Hi Rose
Sorry I can't remember what you are taking but I think we have discussed that all HRT which contains estradiol is bio-identical - whether taken as tablet or transdermally (gel or patch), so any GP should be able to prescribe this. You wouldn't need to describe it as bio-identical because most of the oestrogens are except for the horse ones - premarin premique and the like. This can be given as oestrogen only
The main problem in Oz ( I think you are there and maybe I've mentioned this already?) is that I understand that progesterone (as in actual progesterone) is not available - although maybe just not in micronized form like in UK and Europe as Utrogestan. It is available in US. Those in OZ I know buy it on-line because I think the only alternative is progesterone cream privately which is not adequate in protecting the uterus and I think consultations are expensive.
Here is what I found from the Australian Menopause Society:
Types of progestins
Progestins are synthetic hormones that mimic the action of natural progesterone. (Progestogen is a term that includes natural progesterone and progestins)
Progestins may be derived from progesterone or other steroids (such as testosterone) and most have other biological effects in addition to their progestogenic effects
Progestogen tablets for HRT contain medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethisterone, drospirenone or levonorgestrel. Micronised progesterone capsules (a form of natural progesterone) are available in New Zealand but not yet Australia.
Progestogen can also be delivered via a patch.
An alternative method is to deliver the progestogen directly into the endometrium using the levonorgestrel containing intrauterine system (Mirena).
Troches have not been scientifically evaluated. Progesterone creams are ineffective in reducing endometrial thickening and there is evidence that they do not protect the endometrium.Here's the link:
http://www.menopause.org.au/consumers/information-sheets/23-menopause-combined-hormone-replacement-therapyTherefore you would have to persuade the doc to prescribe you separate oestrogen (as estradiol - in whichever mode you preferred) and progestogen (any of them). You would have to pay for the prog but then if you didn't want to use it you would have to chuck it! They would be unlikely to prescribe you oestrogen alone. Then you would have to obtain the Utrogestan online somehow. I know it can be done easily.
The other progestogen - not bio-identical but most similar to progesterone is dydrogesterone formerly available separately as Duphaston but no longer, and only now as part of Femoston (tablet HRT).
Hope this helps and I'm not repeating myself!
Hurdity x