Who Shouldn’t Take Bioidentical Hormones
Using any type of hormone therapy is a decision made between you and your healthcare provider after carefully weighing the risks and benefits. Bioidentical hormones have been controversial, and many are not FDA-approved, but that doesn’t mean your healthcare provider will rule them out as a treatment option.
If you’ve had or are at high risk for the following conditions, hormone therapy may not be safe:
- Memory loss or confusion.
Replacing these lost or low hormones is the goal of bioidentical hormone therapy or conventional hormone therapy. Once hormone levels are increased, most people see their symptoms improve. However, there is not much evidence to support that bioidentical hormones are equal to conventional hormone therapy. Your healthcare provider can discuss your options for hormone replacement with you based on your symptoms and health history.
The Difference Between Hormone Pellets And Hrt
As we age, our hormones are constantly changing. Hormones are what keep our moods in check, and they keep our body functioning how it should. During menopause, hormones are thrown completely out of whack. There are many solutions for helping balance hormones and replace what youve lost, the two most common being hormone pellets and hormone replacement therapy. So, whats the difference between hormone pellets and HRT?
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe
The bioidentical hormones that are approved by the FDA have been tested for safety. They have passed the FDA’s strict standards and are safe for people to use. Like all hormone treatments, there are risks involved. You should weigh the pros and cons of even the FDA-approved bioidentical hormones with your healthcare provider.
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How Long Does It Take For Hormone Pellets To Work
During hormone pellet therapy, the pellets are progressively absorbed by the skin, and the necessary hormones enter the body. Patients generally report some improvement in their symptoms after two or three weeks, with the effects getting stronger with time. The full effects of therapy may not be apparent for eight weeks.
While your therapy is ongoing, we will closely evaluate your progress and make any required modifications to the hormone dosage. Following that, fresh pellets may be added every few months.
Pellet Therapy For Hormone And Its Effects For Men And Women:
Hormone Pellet Therapy imitates the bodys normal hormone levels by using hormones taken from plant sources. Implants inserted just beneath the skin provide small and consistent quantities of hormones inside the body, ensuring adequate and natural levels. Oral and transdermal therapy, for example, provide significant doses of hormones together at once. These levels then decline at a similar rate. The patient experiences a roller coaster adventure as an outcome. Severe energy levels variations develop. Pellet therapy maintains a steady flow of hormones inside the body, so preventing the harmful consequences. Because the hormones administered are derived from nature, this approach is ideal for patients who do not want synthetic hormones injected into their systems.
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Each patients symptoms are unique, and so is each patients path to hormone optimization through BHRT. Most bioidentical hormone replacement therapy patients report some relief in as soon as four weeks, but full optimization may take up to six months or more. Some report feeling the most benefits after their second insertion. The bioidentical hormones for our hormone pellet therapy are customized to fit your patients specific needs.
Why Do Women Consider Pellet Hormone Therapy
At Minnesota Women’s Care we believe in providing the best care based on each woman’s unique needs. For women suffering from hot flashes, emotional ups and downs, decreased sex drive, deteriorating bone conditions and all the negative consequences of hormone deficiencies, Hormone Pellet Therapy provides a great answer that restores quality of life. It is this desire to get back to life that makes women consider pellet hormone therapy and to continue with it once they experience relief.
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What Exactly Is Pellet Therapy
To put it simply, pellet therapy involves two separate kinds of pellets:
- Testosterone pellets
- Estrogen pellets
That being said, BioTE pellets are the perfect way to balance hormones for women between the ages of 35 and 54. We all know that dealing with hormone imbalance is an extremely frustrating experience.
Some providers use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to create hormones similar to yours. Since these new hormones are identical to the ones that your body has made, you should have no problem adjusting to estrogen pellet therapy.
In terms of female hormonal imbalance, some of the biggest signs that you need help include:
Estrogen and testosterone pellet therapy helps you balance hormones in a way thats healthy for your lifestyle.
The craziest part is that tons of women experience hormonal imbalance is without even realizing it. Because the symptoms can range from debilitating to subtle, some signs can be covered up by other medications as well.
To find out whether or not you have a hormonal imbalance, its probably a good idea to get your hormones checked by your primary care doctor. This will let you know what hormones are doing well and how to prevent an imbalance in your endocrine system.
On the bright side, estrogen and testosterone pellets are the best way to try hormone replacement therapy!
