What is Pellet Therapy for Hormones?

What is pellet therapy for hormones? Pellet therapy is a natural method to optimize hormone levels in both men and women. Hormone pellets are placed beneath the skin, slowly and consistently releasing bio-identical hormones into the bloodstream.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) optimizes hormone levels in men and women with either estrogen or testosterone. Hormone replacement pellets are created in a lab and prescribed in precisely measured amounts.

Women often use pellet therapy to treat menopause symptoms. Men suffering from “andropause” (decreased testosterone) also benefit from optimizing their hormone levels.

What are Hormone Pellets Made Of?

Bio-identical hormone replacement involves placing tiny pellets, not much larger than a grain of rice, under the skin. They slowly dissolve, releasing hormones into the bloodstream. Bio-identical hormones are plant-based and “bio-identical” to the natural hormones humans produce. The pellets are completely natural and made from plants. Wild Yam creates testosterone pellets, while soy generates estrogen pellets.

How Are Hormone Pellets Placed?

Your Doctor will consider current hormone levels, age, activity levels, health history, and body mass index (BMI) to determine the perfect dose of hormones.

Inserting the pellets requires numbing a small area on the buttocks, making a tiny incision (approximately 1/4 inch), and then inserting one or more pellets under the skin. The incision is closed with Steri-Strips and covered with a waterproof bandage. Following your Doctor’s instructions and keeping the area dry and clean is essential. The pellets will then provide a constant supply of hormones, increasing and decreasing activity levels and changes in blood flow for three to six months.

The first step to beginning pellet therapy is a simple blood test to measure your hormone levels. While there are inexpensive tests that only require saliva, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) points out that these tests are less accurate than blood tests.

What are the Advantages of BHRT?

BHRT can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Relief from menopause symptoms
• Increasing low sex drive
• Increasing energy and improving mood
• Reducing body fat
• Protection from heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s

The advantages of pellet therapy include:

• The direct absorption of the hormones into the bloodstream. Because they are bioidentical to the hormones naturally produced, they can avoid the liver and gastrointestinal system.
• The slower release of the hormones mimics the naturally produced rate.
• Continuous availability of hormones instead of the “roller coaster” of synthetic hormones
• No messy creams or gels and no danger to women and children if exposed

What are the Side Effects of BHRT?

The potential side effects of hormone pellets are similar to the possible side effects of synthetic hormones. The most common side effects result from long-term, high testosterone dosages. Adverse effects are usually only seen in people who misuse these medications. In females, abnormally high testosterone levels can cause:

• Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels
• Male pattern baldness
• Increased hair growth on the face, chest, torso, and back
• Increased acne
• Increased irritability

Is BHRT Safe?

BHRT has been used to optimize hormone levels in men and women since the 1940s. Bio-identical hormones were the first manufactured form of hormone therapy. Scientists could only create synthetic hormones in the 1950s and later. Some compounded hormones on the market can vary in strength and purity, causing inconsistent results. It would be best to choose pellets manufactured in an FDA 503-B-certified laboratory. 503-B pellet producers maintain the same high standards as the labs that produce prescription medications like Vicodin, Prednisone, and Lisinopril.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Hormone Pellets Cost?

The cost of BHRT can vary depending on the provider. The average price for women is around $1,150 per year. Men’s treatment is somewhat higher because of the increased number of pellets they require

Some health insurance plans cover BHRT, but like many things, coverage may vary among programs. Most insurance companies that do cover pellet therapy will limit the frequency and dosage you receive. These restrictions can lead to less than optimum results.

Who is a Candidate for Hormone Therapy?

Women who might consider hormone therapy are most commonly going through menopause. They may be experiencing symptoms like:

• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats

Most people find relief with hormone replacement therapy if the symptoms interfere with their activities of daily living (ADL). Men and women frequently choose BHRT, but women experiencing the symptoms of menopause are some of the most common patients.

What are Bio-identical Hormones?

Bio-identical hormones have the exact chemical structure of the hormones naturally produced. That means the hormones will function at their optimum level. BHRT utilizes pellets placed under the skin to deliver the hormones. Data suggests this is the safest and most effective method of hormone replacement therapy.

Why Should You Choose BHRT Pellets Over Other Therapies?

Studies have shown that BHRT pellets deliver consistent hormones into the bloodstream. This constant flow avoids fluctuations with pills, creams, injections, or patches. As in oral hormone therapy, the liver is not stressed by entering the bloodstream directly. It eliminates the production of increased clotting factors. In women, the pellets last 3 to 5 months; in men, 4 to 6 months.

What is Pellet Therapy for Hormones?

As we age, everyone will experience hormone imbalances. While no two people share the same intensity of symptoms, they will affect us all. When patients consider hormone therapy, they want a treatment plan for their specific symptoms. BHRT does just that.

Find the Right Doctor for Your Hormone Pellet Therapy

Hormone pellet therapy is a safe and affordable option for anyone seeking to restore health and well-being after hormonal changes.

Is there proof that hormone pellet therapy works? Hormone pellet therapy has been used safely since the 1940s! It was the only method of hormone optimization at that time. Over the past 80 years, BHRT has been successful for many patients suffering from hormone imbalances.

Integrative Health and Rehabilitation‘s experienced hormone therapy specialists serve patients in Arvada, Denver, and Wheatridge. If you want to improve your health, increase energy, and “turn back the years,” schedule a free consultation or $99 hormone screening today.