What can I do to combat my symptoms?

Bioidentical pellet therapy was originally developed in Europe during the 1930s. It proved an excellent treatment for hormone deficiencies, especially in menopause. Today, practitioners use pellet implants to restore hormonal balance in men and women of all ages.

Best of all they are natural, safe, and effective

When properly administered, the pellet delivery system provides safe and effective BHRT. In fact, it remains the only form of delivery that closely mirrors what the human ovary and testicle do. This method ensures the same steady, around-the-clock, low dosages the body once created. You won’t have to change patches, rub on creams, or remember to take a pill. And you won’t experience the radical surges and drops in blood levels as with other methods. Pellet implants even deliver more when the body needs it—like during exercise or periods of stress.

Creams, pills and patches all deliver wildly, inconsistent amounts of hormones unnaturally released into the body that does not mimic how the body naturally delivers hormones. Pellet delivery system is consistent and ongoing as the body requires it. You don’t have to worry about taking a pill, or a patch falling off, or a million other factors that make creams, pills, and patches an unreliable way to deliver hormones. Pellets remain the only delivery system that provides steady blood serum levels over time.

Once inserted, a steady, low dose of natural hormone flows directly into the blood stream whenever the body needs it. This gives the body the ability to control the release of the hormone just as it did when the ovaries and testicles were working normally.

As we age and our hormone levels shift dramatically, maintaining normal bone density becomes critical to good health. Fluctuating levels of estrogen and testosterone decrease bone strength and increase the chance of fractures. Women who undergo premature surgical menopause also remain at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, making it critical to check their hormone levels.

That’s why your bones lose calcium, your blood pressure may be a little (or a lot) higher than it used to be, your arteries are starting to show wear and tear, and why you just don’t have the energy or vitality you used to. Wonder why You just don’t feel like yourself anymore ? Because your body is not balanced

Hormone replacement using pellet implants has been around for more than 70 years-In fact, scientists have published positive research on the benefits of this therapy in authoritative international journals for decades.

What are Pellets?

Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The hormones, estradiol or testosterone, are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘Tic Tac’. In the United States, pellets are made by a licensed compounding pharmacist and delivered in sterile glass vials.

Why are pellets optimal for hormone replacement?

Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-6 months, depending on the dosage. They avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. It is the fluctuation in hormones that causes many of the unwanted side effects and symptoms a patient experiences. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance. Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. In addition, there is no other method of hormone delivery that is as convenient for the patient as pellets.

How and where do you insert pellets?

The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the lower abdominal wall or hip through a small incision which is taped closed. Experience of the health care professional counts; not only in placing the pellets, but in determining the correct dosage of hormones to be used.

What are potential complications from inserting hormone pellets?

Complications from the insertion of pellets include minor bleeding, bruising, discoloration of the skin, infection, and possible extrusion of the pellet. Other than slight bruising, or discoloration of the skin these complications are very rare. Extended exposure to moisture (swimming, hot tubs, bath tubs) is avoided for 4 to 5 days, and vigorous physical activity is avoided for 48 hours in women and up to 5 to 7 days in men. Antibiotics may be given if a patient is diabetic or has recently had a joint replaced.

What can I expect after pellet insertion?

After pellets are inserted, patients may notice that they have more energy, sleep better and feel happier. Muscle mass and bone density will increase while fatty tissue decreases. Patients may notice increased strength, co- ordination and physical performance. They may see an improvement in skin tone and hair texture. Concentration and memory may improve...overall better physical and sexual health!

Do pellets have the same danger of breast cancer as other forms of hormone replacement?

Pellets do not have the same risk of breast cancer as high doses of oral estrogens, like Premarin, that do not maintain the correct estrogen ratio or hormone metabolites. Nor, do they increase the risk of breast cancer like the synthetic, chemical progestins used in the Women’s Health Initiative Trial. In fact, data supports that balanced hormones are breast protective.

How soon will I feel the effects of the pellets?

Some patients begin to “feel better” within 24-48 hours while others may take a week or two to notice a difference.

How long do the pellets last?

The pellets usually last between 3 and 5 months in women and 5-6 months in men. High levels of stress, physical activity, some medications and lack of sleep may increase the rate at which the pellet absorb and may require that pellets are inserted sooner in some patients.

Do patients need progesterone when they use the pellets?

Any time estradiol is prescribed, progesterone is also prescribed. There are progesterone (not progestin) receptors in the bone, brain, heart, breast and uterus. Progesterone can be used as a topical cream, a vaginal cream, oral capsule, or sublingual drops or capsules. If a patient is pre-menopausal she uses the progesterone the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle.

How are the hormones monitored during therapy?

Hormone levels will be drawn and evaluated before therapy is started. This will include a FSH, estradiol, testosterone and free testosterone for women. Men need a PSA, estradiol, free estradiol, testosterone and possibly estrone prior to starting therapy. Levels will be reevaluated during hormone therapy at 4-6 weeks and again in 3-5 months. After the first years of therapy hormones levels are followed less frequently.