FAQ

At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we are able to treat individuals with a personal history of a non-hormone related cancer on a case-by-case basis. We encourage you to send in your enquiry to secretary@mariongluckclinic.com to see if you can proceed with BHRT and/or Functional Medicine treatment.

For instances where an individual has been diagnosed with a hormone-sensitive cancer (breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate) and subsequently treated, we usually only provide treatment following a 5-year all-clear period and with the consent and advice of the patient’s Oncologist.

*Metastatic cancer excluded

Yes, while it is common knowledge that medication has an expiry you may be surprised to learn that prescriptions have one too! By Law a prescription is valid for 6 months from the date on the prescription, unless the medicine prescribed contains controlled drugs (i.e. DHEA or TESTOSTERONE). Controlled Drugs are sometimes misused, so strict legal control applies to their supply to prevent them form being misused.

A prescription for the controlled drugs is valid for 28 days from the date on the prescription.

You can email your results to us on secretary@mariongluckclinic.com , 48 hours prior to your consultation.

We do require a pdf format of the results that will encompass following details: Your name, D.O.B, date sample was taken & reported, name and contact details of the laboratory to comply with Clinical Guidelines.

Alternatively, please download the app JotNot on your smart phone to scan your blood results or you can post your results to us via a tracked post.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept photos that does not meet the above requirements.

Do you offer pelvic ultrasound scans (PUS?)

No, we are not able to carry out PUS in clinic. Should you wish to schedule an appointment, please ask a member of the Patient Care Team. We can  refer you to 101 Diagnostics for PUS.

Find out everything you need to know about PUS here.

Why do I need a PUS?

When do I need a PUS?

What to expect when having a PUS?

How do I prepare for my PUS?

If you would like to change or cancel your appointment please note the Marion Gluck Clinic has a two-working-days cancellation policy. If any cancellations or changes are made with less than two working days’ notice, the full consultation fee will be charged. Cancellations/changes made prior to this will not be charged. Working days are Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Please note, we are a very busy clinic and any request we receive to reschedule an appointment will automatically result in the cancellation of the original appointment. This allows us to open these appointment slots up for patients on our waiting list.

Please note the Marion Gluck Clinic has a two-working-days cancellation policy. If any cancellations are made with less than two working days’ notice, the full consultation fee will be charged. Cancellations made prior to this will not be charged. Working days are Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Please note, we are a very busy clinic and any request we receive to reschedule an appointment will automatically result in the cancellation of the original appointment. This allows us to open these appointment slots up for patients on our waiting list.

If I decide to start bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, how long will I be on it for?
The duration of treatment is highly individual and dependent on your personal situation. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs in consultation with your doctor.

Will bioidentical hormone replacement therapy help my particular symptoms?
Bioidentical hormones are frequently effective in resolving and reducing symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances.

During your first consultation, there will be a thorough evaluation of your history, symptoms and lifestyle, and a series of tests will be recommended. When the results are available, your doctor will be able to assess the full picture. If this shows that you have a hormonal imbalance and that bio-identical hormone therapy is an appropriate treatment for you, a bespoke prescription will be formulated to meet your specific needs.

For more information on symptoms and conditions that we treat click here

Are all the hormones you prescribe natural?   
In the case of the hormones we use, the word ‘natural’ is used to refer to the structure of the hormone molecules, which are produced from natural plant sources. This chemical structure is 100% the same as that of the naturally occurring hormones produced by your glands. This means their effects are more consistent with the normal biochemistry of your body than those of synthetic hormones.

Where do the bioidentical hormones come from?    
Bioidentical hormones are derived from diosgenin, which is sourced from Mexican yams and then converted into human hormones. They need to be prescribed by a doctor and bespoke prescriptions are designed for each individual patient. The treatments are then compounded under strict guidelines by a specialist pharmacy. Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) is usually administered in the form of creams, lozenges or capsules.

How can I get a copy of Dr Gluck’s book ‘It Must Be My Hormones’?    
‘It Must Be My Hormones’ is available in paperback from most bookstores and online book retailers, including Amazon. You can also download it as an ebook.

What other conditions do you treat?     
The Marion Gluck Clinic specialises in the treatment of hormonal imbalances in women and men. For a full list of what we treat, please click here

Can you improve my fertility?    
There are many cases where hormonal adjustments can improve fertility.

