Bioidentical hormones are structurally and chemically the same as your body’s natural hormones.   Because they are identical in structure to the body’s own estradiol, progesterone and testosterone, they fit their hormone receptor sites perfectly and have the desired effect on the body.  Synthetic hormones have a slightly different structure to the body’s own hormones and so can have additional undesired side effects.  

Bioidentical hormones may be prescribed as licensed standardised dose treatment (this is known as body identical HRT).  This form of HRT is available on the NHS, and is available as gel/ patches/ spray, and oral capsules

Bioidentical hormones may also be prescribed as unlicensed tailored dose products according to a person’s needs, using a compounding pharmacy.  This type of HRT is not available on the NHS.  Bioidentical hormones can be prescribed as creams, gels, lozenges or capsules.   Using bioidentical HRT in this way allows for easy dose adjustments and provides the option to use lower doses where necessary.  

Bioidentical progesterone is safer for the breast tissue, heart, cholesterol and blood pressure than synthetic progesterone.  

We often used licensed body identical HRT first and can change to unlicensed bio identical HRT later if this is more suitable.  The choice is yours and is always discussed with you. 

• Anxiety, mood swings, irritability

• Poor sleep

• Hot flushes, night sweats

• Low libido

• Brain fog

• Vaginal dryness/ discomfort

• Urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Joint aches

• Confidence and general well being

Once a woman becomes menopausal, she is in a hormone deficient state.  This is not a transient period, and for this reason, some women chose to take hormone therapy long term.  However, for some the symptoms of the menopause lessen with time, and they may choose to take hormone therapy for just a few years. 

Usually, a joint decision is made based on your symptoms, age, lifestyle and medical history.  Some people choose to take BHRT for a few years, others may stay on it for 10 or 20 years.  It is always an individual decision. 

Every woman is different, so this can vary from person to person.  Some women may feel better within days or weeks, but commonly it will take 3- 6 weeks to feel an improvement, and for some it may take up to 3 months. 

Functional medicine is the practice of assessing whole body systems and biology with a focus on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. There are often many contributing factors to disease or dysfunction rather than one specific cause. The functional medicine model looks to identify and correct any of these contributing factors. For example, IBS can be caused by many different factors including diet, eating habits, nutrition, genetics, environmental factors, psychosocial factors, toxins, infections, and inflammation.

Functional medicine focusses on the body as a whole, rather than individual organs/ systems. It recognises that these systems all communicate with one another and that the gut, the brain and the endocrine organs all communicate closely with one another and cannot be treated in isolation.

At BiOrigin we look at genetics, nutrition, gut health, lifestyle, hormones and emotional well being to gain a clear understanding of your body in order to support you reach optimal health.

We will discuss lifestyle and nutrition as part of your appointment and may make recommendations regarding diet, lifestyle and supplements.  Functional medicine testing can also be arranged to explore your symptoms in more depth. 

The evidence suggests that HRT is safe for people with a family history of breast cancer and that there is very little increased risk. Unfortunately, we are unable to see women who have had breast cancer.  

Typical costs are around £25- £55 a month per item. Therefore you can expect a cost of roughly £30 to £100 per month depending upon the type and number of items prescribed.

Please email any queries to info@biorigin.co.uk and we will attempt to respond within 2-3 business days.  Anything urgent should be directed to your GP or 111. We can answer any questions you have regarding your treatment or side effects, but any new medical queries will require an appointment. 

BiOrigin counts as a private GP service.  Please check with your insurer as to whether or not you are covered.  All fees need to be paid in full and claimed back from your insurer. 

We welcome all feedback from users whether positive or negative.  We take all feedback as an opportunity for learning and developing our service.  Please contact us by email on info@biorigin.co.uk if you have a complaint about our service and we will respond within 48-72 hours.  We will attempt to resolve any complaints and keep you updated throughout the process. 

At BiOrigin we can offer a wide range of private specialist functional testing to thoroughly investigate your health concerns.

There are a broad range of tests now available but we will always provide you with a suggestion that is appropriate to your health issues and to meet your financial resources. The tests we use typically provide complex and detailed information that provides much more information than those we are currently available on the NHS. Please note that the costs of these tests are in addition to consultation fees.

Blood testing

We partner with a highly trusted laboratory that can offer blood draw / phlebotomy services at a wide range of locations across the UK and home blood testing within London. Additionally Dr Liz is able to offer phlebotomy appointments at the clinic site in Chichester.

If none of the above options are suitable for you, we will help to find an appropriate solution.

Whole health assessment; profiles will include full blood count, liver function, kidney function, glycated haemoglobin to check for diabetes, lipids and more.

Nutrient assessment - to obtain blood levels of crucial vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, B12, iron and magnesium.

Extended hormone profiles - offering a broad range of hormone panels appropriate to your circumstances. This may include Oestradiol, FSH, LH, Progesterone, Testosterone and DHEA.

Thyroid function - offering an extended panel for in depth knowledge and optimal function of your thyroid.

Autoimmune markers

Specialist Testing

All of these tests are sent to you from our Laboratory partner to be performed at home and returned to the laboratory via postal or delivery services - all of which will be sent to you.

As many of our tests are to understand hormone patterns we will advise the best window to perform your test according to your cycle.

The tests that we most commonly perform are:

Salivary Cortisol levels. This is typically performed as a saliva test, taking samples at set times in the day.

Hormone production and metabolism, for example the DUTCH test. This is performed as a urine test, and often partnered with a salivary cortisol test. These are also performed generally at set times in the day and at a certain time in your cycle.

Stool and microbiome analysis. This test provides us a wealth of information relating to the function and microbiome of your gut. We receive information relating to inflammation, its immune status, digestive function, provision of the right substrates for your microbiome, what your microbiome looks like and finally if there are any pathogens or parasites. This is particularly useful for anyone with gut issues, autoimmune conditions, Endometriosis, PCOS or symptoms such as PMDD.

Breath testing for SIBO. This is often done alongside a stool test, at home, to try and help identify the root cause underlying gut health problems.

Nutrigenomics / DNA SNP testing. This is a simple cheek swab that is performed at home. This test helps us to really hone in on your genetics and how they may be contributing to your health conditions. Nutrigenomic testing helps provide us with the information to really tweak your lifestyle, diet and supplements to optimise your wellbeing.

Other tests available

- Organic acid testing

- Allergy testing

- Mould / metal toxicities