by Cynthia Lombard, WHNP-BC
Hormone balance is essential for health and wellbeing, yet many women suffer from hormonal issues like menopause symptoms, thyroid problems, and adrenal fatigue. Traditional hormone replacement methods like pills, patches, and creams can help, but there's a little-known secret that's revolutionizing hormone therapy: bio-identical hormone pellets.
Unlike conventional hormone replacement, pellets deliver a natural, steady dose of hormones directly into the bloodstream. This leads to optimal hormonal levels and lasting relief from debilitating symptoms. Pellets bypass the digestive tract so there's no wasted absorption like pills. There's no hassle of remembering a daily dose, patches irritating skin, or creams wearing off. They're also completely personalized to your hormone needs.
Pellets provide life-changing benefits and are the gold standard of replacement therapy. Yet most people have never heard of this simple, safe method. This guide will reveal why bio-identical hormone pellets are a total game changer for your health.
What are Bio-identical Hormone Pellets?
Bio-identical hormone pellets are small implants placed under the skin that release consistent doses of natural hormones to help balance hormone levels in both men and women.
Unlike synthetic hormone replacements like birth control pills or synthetic estrogen patches, bio-identical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This means they are compatible with the body's hormone receptors and can mimic the function of our innate hormones.
The hormone pellets used in pellet therapy are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The bioidentical estrogen and testosterone are derived from plant sources and are bioengineered to be molecularly identical to human hormones. This allows the body to recognize and utilize them like our own hormones.
The hormone pellets are cylindrically shaped and are about the size of a grain of rice. They contain very concentrated amounts of bio-identical hormones - generally 80-100mg of testosterone for men and 0.25-0.5mg of estradiol for women.
These concentrated pellets are inserted under the skin during an in-office procedure. The pellets then dissolve slowly to deliver consistent hormone doses to the bloodstream over the course of 3-6 months. This steady-release delivery method provides more stable hormone levels compared to the peaks and troughs of oral or topical hormone replacements that must be taken daily.
The sustained-release pellets are considered the most natural and effective way of normalizing hormone levels for both men and women dealing with the effects of hormonal imbalance and decline.
Benefits of Pellets vs Other HRT
Bio-identical hormone pellets have unique advantages over other forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) like pills, patches, and gels. Pellets deliver hormones directly into the bloodstream in steady amounts, bypassing digestion and the liver. This results in more consistent dosing compared to pills which can fluctuate based on stomach contents and digestion.
Patches and gels rely on absorption through the skin, which can vary day to day. The constant hormone release from pellets avoids the peaks and valleys in levels that are seen with pills and topical treatments. Many patients report feeling an almost immediate difference after pellet insertion, as opposed to the longer ramp up time with other methods.
Since pellets don't require daily administration like pills, patches or gels, they provide continuous hormones with less effort on the patient's part. Once inserted, the pellets dissolve slowly under the skin over several months. This steady, even dosing makes pellets an optimal choice for long-term hormone therapy.
How Pellets Help Balance Hormones
Bio-identical hormone pellets work to balance your hormones by releasing a steady state of hormones directly into the bloodstream. This provides optimal hormone levels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The pellets contain estradiol or testosterone, which are identical on a molecular level to the hormones produced naturally in the body. Once inserted under the skin, they continually release hormones at physiological levels, mimicking the body's natural hormone production.
This restores deficiencies and brings your hormones back into balance. When hormones are low or imbalanced, it can negatively impact many aspects of health:
Energy levels
Mood and cognition
Weight and metabolism
Sex drive and sexual function
Sleep quality
Skin and hair health
Bone density
Cholesterol levels
Overall sense of wellbeing
Balanced hormones have wide-reaching effects on the body. Optimal estrogen helps regulate temperature, weight, appetite, sleep, and cognition. Normal testosterone levels boost energy, mood, cognition, muscle mass, fat burning, and libido in both men and women.
The sustained release of hormones from the pellets normalizes levels to effectively alleviate symptoms of hormone imbalance or deficiency. This is unlike creams or pills that create spikes and lows in hormone concentrations.
The Pellet Implantation Procedure
The pellet implantation process is quick and minimally invasive. It is performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. A tiny incision no more than 1 centimeter long is made in the hip area. The bio-identical hormone pellets are inserted through the incision which is then closed with surgical glue or tape. The pellets are about the size of a grain of rice so the incision does not need to be large.
The localized anesthesia means patients do not feel any pain during the 10-15 minute procedure. They can walk out of the doctor's office shortly after the insertion is complete. There is minimal recovery time needed. The incision site heals within a day or two. Patients may experience some mild soreness or bruising which usually goes away quickly.
What to Expect After Insertion
After the short and relatively painless pellet implantation procedure, you may experience some temporary side effects as your hormone levels normalize over the first week or two.
These can include:
Tenderness, bruising, or redness at the implantation site - This typically resolves within a day or two. Keep the area clean.
Lightheadedness or dizziness - Take care when standing up and stay well-hydrated. This should pass quickly.
Flushing, sweating, or hot flashes - Hormone fluctuations may cause temporary vasomotor symptoms. Stay cool.
Mood changes or irritability - Hormones affect emotions and mood. This should stabilize.
