Symptoms Of Low Testosterone
It may be challenging to determine what normal testosterone levels are for each person as hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the day and many lifestyle factors can influence the results. However, there are certain symptoms that may indicate low testosterone levels such as:
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat
Testosterone is responsible for more than just the sex drive. It directly affects bone density, metabolic functions, red blood cell regulation, energy levels and cognitive function. It also helps reduce the risk of developing certain illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
Hormone Replacement Pellets The Ideal Hormone Delivery System
Avoid the Hormone Roller Coaster with the SottoPelle® HRT Pellet Method
Many patients who have been on creams, pills and patches discover that their hormone treatment can create side effects over time. Non-pellet methods provide an irregular and unreliable dosing amount, which produces a roller coaster-like effect in the body.
Over time, extra hormones that are stored in the body can spill back into your system and cause a progressive overdosing. This can cause a cascade of imbalances and problems that you were trying to treat in the first place!
Pellets deliver a steady and measured dose of the hormones your body needs, only as it needs them. From our decades of clinical experience, we have found that it is the only reliable way to provide optimal and balanced levels of hormones into the body.
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Hormone Therapy Works For Men
A growing number of men realize their low sex drive and apathy towards life is a result of lower testosterone levels. A lower sex drive is the primary reason why men seek out BHRT. Fortunately, BHRT works exceptionally well for men.
The primary method of HRT in men is injection. However, many doctors find that men tend to skip sessions and experience highs and lows after the doses that cause mood swings and irritation. One of the fastest-growing aspects of bioidentical pellet therapy is for men because it provides consistency and reliability. Doctors find much higher compliance in this form of treatment for men then they do any other delivery method. And the men find their lives are easier only going to the doctor once every couple of months, avoiding the stigma of visiting a doctor every week.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets & Compounding
The compounding process for bio-identical hormone pellets is complex and begins with sourcing raw, plant-based active ingredients. Once raw materials are received, the formulatability is evaluated. To confirm formulatability, several variables are reviewed including:
- Particle size, as this influences absorption. Typically, smaller particles absorb faster.
- Purity is a required metric of evaluation, as proper absorption is dependent upon concentration of active ingredients.
- Stability testing must be conducted to verify the formulations ability to safely release hormones over time.
Following review of formulatability, compounding preparations can begin. Hormone pellet formulations tend to be complex, due to the requirement to be prepared to exact specifications to deliver a steady dose of hormones safely and reliably.
There are several factors manufacturers must conform to ensure the ability of the formulated hormone pellet to release hormones over time. These include size, shape, and content uniformity. Specific doses of hormone pellets must have the same length and width, surface area, are mixture of active and inactive ingredients to ensure patients do not receive a surge of hormone. Even the smallest deviations in size will change the delivery system.
How Does Biote Work
Biote works by delivering hormones to the body via pellet insertion at specific points, such as the fatty tissue near the hip or buttocks. These rice-like pellets contain hormoneseither estrogen or testosteronewhich are absorbed into the bloodstream over time. Like traditional hormone therapy, Biote affects how people feel by supplementing levels of key hormones.
There are two main types of HT: FDA-approved prescription forms pre-made in standard dosages and compounded drugs. Biote is the latter, as every dose is customized based on a patients consultation and lab work.
While there are some FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapies, compounded hormone therapy, including the Biote method, is not. Compounded therapies dont go through the same rigorous quality testing and approval process by the FDA, says Amy Roskin, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN and The Pill Clubs chief medical officer. That being said, some people might benefit from the customization or non-standard dosages from compounding.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , Customized compounded hormones pose more risk because they vary in strength and purity. That means you can take too little or too much of a hormone without knowing it. There also are safety concerns about a kind of compounded drug known as pellet therapy.
For this reason, ACOG currently recommends using FDA-approved hormones versus compounded ones.
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Hormone Pellet Therapy For Men
Men dont usually think about Andropause, what that brings into their life, nor how it affects their relationships. Most men simply assume that their lack of sexual desire, mental clarity, or physical drive is due to Well, Im over 50 years old now and not much else. Most men have no idea waning Testosterone levels are adversely affecting their lives, their sexual performance and enjoyment, and their dreams of the future!
Schedule an appointment for hormone testing at one of our three Phoenix area offices in Scottsdale, Glendale or Chandler and start living your best life today!
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How Do Testosterone Pellets Work
Testosterone pellets work by emitting a steady, low level of testosterone over a period of several months. A doctor will typically implant the pellets under the skin, or subcutaneously, near the hip or on the buttocks. This procedure is quick and can take place in the doctors office.
First, the doctor will thoroughly clean the area where they plan to implant the pellets. They will then administer a local anesthetic before making a small incision in the skin and using a tool called a trocar to insert about ten pellets.