Do you see male patients?    
Yes, Dr. Valeria Acampora and Dr. Elaine McQuade are the doctors who see male patients at the clinic. Men also suffer from hormonal deficiencies, mood swings, osteoporosis and andropause.

How do I make an appointment?    
You can make an appointment online here.

How long will it take to get an appointment?    
You can make an appointment with any of our doctors at the Marion Gluck Clinic. All are specialists in hormonal balancing and have been trained in the Marion Gluck Way by Dr Marion Gluck herself.

If, following the first consultation, treatment is recommended, we advise that you book the follow-up appointments that will be part of your treatment plan for the next 12 months. Appointments can always be rescheduled providing at least 2 working days’ notice is given. Working days are Monday to Friday. Book an appointment here.

How many appointments will I need?    
This really depends on the specifics of your case. Please click here to see an example treatment schedule.

I am already on Hormone Replacement Therapy/Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, what do I need to do before my appointment?

If you are a new patient and you are already taking HRT or BHRT, we always recommend that you continue your current treatment regime until you see a doctor at the Marion Gluck Clinic for further instructions.

Very often, patients are able to transition from synthetic HRT over to BHRT quickly, however, a doctor may wish to carry out some blood tests or further investigations before this transition.

With any medication, we recommend that you bring along details of what you are taking and how long you have been on it, alternatively, you can bring any packaged medication to your initial consultation to show to the doctor.

I live overseas. Can I still be a patient?
Yes you can. Since all of our consultations are via video or telephone, we’re able to serve patients overseas. Unfortunately, depending on where you live we may not be able to arrange blood tests or delivery of your medication. Please reach out to our Patient Care Team before booking to see whether these services are available in your home country.

What is the cost of the consultation?
Please see the price list here

How often will I need to see the doctor?
Please see our treatment schedule here for guidance.

Can you provide me with initial advice before I have my consultation?
It is important that we are able to carry out a comprehensive review of your history and blood tests before giving clinical advice. Careful consultation and appropriate testing enables us to make a considered diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

Can I communicate with my doctor in between consultations?
Please note that doctors cannot provide consultation advice via email. All advice must be by prearranged consultation, either in person, over the phone or via video chat. 20 minute telephone consultations (£160) are available for New Patient Follow up and Existing Patient Review.

Please be advised that there are no emergencies with BHRT treatment, however if you do experience any unwanted side effects out of office hours, please contact your primary care provider. A member of our clinical team will be available from 9 AM- 5 PM  Monday- Friday to answer any of your urgent queries.

Do you offer mammograms?

Unfortunately, we do not offer mammograms here at the Marion Gluck Clinic. Should your doctor feel it necessary for you to have a mammogram, we generally refer patient to The London Clinic.

Are there any other tests that I may be advised to have during or following my appointment?

As each person will vary in the symptoms they are experiencing and with what treatment is required to suit their specific needs, alongside hormone blood tests the doctor may recommend relevant functional medicine tests where there is a need to explore symptoms even further.

Do you do saliva tests?

Saliva testing does not form part of the initial hormone investigation here at the Marion Gluck Clinic, however saliva tests may be requested and organised by your doctor if necessary.

How do I renew my prescription?    

Your doctor will indicate whether they have issued any repeats on your medication, these will be sent electronically to the Specialist Pharmacy for you to order directly. A member of the pharmacy team will also inform you of how many repeats are left on your medication. If you are on your final repeat of medication, you will need to ensure that you have a review and tests scheduled before you run out.

*Please note that if you have seen a Marion Gluck Clinic doctor in the last 12 months and do not wish to alter your current treatment plan, you can access the Repeat Prescription Service. This service is not available for patients seeking a thyroid prescription refill.

How long is a prescription valid for?    

For most preparations, a private prescription will be valid for six months from the time of issue. For any medication that contains DHEA or testosterone (Controlled Drugs Schedule 2, 3 and 4), the prescription is valid for a period of 28 days from the issue date. If the prescription contains a number of repeats, where the patient can order further quantities of the same prescribed medication up to a set limit by their doctor, repeat items can be order for up to 12 months from the date of issue, providing the first order was made within the correct timeframe (28 days or 6 months). Once a prescription is no longer valid, it is the responsibility of each patient to contact their doctor. Please note that a new prescription will invalidate any pre-existing prescriptions, even if repeat items are left on the previous prescription.

