I want you to live the best life that you can during this transition period, and thats why I am here to partner with you.

• Initial consultation (30 minute video meeting) £150
• Reviews (15 minute video meeting) £75
  • Held at 6 weeks, 3 and/ or 6 months
• Blood tests (clinic visit required) from £250
• Repeat prescription when ordering online - £30
• Repeat prescription during paid review appointment – free
• Annual review (15 minute video meeting) £75
  • Plus annual blood test for Bio-identical HRT, testosterone and DHEA if necessary £250

New patients wishing to start their journey should complete the menopause registration form and the team will call you to arrange an appointment. Payments for appointments is taken in full at time of booking.