The pellets should release a steady dose of the hormone for several months following the implantation.
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Is Biote Right For You
Biote might be a good option for those who are experiencing hormone imbalances related to estrogen or testosterone deficiency. While a Biote-certified provider can help determine whether its right for you based on an initial evaluation and hormone panel, consider reaching out to your primary care physician first, as they will likely give you their honest opinion about the therapy.
However, its important to keep in mind that compounded hormone therapy is not FDA-approved, nor does the ACOG recommend it over available FDA-approved therapies.
Because they vary in strength and purity, customized compounded hormones pose more risk. Also, the risks and side effects associated with bioidentical hormones may vary depending on an individuals medical history, says Dr. Roskin. So that you fully understand the benefits and disadvantages, I recommend talking to your healthcare provider first to see if you might be a good candidate for this type of treatment.
What To Expect After Insertion
After pellet placement, there may be some soreness or bruising at the insertion site. This discomfort can last several days as you heal. Its important to follow post-pellet insertion care to ensure optimal recovery.
You should reduce activity levels immediately following insertion. Avoid strenuous exercise, baths and swimming until the bandage is removed and the incision is healed.
The pellets dissolve slowly over the course of six months. You need to have new pellets inserted at regular intervalsaround two to four times a yearto continue receiving the benefits of Biote. The company notes it may take up to two insertions before you feel its full benefits.
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What Are Hormone Pellets
Hormone replacement therapy has been used for almost a century to provide relief from hormone-related symptoms and improve quality of life. During that time, both the medications and the administration methods used to deliver them have evolved to better meet the needs of patients. For many, hormone pellets are the most exciting method to date.
Pellet therapyadministers hormones via small pellets implanted under the skin, typically in your hip or lower abdominal wall. These pellets measure only 3mm by 9mm about the size of a grain of rice and contain custom hormone preparations that are gradually metabolized by your body over the course of three to six months. How many pellets you need and how often they need to be replaced depends on your personal symptoms and hormone levels.
The number of pellets does not affect the size of the wound. Implantation is performed in your doctors office, usually under local anesthesia, and is painless for most patients. Significantly, pellets do not have to be removed, as they dissolve in your body.
Increased Risk Of Breast Cancer
A 2019 study suggests that using combination progesterone-estrogen hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This risk can persist for over a decade after patients stop using combination HRT.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss this potential side effect with your doctor before deciding on implantation.
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Right Amount Of Hormones
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 dont 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.
When Will I See Results
Some people begin to notice an improvement in symptoms a few days after implantation. Others take a few weeks to see effects. If you are not experiencing the effects you expected, follow up with your health care practitioner. They will be able to make any adjustments necessary to optimize your results and give you the support you need to feel your best.
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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You
HRT helps men and women combat a variety of issues that low levels of hormones due to normal aging or other causes can bring – fatigue, low stamina, depression, loss of memory, decreased motivation, challenges with sex drive, loss of muscle tone, low bone density and many other issues.
STEP ONE
Come in for a consultation where we will review your labs and discuss your symptoms
STEP FOUR
If HRT is right for you, we will begin the journey to improved health and wellness after your consultation
Medical Community Pushes Back
Wierman, Santoro, and Buckley are all pushing back against the use of BRHT by encouraging the Endocrine Society to become more active and approaching their state medical board.
The medical community is engaging directly with the FDA, according to Stephanie Kutler, director of policy and advocacy programs at the Endocrine Society. At the behest of the Endocrine Society leadership, Society experts joined several other professional associations on a recent conference call with the FDA organized by the North American Menopause Society to present evidence to support our position that bioidentical hormones should be more closely regulated by the FDA and only prescribed when clinically necessary, Kutler says.
The Society welcomes a recent announcement that the FDA has commissioned a study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to examine the scientific evidence relating to the clinical utility, safety, and effectiveness of BHRT products and plans to have some member experts engage with the study task force.
RESOURCES
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Do Bioidentical Hormones Really Work
Yes, they work for some people. You will have different results depending on your symptoms and health history. Talk with your healthcare provider about bioidentical hormones and what form may work best for you. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend against using bioidentical hormones in favor of a more traditional hormone replacement therapy option.
Start With A Provider You Trust
Your medical provider will play an important part in your pellet therapy. They will customize your dosage, perform the procedure, and monitor your results. To get the best results from your treatment, you need a medical professional who specializes in hormone replacement therapy. Be sure your provider also has direct experience with pellets and can advise you about how to move forward.
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What Is The Procedure
A healthcare professional will consider factors such as hormone levels and body mass index when working out an appropriate dose of hormones to insert.
To insert hormone pellets, a healthcare professional will numb the skin and make a small incision, usually into the hip area. They will then insert one or more hormone pellets underneath the skin.
