Compounding FAQs

Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones that our body naturally produces. They are extracted from wild yams and soybeans, and are a logical alternative to traditional hormone-replacement therapies (HRT). Unlike synthetic hormones, these hormones are recognised by the human body as natural hormones, and for this reason they are considered ‘bio-identical’ and therefore a safer alternative to traditional HRT treatments.

Due to the individualised and customised nature of compounding, we do not prepare compounding medications in advance. Therefore, compounding prescriptions usually require 2 working days to prepare.

Considering this, certain conditions such as threatened miscarriages or first time use of omeprazole in infants are considered urgent and we will do our best to prepare the medication as soon as possible.

Most compounded prescriptions are not covered by the PBS and are therefore private prescriptions. The cost of each prescription depends in what ingredients are required and the quantity of the medication, therefore the price will vary from patient to patient.

It is preferable to get a saliva test as the results are more accurate – however, blood tests are satisfactorily used by most doctors to obtain hormone levels.

A customised prescription is written based on the results of these tests, so it is recommended to repeat these tests every 2 months or so to ensure the right hormones and strengths are used according to the patient’s hormone levels.

Your GP can prescribe BHRT, however, hormones are understandably a very complicated area, and some doctors will prefer to refer you to a more specialised doctor.

However, if your GP is interested in initiating your BHRT therapy and is unsure of how to write the prescription, our trained compounding pharmacists are more than happy to work with you and your doctor to initiate and maintain your BHRT therapy. Our pharmacy also has a practitioner who can write requests for saliva testing if required.