Is There The Same Danger Of Breast Cancer With Pellets As With Other Forms Of Hormone Replacement
No, pellets do not have the same risk of breast cancer like with high doses of oral estrogen , that do not maintain the correct estrogen ratio or hormone metabolites. They also do not increase the risk of breast cancer like the synthetic, chemical progestins that were used in the Womens Health Initiative Trial. Data, in fact, support that balanced hormones protect the breasts.
Take the next step and schedule your free initial consultation today. Youll meet with one of our resident hormone practitioners for 20 to 30 minutes and have an opportunity to discuss your symptoms and health goals, ask questions and learn about treatment options. If its determined that you may be a candidate for hormone therapy your physician will order comprehensive whole health and wellbeing lab testing that includes hormone levels, thyroid function, inflammation markers, cardiology, endocrine function, vitamin and blood health markers and more. Oftentimes there is more going on than hormone imbalance and our KOI Wellbeing Healthcare Providers will use your comprehensive lab results to address all of your health needs and create a treatment plan tailored to your unique bioidentity that may include hormone therapy.
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Changes In Hair Growth
Hair growth is controlled by hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for controlling the hairs growth phase, helping your hair grow faster and remain on your head longer. As these hormones decline, your hair may start to fall out or become thin.
Although hormone pellet therapy can help regulate estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, the implant may not increase hormone levels enough. It may need to be adjusted by your doctor.
Potential Benefits Of Bhrt For Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of abnormal heart conditions, stroke, and elevated blood sugar. Some studies show that metabolic syndrome may sometimes be caused by an imbalance in a womans hormones. If someone suspects a hormone imbalance is causing their metabolic syndrome, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may help provide relief.*
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How Might Bhrt Provide Effective Hysterectomy Relief
The side effects of a hysterectomy can affect a womans health, but the Biote Method of hormone replacement therapy may help lessen the negative effects. Biotes Method of BHRT may help return your hormones to their normal levels. Use our Find a Provider tool to locate a Biote Certified Provider to learn more about how the Biote Method of hormone optimization may help provide relief after a hysterectomy.*
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Do Hormone Pellets Cause Weight Gain Or Weight Loss
Many patients get hormone therapy to fix a specific problem and one of the problems they are looking to fix is often their weight.
There is no easy answer to this question because it really depends on if your doctor is able to dose your hormones accurately through pellet therapy.
If the dose is correct then you may expect to see an improvement in your symptoms and you may see some weight loss.
If your dosing is incorrect, either too much or too low, then you may see the opposite effect and you may actually see weight gain .
This is why you see conflicting stories about people who state they either gained weight on hormone pellets or lost it.
Its not the pellet therapy itself but rather the dose of the hormones.
But remember:
The dose can be achieved through other means, such as gels or creams.
The bottom line?
Dont count on hormone pellets as a primary weight loss tool, instead just be happy if they happen to help you with weight loss along the way.
There are much better, and more targeted ways, to lose weight which you can read about here.
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What Is Adrenal Fatigue
Fatigue, foggy mind, poor sleep, and weight gain are common symptoms of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal gland produces Cortisol, which controls our response to stress. During times of high stress, whether short or long-term, your ability to produce the proper levels of Cortisol can be affected. Sound nutrition, exercise, and short-term Cortisol supplementation can reverse this condition.
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Are Hormone Pellets Safe
The pellets used in hormone replacement therapy have a very good safety record. It is of course important to work closely with your hormone practitioner to keep track of your symptoms and adjust your dosage as needed. Pellets, which dissolved very gradually over time, mean that the patient never experiences the sudden spikes that can occur with some other HRT methods.
Bioidentical hormones delivered under the supervision of a trained hormone specialist are a safe and effective way to eliminate many of the symptoms that we used to associate with normal aging. We now know that many of these symptoms can be lessened or sometimes completely reversed with therapy. It is now widely recognized that the benefits of HRT greatly outweigh any of the risk factors that only exist in a small percent of the population.
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Am I A Good Candidate For Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy
Virtually anyone who is a candidate for hormone replacement therapy is a candidate for pellets. You may be a good candidate for hormone pellet therapy if you experience any of the following:
- Severe menopausal symptoms that include headaches, sleep problems, painful intercourse, mood changes, night sweats, decreased cognitive function, or memory loss
- Premature menopause before age 40
- Surgical menopause by age 45
- Menopause before age 45 due to chemotherapy
- Primarily non-vaginal symptoms of menopause, making topical treatments ineffective
- No long-term relief from other recommended treatments and lifestyle strategies
The pellet administration method may be particularly suitable for patients with busy lifestyles who want to avoid adding take hormones to their daily schedule. It may also be ideal for those who have trouble remembering to take daily medication. Patients who travel often especially find it more convenient.