They will close the incision with Steri-Strips, a stitch, or both. A person will need to follow the healthcare professionalâs instructions after the procedure. Those with Steri-Strips may be able to remove them after 5â7 days.
The pellets provide a constant supply of hormones for about 3 months.
People wishing to use compounded bioidentical hormones may need to undergo a salivary test first to check their hormone levels. However, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , âsalivary testing does not currently offer an accurate or precise method of hormone testing.â
There is little scientific evidence to support the benefits of hormone pellet therapy. The FDA does not regulate compounded pellet therapy and has not approved it.
Providers of hormone pellet therapy suggest that the treatment will provide various benefits. These include:
- protecting against health conditions, such as heart disease and osteoporosis
There may also be advantages of a pellet delivery system, including:
The ACOG recommends FDA-approved hormone therapy, which includes:
Promotes And Preserve Bone Density
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. Demonstrated by the four-fold increase in bone density over oral estrogen, 2.5 times greater than patches and 8.3% per year for pellet therapy.
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What Do Hormone Pellets For Menopause Cost
The cost of hormone pellet therapy can vary depending on the provider, but an average cost may be close to $1,536 each year.
Healthcare insurance may cover FDA-approved hormone therapy, but the extent of the coverage may vary among plans. Most insurance companies are unlikely to cover compounded bioidentical hormone therapy because it is not FDA-approved.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets & Individualized Dosing Benefits
Compounded hormone pellets allow for approaching patient care in an individualized manner. Because dosages can be customized using a variety of strengths of hormone pellets, physicians can use clinical training and knowledge to tailor hormone pellet dosing to the patients specific needs and symptoms.
Once a hormone pellet dosage is calculator, the compounded testosterone and estrogen hormone pellets will continue to deliver a steady, reliable stream of bio-identical hormone as the patient needs it.
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What Is Sotopelle Pellet Therapy
SotoPelle Pellet therapy is a form of natural hormone replacement that has been used for many years to deliver positive, astounding results. With this technique, the hormones are delivered through the use of subcutaneous testosterone and estradiol hormone pellets. Hormone replacement therapy using sottopelle hormone pellets has been used since 1937 in Sottopelle locations in England and Australia.
SotoPelle therapy is a safe method that uses biologically identical, non-synthetic testosterone and estradiol. The idea behind using pellets to deliver these hormones in sottopelle locations is so that there can be the continual release of hormones, which is what enables the improvement of brain and muscle function. Research indicates that the use of hormone pellets and all-natural testosterone presents a lesser risk than synthetic testosterone delivery. The patient is dosed with the appropriate amounts of hormones based on specific factors about their blood analysis.
Limitations & Who Should Use Hormone Pellets
Hormone pellets certainly arent for everyone, but Ive combined a list of patients who tend to do well on this type of hormone therapy below:
- Those who desire the set it and forget it approach
- Those who travel frequently or who frequently forget to use gels/creams
- Those who have trouble remembering to apply their hormones on a daily basis
- Those who already know what their dose is and just want a more convenient approach
- Those who have better symptomatic control with pellets over gels/creams
- Those who would rather not take the risk of exposing family members to hormones through close touch, etc.
If you do not fit within these parameters then it may be wise to seek out other ways to take your bio-identical hormones such as the transdermal route.
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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For Me
- You want to protect your bone and cardiovascular health.
- You are concerned about menopause symptoms, including weight gain, hot flashes, and decreased energy.
- You are struggling with your sexual health due to vaginal dryness or loss of sex drive.
- You want to feel better as you age.
If youre interested in learning more about bioidentical hormone replacement in Henderson, NV, contact Henderson Womens Care for a consultation with our board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist.
How Do I Start
If you are thinking about starting hormone replacement pellet therapy or any other kind of HRT, its important to seek out a practitioner with the training and experience necessary to provide the best treatment. Practitioners like those within the BodyLogicMD network will address any concerns you have, take the time to understand your symptoms, and offer comprehensive hormone testing to gain greater insight into your needs. They will then craft a treatment plan that is customized for you and offers the ongoing monitoring and guidance necessary to guide you to the results youre looking for.
Hormone fluctuations and imbalances can be disruptive and uncomfortable. But with the right care, you can find lasting relief from hormone-related symptoms and live life to its fullest.
Want to know more about hormone replacement pellet therapy?BodyLogicMD can help. The practitioners within the BodyLogicMD network are among the top medical professionals in the country and specially certified to help you address hormonal issues using the best treatment methods available so that you can experience the life you deserve. Get started on a custom treatment plan designed to fit your lifestyle and help you reach optimal wellnesscontact a local practitioner to schedule your first appointment, or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz today.
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