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 Once a prescription is no longer valid, it is the responsibility of each patient to contact their doctor.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.