Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the practice of prescribing a bespoke preparation of bioidentical hormones which have been extracted from natural sources (yam and soy) and made into a biologically tailored, pharmacy compounded preparation specifically for you, based on detailed analysis of your blood hormone levels and comprehensive personal assessment.

Bioidentical hormones, being obtained from natural sources (as opposed to traditional synthetic HRT made by big pharma) are identical in molecular structure to the endogenous hormones produced by our own bodies, meaning that they are body identical to our own hormones. When we prescribe for you in a very bespoke way through detailed blood testing, comprehensive assessments, medication titration and active monitoring, body identical becomes bioidentical; thus you receive an incredibly personalised service aimed at optimising your personal health, wellbeing and life longevity.

BHRT - Your Questions Answered

Is BHRT suitable for me?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is suitable for both women and men over the age of 18. If your concerns are related to perimenopause or menopause in women or peri-andropause or andropause in men, then the average age for commencing BHRT is typically mid 40s and above. However, each individual case is different and both women and men can experience symptoms much earlier than the average person.

If your concerns are related to other conditions or symptoms other than the natural decline of hormones with age (see next section), then it may be entirely appropriate to commence BHRT at a much younger age.

What conditions and symptoms can be treated with BHRT?

BHRT can be used to treat any of the following women's and men's health and wellbeing concerns:

Peri-menopause and menopause in women.
Peri-andropause and andropause in men.
Sexual dysfunction including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and anorgasmia.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) - fatigue, energy, brain functioning, brain fog, improved cognitions, memory and performance, as well as libido. Both men and women can be treated with TRT.
Premenstrual Tension (PMT/PMS).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, (PMDD).
Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS).
Depression including Postnatal Depression (PND) and general psychological, emotional and mental health.
Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.
Thyroid disorders and functioning.
Skin and hair disorders, including hair loss, thinning hair and acne.

Peri Menopause and Menopause in Women

Peri-Andropause and Andropause in Men

What's the difference between bioidentical, body identical and synthetic HRT?

Under construction

What are the benefits? Is it safe?

Under construction.

What is the assessment process?

If you are seriously interested about commencing BHRT but you would like to have an appointment to ask some questions before committing to the comprehensive assessment

How much does BHRT cost?

We are very transparent about the pricing structure for BHRT with Skin&Spirit. Please see below for an itemised list. Skin&Spirit charge for the following:

Initial comprehensive assessment and first 3-month prescription
Interim reviews and repeat prescriptions
Annual monitoring
Blood tests (although you can arrange for your own)

We do not charge for the following services:

Screening consultations (free)
Follow ups/check ins (free)
Your actual bespoke BHRT preparation/medicine. You will pay the compounding pharmacy directly for these.

As a general estimate, for a woman or man on a standard BHRT regime for either menopause or andropause (peri or actual), the average monthly cost to Skin&Spirit is approximately £50. The medicine itself is typically between £30 and £40 per month depending on your specific preparation. However, note this is a monthly average. You will purchase your repeat prescriptions and medicines every 3-months and there is an annual monitoring fee. We can arrange for monthly subscriptions by Direct Debit to help you spread the cost, if an upfront deposit is paid. Just enquire during your consultation.

Menu / Price List

BHRT Consultations, Assessments, Monitoring and Follow Ups

All consultations, assessments and follow up appointments may take place face to face in our Chesterfield clinic or be conducted via video or phone call. All appointments shall be with our Registered Nurse Prescriber who is a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) specialist.

Screening Consultation

Free

We offer completely free screening consultations for you to generally enquire about bioidentical hormone therapy to determine whether it might be suitable for you prior to committing to the comprehensive assessment and prescription. This will be a 10 minute appointment with our Registered Nurse Prescriber, who is a BHRT specialist, to ascertain treatment suitability and have the opportunity to ask some questions before moving on to the next stage.

Comprehensive Initial Assessment and First Prescription

£250

Comprehensive 45 minute assessment covering your medical history, medications, physical, psychological and sexual health and symptoms in relation to your hormones. You will be required to complete blood tests as part of your overall assessment. These may be completed before or after your appointment. This fee is payable includes issue of your first 3-month prescription to the pharmacy but does not include your blood tests or or dispensing and postage of your bespoke BHRT preparation (see below).

Interim Reviews

£30

When you initially commence BHRT, you may be required to have interim reviews at 3-month stages to review symptoms, ensure titration of blood levels to target range and get established on your longer term regime. Once you are established, blood monitoring will fall to every 12-months as a minimum, unless your case is complex. This fee does not include your blood tests, repeat prescriptions or dispensing and postage of your bespoke BHRT preparation (see below).

Annual Monitoring

£240

It is a legal requirement of receiving BHRT to have annual monitoring, including repeated assessment and blood tests. Your 45-monitoring appointment will revisit all aspects of your hormonal health and wellbeing, ascertain continued treatment suitability, ensure your prescription is correct and make any adjustments necessary. This fee does not include your blood tests, repeat prescriptions or dispensing and postage of your bespoke BHRT preparation (see below).

Follow Up/Check In Appointments

Free

At any time during your BHRT treatment, it may be necessary to conduct brief follow up or check in appointments (either in person or via phone/video call) for minor tweaks and adjustments or general clinical queries. These are completely free of charge while receiving BHRT treatment with Skin&Spirit.

Blood Tests, Prescriptions and Bespoke BHRT Preparations

Blood tests can be arranged via Skin&Spirit (posted self test kit or in clinic venous blood test for an additional fee) or you can make your own arrangements for blood tests and provide us with an up to date report (note that there may be requirements as to when your blood tests should be taken depending on whether you are male or female and pre or post menopausal) so check with us beforehand. All fees for your bespoke medicines/preparations are paid directly to the pharmacy not Skin&Spirit.

Full Female Hormonal Profile

£190

Self test at home - your kit will be posted out to you. Includes Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Oestradiol, Progesterone, Free Testosterone, DHEA-S and Vitamin D.

In clinic venous blood test appointment £240

Full Male Hormonal Profile

£190

Self test at home - your kit will be posted out to you. Includes Free Testosterone, DHEA-S, Vitamin D, Oestradiol, Progesterone and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).

In clinic venous blood test appointment £240

Repeat Prescriptions

£90 (£30 per month)

Required every 3-months. This is the fee for our Skin&Spirit Registered Nurse Prescriber to write and issue your repeat prescription to the compounding pharmacy. You can opt to spread the cost monthy or every 3 months via Direct Debit. This fee does not include the dispensing and posting of your bespoke BHRT preparation, which is to be paid directly to the pharmacy. You will have your own patient account/portal with Specialist Pharmacy for direct ordering.

Testosterone Test

£130

Self test at home - your kit will be posted out to you. Single test for testosterone levels, suitable for both males and females.

In clinic venous blood test appointment £180

Progesterone Test

£130

Self test at home - your kit will be posted out to you. Single test for progesterone levels.

In clinic venous blood test appointment £180

Bespoke BHRT Preparation/Medicine

£70-£120

Skin&Spirit will issue your 3-month prescription directly to the compounding pharmacy, who will create an account for you so that you can order your bespoke BHRT preparations directly with them via an online portal. You will pay the pharmacy directly for your medicine to be dispensed and posted. You will typically receive a 3-month preparation in a single prescription. You must request a repeat prescription from us in sufficient time to order your medicine to ensure continuity of treatment.

All treatments are subject to a consultation with our Registered Nurse Prescriber and BHRT Specialist to ascertain treatment suitability.