BIO (BODY) INDENTICAL HRT

Dr Galy uses bioidentical hormones to re-establish vitality in both men and women, not just to avoid or reduce severe symptoms of andropause or menopause, but to maintain healthy bones, good heart function, brain function and skin condition.

Comprehensive Hormone Health with BHRT at 23MD

Bio Identical  ( otherwise called bodyidentical) Hormones are hormones that identical to the ones that are already being manufactured in your organs.

It is important to know that Bio Identical HRT can be prescribed using licensed or unlicensed (compounded) products .

It is possible to re-set your hormonal balance using these hormones and improve many symptoms associated with low hormone  levels. . Getting the balance of hormones right is the key to alleviating symptoms and avoiding ill health that could be associated with declining hormone levels.

The Process for BHRT

As part of your initial assessment, Dr. Galy will sit down with you for your initial consultation and listen to your main issues, your current and past medical conditions, your family history and any other relevant concerns or information you might have. Along with the results from your blood tests, this information will form a key part of your treatment plan. It is a vital part of your assessment and is necessary to develop an individualised health plan to make you feel better, and be able to interpret your hormone results when they become available.

Treatment options, regarding the use of licensed bio-identical or unlicensed ( compounded) bioidentical HRT are then explained in details, and an individualised treatment plan is  agreed.

Understanding Compounded ( Unlicensed ) Bio-Identical Hormone Treatments vs Licensed Bio-Identical Hormone Treatments – Our Approach

At 23MD, patient safety, evidence-based medicine and individualised care are at the centre of our approach to hormone optimisation.

We follow UK General Medical Council (GMC) guidance regarding the prescribing of unlicensed medicines.

We always prioritise licensed hormone treatments

Whenever a suitable licensed medicine is available and appropriate for a patient’s needs, this will always be our first recommendation to you.

Licensed medicines have undergone extensive regulatory assessment for quality, safety and effectiveness and are approved for specific uses within the UK and other countries around the world

Examples of licensed bioidentical hormone treatments include many forms of:

• Oestrogen replacement therapy in gels and patches
• Progesterone replacement therapy in capsules
• Testosterone replacement therapy for men in gel form
• Thyroid hormone replacement in tablet form
• Insulin or glucagon in injection form

When might compounded (unlicensed) hormones be considered?

In some circumstances, a patient’s individual needs cannot be met by a licensed product alone.

In these situations, and only following a full medical assessment and consultation, a doctor may prescribe a compounded (unlicensed) hormone preparation.

Examples may include:

• Testosterone therapy for women, where there is currently no licensed testosterone product specifically approved for female use in the UK.
• Patients who require a personalised dose, strength or formulation that is unavailable commercially.
• Patients who cannot tolerate ingredients contained within licensed products (e.g soy intolerances)
• Patients whose clinical needs are not adequately met by available licensed treatments.

Compounded medicines are individually prepared by a specialist licensed  pharmacy to meet the specific requirements of a patient.

What does ‘unlicensed’ mean?

An unlicensed medicine has not been granted a marketing authorisation for that specific use, dose, formulation or patient group.

This does not necessarily mean that the medicine is unsafe, ineffective or experimental. Many areas of medicine routinely use unlicensed medicines when clinically appropriate.

However, additional responsibilities apply to the prescribing doctor, and enhanced screening and more regular blood tests maybe necessary if this option is used.

Risks and considerations

Patients should understand that compounded medicines may have some limitations compared with licensed products.

Potential considerations include:

• They have not undergone the same regulatory approval process as licensed medicines for that specific indication.
• Long-term data may be more limited for some preparations.
• Product information leaflets may not be available.
• Individual formulations can vary between specialist compounding pharmacies.
• Treatment requires careful clinical oversight and ongoing monitoring.

How we ensure safety

When prescribing compounded hormones, we:

• Follow GMC guidance on prescribing unlicensed medicines.
• Use licensed medicines whenever possible.
• Prescribe compounded medicines only when there is a clear clinical need.
• Work with regulated specialist pharmacies.
• Carry out regular and enhanced clinical reviews , scans, and blood monitoring where appropriate.
• Discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives with every patient before treatment begins.

Every treatment plan is individualised and agreed jointly between the patient and their doctor as part of an informed consent process.

Bioidentical Hormones  for MEN

For men, declining testosterone levels can result in symptoms of andropause, the onset of which is often slow and insidious, with gradually reducing motivation, drive and mood, leading to low libido and erectile dysfunction. Eventually some men develop night sweats, depression and loss of muscle tone and mass, leading to metabolic syndrome with the onset of obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. This has long-term negative effects on cardiovascular health.

Bioidentical Hormones for WOMEN

For women, the onset of menopause symptoms is usually more sudden. It is sometimes preceded by perimenopause, with anxiety, sleep disturbance, and worsening premenstrual symptoms indicating a relative progesterone deficiency. This eventually gives way to menopause with night sweats and irregular periods, heralding the declining estrogen levels.

Dr. Galy often sees couples, so that a holistic and comprehensive assessment can be made to optimise their hormone levels and help them to maintain or enhance harmony with each other. Our  23MD clinics in London an Dubai  offers expert bioidentical hormone replacement in Dubai, helping clients achieve balance and vitality with personalised treatments.