How long does my medication last for (expiry date)?

The expiry date for compounded medication is 12 months for transdermal creams, 6 months for capsules, lozenges, hair tonics and facial creams. If there is a different expiry date due to medication ingredients, the expiry date will be issued on the medication. Always check the expiry date in case it differs.

Where do I get my prescription from?     

Your prescription for bespoke bioidentical hormone medication will be dispensed by the Specialist Pharmacy. The prescription will be sent electronically following your consultation, a copy will also be emailed to you for your own reference and you will simply need to contact the Specialist Pharmacy to order and pay for your medication, and confirm your postage details. Please click here for more information.

What is the cost of the medicine?    

The cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy prescriptions is subject to their formulation. The medication costs an average of £2-3 per day, please contact the Specialist Pharmacy for exact pricing and further information.

How do I take my medication?

The instructions for taking your medication will vary depending on the formulation of bioidentical hormones you have been prescribed. During the consultation, your doctor will discuss with you the differences between the types of medication.

Bioidentical hormones may be combined with a base cream for transdermal application, depending on the type of cream these may applied directly to the face, limbs or genital area. Simply press the pump all the way to achieve the full dose, and apply the cream to clean and dry skin. Rub the cream in for at least a minute to ensure full absorption before replacing the cap on the tube.

Alternatively, bioidentical hormones may be administered in the form of an oral lozenge which can be cut into quarters to suit your recommended dose. After removing it from the tray, place the lozenge between upper lip and gum and allow it to dissolve. Do not suck, chew or swallow the lozenge.

Certain bioidentical hormones may also be compounded into capsules for oral administration. Please take the capsule with a glass of water and avoid sucking or chewing the medication.

Additionally, depending on your specific needs you may be prescribed a hair tonic which is applied directly the scalp. We recommend that you always following the instructions advised by your doctor and contact the Specialist Pharmacy for more information about medication.

What are the possible side effects of BHRT?

Bioidentical hormone therapy has few potential side effects, which are most often linked to the dosage and as your symptoms and hormone levels begin to improve this may need to be adjusted by your doctor.

Side effects from estrogen-based therapy may include bloating, headache, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding or spotting.

Progesterone-based therapy may cause spotting, missed periods, breast tenderness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and breakthrough bleeding.

Medication containing testosterone is sometimes associated with side effects such as acne, greasy skin, change in libido, hirsutism, clitoral engorgement, change in voice, and an increase in red blood cells. The side effects to DHEA treatment are similar to those of testosterone including acne and in rare cases, unwanted hair growth.

Can you send my prescription abroad?

The Specialist Pharmacy are able to post medication overseas to countries within the EU. For delivery addresses outside of the EU, it is the patient’s responsibility to determine whether the local customs system allows in medication. Specialist Pharmacy is not liable for medication that goes missing during delivery to a non-EU country.

How do I store my cream?

Creams should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Our creams can maintain stability in temperatures of up to 45 Degrees Celsius so you don’t have to put them in the fridge or a cooler bag, however, you should keep them out of direct sunlight.

How do I store my lozenges?

Lozenges should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity. If you are travelling to a hot country it is best to purchase a medication cooler bag (most online and high street chemists stock these) to store your medication in. The lozenges will also maintain stability in the fridge.

How should I apply my cream?

Apply the cream to clean, dry skin, for approximately 1 minute, preferably the thin skin on the inside of the forearm or inner thigh. The cream will take 30 minutes to absorb so please refrain from applying anything further during this time. Should you need to apply sunscreen please do so 30 minutes after you’ve applied your hormone cream.

Will my private medical insurance cover my treatment?     
You will need to check with your health insurer to determine your level of cover. The Marion Gluck Clinic is registered as a General Practice rather than a Consultant Specialist. Please note that if you are covered by your insurance, you would need to pay the Marion Gluck Clinic in full and claim this amount from your health insurer.

Are you registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)?    
All the doctors at the Marion Gluck Clinic are registered with the GMC.

Are all the doctors trained in bioidentical hormone therapy?    
Yes all the doctors have been trained in prescribing Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and are continuously participating in further education.

Is the Marion Gluck Clinic registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?
 Yes the Marion Gluck Clinic has been registered by the Care Quality Commission under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. Our certificate Number is  CRT1-561600073.

You can read the latest CQC report for the Marion Gluck Clinic here.