Inside compounding at Kiwi
The people, process and individual prescriptions behind our lab.
Read more: Inside compounding at KiwiMEDICAL & AESTHETICS · Connected care
Hormone therapy consultations
Hormone questions deserve time and a clear explanation. Learn about BHRT, talk with a qualified prescriber and understand where our pharmacy can help.
At a glance
Start with a clinical assessment. The pharmacy helps with your prescription, including a compounded preparation only when appropriate.
On this page
THE KIWI APPROACH
There’s a lot to sort through when you start reading about hormones.
At Kiwi, we start with what has changed for you, what you want to understand and whether treatment makes sense.
Our medical and pharmacy teams have different roles, with care connected at our Clement Avenue location.
Open a topic to read more.
What does BHRT mean?
BHRT stands for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical describes a hormone with the same molecular structure as one made by the body.
It does not mean a product must be compounded, is risk-free or is more effective than a standard medication.
Start with what has changed
Perimenopause and menopause can bring changes in sleep, periods and day-to-day comfort. These are worth discussing, but not every change is caused by hormones.
Your clinician considers the broader picture before recommending treatment, another kind of support or further assessment.
Your consultation and assessment
Bring your questions and a clear picture of what you want help with.
Your prescriber reviews your health history, current medicines and the benefits and risks of the options.
Testing is arranged when clinically appropriate, not automatically as the same panel for everyone.
Standard medication or custom preparation?
Bioidentical hormones are available in manufactured medicines as well as compounded preparations. A custom preparation is not automatically the better choice.
Your prescriber and pharmacist consider whether an available medication meets your needs before discussing a specific reason for compounding.
Where the Kiwi pharmacy fits
When a compounded prescription is appropriate, our Kelowna lab can prepare the prescribed strength and form. Creams, capsules and troches, which are small dissolvable lozenges, are examples of preparation formats.
They are not interchangeable. Your pharmacist checks the prescription and explains its use, storage and refill arrangements privately.
Care beyond the prescription
Sleep, food, movement and stress matter too. The plan should fit your day-to-day life.
Ask which changes are worth focusing on and which questions belong with your clinician, pharmacist or another member of your care team.
Follow-up is part of the plan
The first prescription is not the end of the process. Your clinician reviews how things are going, checks for unwanted effects and reassesses whether treatment remains appropriate.
The pharmacy can help with medication questions and coordinate prescription changes with the prescriber.
Before you book
Ask the clinic which appointment fits your question, what the consultation costs and what to bring. If you already have a prescription and need help with a preparation, speak directly with the pharmacy.
Keep health history and records for your private appointment.
Good to know. Hormone therapy has benefits and risks that depend on the individual and the treatment. Compounded hormones have not been shown to be safer than approved manufactured options. Your qualified prescriber decides whether treatment is suitable.
Questions before you book?
Useful answers about Hormone therapy consultations.
Where does hormone therapy start?
With a qualified prescriber’s assessment. Consultation, appropriate testing and monitoring determine whether treatment is suitable.
What role does the pharmacy play?
The pharmacy supports formulation, dispensing and medication questions. When prescribed, the lab can prepare individualized strengths and dosage forms.
Is a compounded preparation right for everyone?
No. The prescriber and pharmacist consider whether a standard medication or a custom preparation fits the individual plan.
Are bioidentical and compounded the same thing?
No. Bioidentical describes the hormone’s structure. Compounded describes how a preparation is made. Manufactured medicines can also contain bioidentical hormones.
Does everyone need hormone testing?
No single testing plan fits everyone. Your qualified prescriber decides whether testing would help with assessment or monitoring.
Does bioidentical mean safer?
No. The word does not remove the risks of hormone therapy. Compounded preparations have not been shown to be safer than approved manufactured alternatives.
Who do I speak to if I already have a prescription?
Call the pharmacy about the prescribed preparation, cost and timing. Assessment and changes to the treatment plan belong with your prescriber.
Articles & resources
Everyday chemicals and hormone health
Kiwi’s guide to everyday exposure questions and practical choices.
Read more: Everyday chemicals and hormone healthHormone therapy explained
Independent patient information from The Menopause Society.
Read the resource: Hormone therapy explainedSTART HERE
Your plan begins with a clinician.
Check the clinic’s booking menu, or call if you need help choosing an appointment. Keep health details for your private consultation.