Breast tenderness or spotting - Estrogen effects that are temporary.
Within 1-2 weeks after insertion, your hormone levels will reach optimal balance and these side effects will subside. You'll start noticing the benefits of balanced hormones including increased energy, improved sleep, regulated mood, and an overall enhanced sense of well-being.
The pellets will steadily release hormones over the next 3-5 months. Your provider will advise you when it's time for your next pellet insertion to maintain optimal hormonal health and continue experiencing the benefits.
Lasting Benefits of Balanced Hormones
Hormone pellets can provide long-lasting benefits by keeping hormones balanced over time. Once implanted, the pellets steadily release bio-identical hormones into the bloodstream in physiologic amounts. This leads to several advantages compared to the fluctuating hormone levels caused by pills or topical creams.
The sustained hormone release helps relieve troublesome menopause symptoms day and night. Many women find they sleep better, have more energy and less brain fog during the day, and experience an improved overall sense of wellbeing. Mood swings and irritability tend to stabilize as well. Rather than hormones fluctuating, they remain at optimal levels between pellet insertions.
In addition to feeling better, hormonal balance provides health protections too. The risk of osteoporosis decreases thanks to improved bone density. Balanced estrogen may also lower risks for cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. Some women also report clearer skin and thicker hair growth.
Overall, bio-identical hormone pellets can enhance quality of life on multiple levels. Women transitioning through perimenopause and menopause may find pellets provide complete symptom relief for months at a time. Even after menopause is complete, pellets continue providing lasting benefits as part of a woman's ongoing health maintenance.
Monitoring and Replacement Schedule
Bio-identical hormone pellets typically last 3-6 months before hormone levels start to decline and need replacement. This is because the pellets dissolve slowly, releasing hormones into your system over time. The duration depends on the dosage you receive as well as your individual metabolism.
It's important to monitor your hormone levels and symptoms to determine when it's time for a pellet reinsertion. Blood or saliva tests can measure your hormones levels before and after pellet insertion. Then every 3 months, testing can show if you are still in optimal range or need additional pellets.
Some providers prescribe pellet insertion on a fixed 3 or 4 month schedule without testing. However, testing gives a more precise view of when hormone levels drop too low. Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, or trouble sleeping often return when the pellets begin wearing off. So monitoring symptoms provides another clue on replacement timing.
The pellet procedure is relatively quick and convenient to repeat every 3-6 months. Maintaining balanced hormone levels with routine pellet insertions allows you to keep feeling your best long-term. Be sure to work with a trained hormone specialist to determine your ideal testing schedule and pellet reinsertion frequency. Consistent follow-up care is key to realizing the full benefits of pellet therapy.
Finding a Hormone Specialist
Searching for the right hormone specialist is an important step in considering pellet therapy. Make sure to find an experienced provider that specializes in bio-identical hormones and pellet implants, such as our trained professionals at Essential Woman LLC.
When researching providers, ask about their experience with pellet therapy specifically. How long have they offered the treatment and how many patients have they treated with pellets? You want to choose a practitioner that is very familiar with the procedure.
Also inquire about the brands of hormones they use. The quality and consistency of the hormones in the pellets is key to receiving optimal treatment. High standards for pharmaceutical grade hormones is a must.
Be sure to understand the full scope of services the specialist provides. Do they offer complete hormone balancing services and functional medicine approaches? Choose a clinic focused on overall wellness and anti-aging rather than just hormones alone.
Ask about follow up protocols as well. Will the provider monitor your hormone levels and symptoms to ensure your dosage and frequency of pellets is optimized? Ongoing monitoring and care leads to the best results.
Finding the right hormone specialist for bio-identical pellet implantation takes some research but is worth the effort. Ask the right questions and choose an experienced provider focused on functional, anti-aging medicine. This will help ensure you have a great experience with pellet therapy for hormone balance.
Give Pellets a Try for Optimal Hormone Health
As we've discussed, bio-identical hormone pellets offer unique benefits compared to other forms of hormone replacement therapy. Pellets provide steady hormone levels over 3-6 months, avoiding the fluctuations of pills, patches, gels and creams. They completely bypass digestion, eliminating concerns over poor absorption. The hormones are natural and bioidentical, meaning they are molecularly identical to the hormones your body produces. This results in excellent tolerance without risks associated with synthetic or non-bioidentical hormones.
With pellets, you can expect improved energy, sleep, mood, cognitive function, skin health, libido, and protection against conditions like osteoporosis. Balanced hormones support overall vitality and wellbeing. Pellet therapy is convenient too - with just a simple quick insertion every few months as needed to maintain optimal levels.
Given the advantages of bio-identical hormone pellets, it's clear why they are a game changer for both women and men seeking to regain hormonal balance.
If you're experiencing menopausal or andropausal symptoms, fatigue, mental fogginess, sexual dysfunction, or other issues related to hormone imbalance, consider giving pellets a try. Work with a knowledgeable hormone specialist to determine if you are a candidate.
Optimal hormone health allows you to thrive and feel your absolute best. Pellets offer a unique solution to make balanced hormones a reality.
Contact Essential Woman LLC today to schedule your hormone evaluation to find out if our Hormone Pellet Therapy is right for you. You may also call our office directly with questions!
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