Overview
The Custom Medication feature lets you build a compounded hormone prescription by choosing which ingredients to include and how much of each, instead of picking a fixed, pre-made product. As you build the formula, the system keeps track of the total amount, works out the price automatically, and flags the order as a controlled substance whenever it includes Testosterone.
When to use this feature
Use the Custom Medication feature when:
You are prescribing a compounded hormone medication (capsule, troche, vaginal suppository, or cream) that is built per-patient rather than dispensed as a standard fixed-dose product.
The patient's formula requires a specific combination and amount of Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, and/or Testosterone.
Do not use this feature for standard, pre-made Strive catalog medications that don't require per-ingredient customization.
Before you begin
You need prescribing permission for this organization.
The patient must have a shipping address and phone number on file.
If the formula will include Testosterone, the prescribing provider needs a valid DEA number on file, since the order will require an electronic signature.
Fields reference
Field | Required | Notes |
Ingredient checkbox (Estradiol / Estriol / Progesterone / Testosterone) | At least one | Only ingredients supported by the selected product are shown |
Amount option (per ingredient) | Yes, once the ingredient is checked | Only pre-approved amounts for that ingredient can be selected — typing in a custom value isn't allowed |
Total amount indicator | Read-only | Adds up all selected ingredient amounts and compares them against the maximum and minimum allowed for this product |
Controlled substance label | Read-only | Appears automatically next to Testosterone |
Days supply | Yes | Can't exceed the maximum days supply configured for this medication |
How to build a custom medication
Open the patient's chart and go to the prescriptions section.
Start a new prescription and search for the custom medication you want (capsule, troche, vaginal suppository, or cream).
Once selected, the ingredient list appears below the prescription form.
Check the box next to each ingredient you want to include (Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone).
For each ingredient you check, pick the amount from the options shown next to it.
Watch the total amount shown on the right — it updates as you add ingredients and compares against the maximum allowed for this product.
If you add too little, a message will let you know the order doesn't meet the minimum amount required for this product.
Some ingredient combinations aren't allowed together. If you pick one, any ingredient that can't be combined with it will be grayed out and can't be selected.
If Testosterone is included, a label appears next to it and the prescription is automatically marked as a controlled substance, which will require an electronic signature later.
Finish filling out the rest of the prescription (days supply, quantity, directions) and review the price shown, which reflects the ingredients you chose.
Submit the prescription as usual.
Result: The order is created with your exact formula — each ingredient and its amount — attached to the prescription. If Testosterone was included, the order is treated as a controlled substance and will require a signature before it's finalized.
Common messages and what they mean
Message | What it means | What to do |
"Maximum dose exceeded" | The combined amount of the ingredients you selected is more than allowed for this product | Lower one or more amounts, or remove an ingredient, until the total is within range |
"At least one ingredient is required" | No ingredient has been selected yet | Select at least one ingredient and an amount before submitting |
"Minimum package dose... not met" | The total amount for this order is below what's required for this product | Increase the amount of one or more ingredients, or increase the quantity ordered |
"Selected substances cannot be ordered together" | Two of your selected ingredients can't be combined in the same prescription | Remove one of the conflicting ingredients — the panel will show which ones are affected |
"This practitioner doesn't have a valid DEA identifier" | Testosterone was selected but the prescribing provider has no DEA number on file | Choose a different prescribing provider with a valid DEA number, or add one to the provider's profile |
"Controlled medicine. Requires a signature." | Testosterone is part of the formula and this organization requires a signature for controlled substances | Complete the electronic signature step before the order can be finalized |
"Prescriptions are limited to a [number] Days Supply..." | The days supply entered is more than allowed for this medication | Reduce the days supply to the number shown in the message |
Expected results
The prescription is created with your exact formula — each selected ingredient and its amount — attached to the order.
The price reflects the ingredients and amounts you selected, calculated automatically — no manual price entry is needed.
If Testosterone is included, the order is automatically treated as a controlled substance, regardless of how the base product is normally classified.
The note sent to the pharmacy (Strive) includes a readable list of the selected ingredients and their amounts.
Best practices
Check the total amount before submitting — the system blocks submission if it's above the maximum or below the minimum, but reviewing it up front saves time.
When Testosterone is part of the formula, confirm the provider's DEA number is on file ahead of time to avoid delays at the signature step.
If an ingredient option looks grayed out, check whether another selected ingredient conflicts with it before assuming it's an error.
Double-check the days supply — it can't exceed the limit set for this medication.
Troubleshooting
The ingredient list doesn't appear: confirm you selected a custom/compounded product and not a standard catalog item.
All amount options are grayed out: you've already reached the maximum allowed total — remove or reduce another ingredient first.
An ingredient option is grayed out and you're not sure why: another ingredient you've already selected likely conflicts with it and can't be ordered together.
FAQ
Q: Can I type in a custom amount instead of choosing from the list?
A: No — only the pre-approved amounts shown for each ingredient can be selected.
Q: What happens if I remove Testosterone after adding it?
A: The controlled-substance flag and signature requirement are removed automatically, as long as no other controlled ingredient is still selected.
Q: Does the price change if I choose fewer ingredients?
A: Yes — the price is based on the ingredients and amounts you select.