Dr.LeslieOBGYN said:

Compounded has been just as effective for me.

Compounding pharmacy response time test for compounded supply: I email customer service at odd hours to test responsiveness. A pharmacy that can't answer questions promptly is a red flag.

My current pharmacy: average response time same day. They answered my questions about sterility testing thoroughly and professionally.

Communication quality is a proxy for operational quality. A pharmacy that communicates well is likely manufacturing well too.

sophie_paris said:

Agreed, and the enforcement dates were staggered by category — 503A first, 503B a few weeks later — because outsourcing facilities have manufactured…

That reframing is the part I needed. Taking it to my next appointment.

Dr.LeslieOBGYN said:

Compounded has been just as effective for me.

I have been on both brand and compounded, and in the context of compounded supply, my experience has been equivalent with both. The key is finding a reliable 503B pharmacy with independent testing.

mona_PHX said:

My pharmacy stopped supplying with three weeks notice and a letter that explained nothing, so I went and read the statute.

503A vs 503B compounding pharmacies for compounded supply — this distinction matters enormously:

I strongly recommend 503B facilities. The FDA oversight and cGMP requirements mean more consistent product quality.

Moderator note: a couple of off-topic posts removed. Carry on.