Why Use Hormone Pellets And Creams
When hormones are absorbed rather than swallowed, they go directly to the tissues and are not altered by the liver. This is called the first pass effect. Bypassing the gastrointestinal system also avoids many possible side effects. We use pellets as a convenient and measurable way to provide your hormone replacement.
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Why Havent I Heard About Pellets
You may wonder why you havent heard of pellets. Pellets are not patented and have not been marketed in the United States for financial reasons. They are frequently used in Europe and Australia where pharmaceutical companies produce pellets. Most of the research on pellets is out of Europe and Australia. Pellets were frequently used in the United States from about 1940 through the late 70s when oral patented estrogens were marketed to the public. In fact, some of the most exciting data on hormone implants in breast cancer patients is out of the United States. Even in United States, there are clinics that specialize in the use of pellet implants for hormone therapy. For more about this controversy, please click: The History and Politics of BHT.
What Is Involved In Starting On Bio
You will fill out a brief medical history and a symptoms questionnaire. We will discuss your symptoms and review the results from your blood test Alternatively, you can receive a lab test form during your consultation and return in several days to discuss the results of the tests and your appropriateness for this therapy. Known risks and side effects are minor and uncommon, though these will be discussed with you as well. If you decide to proceed, it takes less than 5 minutes to insert the pellets. You can resume normal activities . You can expect to feel some improvements with in the first week.
Respectfully yours,Mark E. Richards, M.D.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome shows very few early symptoms outside of obesity. Common indicators of more advanced metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. If someone is displaying any of these symptoms, they should speak to a Biote Certified Provider and learn about their options.*
How Is Dosing Determined
Determining a patients ideal dosage can sometimes take time, which is why anyone using hormone pellets or any other form of HRT needs to be monitored closely. We work with patients to ensure that they are getting the right combination of hormones in the ideal amount so that their symptoms are minimized to the greatest extent possible.
Many patients find that by their second or third appointment, their symptoms have disappeared entirely. Other patients notice a difference right away, but it typically takes at least two weeks for the full effects of a hormone pellet to be discernible. At each follow-up appointment, your current medical status and symptoms will be reviewed to make sure we are on the right track. If an increase in dosing is advisable, it will be done gradually.
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How Common Is Hormone Pellet Therapy
Hormone pellet therapy is a relatively new type of hormone therapy. For that reason, not all doctors or patients are fully aware of its benefits. However, its prescriptions are now approaching those for other hormone replacement treatments.
Cost remains the most significant deterrent for people considering hormone pellet therapy. Though this therapy is initially costlier than other hormone treatments, it requires fewer doses each year. In addition, for many people, this therapys simplicity and benefits outweigh any cost factor.
Even so, hormone pellet treatment is not always more expensive than other options. Depending on insurance coverage, this hormone treatment can cost the same amount patients pay for other hormone therapy options.
What Are The Risks Of Bioidentical Hormones
It has been shown in research studies that there are risks to taking hormones. It can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder disease. Your risk of heart disease and breast cancer may also increase if you are older or use hormonal therapy for an extended period. Many healthcare providers who use bioidentical hormones claim they are safer than traditional hormone therapy treatments. But there have been no large research studies of bioidentical hormones to show evidence of this.
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What Does Biote Do
Biote developed a Method that offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in the form of subcutaneous pellets. With more than 2.5 million insertions performed in the companys history in over a decade, weve seen many lives changed with optimized bioidentical hormones. If any of the hormonal imbalance symptoms mentioned above sound familiar, use our Find a Provider tool or Nominate a Provider tool to begin your journey to wellness today.
What Happens During Treatment
Before we begin any hormone treatment, we will take some diagnostics to better understand your hormones and your levels. Once we confirm that you are deficient in certain hormones, we can begin planning your treatment. We will take into account your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your ultimate goals. Our goal is to help you live a balanced life and experience true vitality regardless of your age.
The Treatment Process
This form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy involves the insertion of a tiny pellet filled with natural, plant-based compounded hormones prescribed for your exact needs. The most common insertion site for the pellet is in the fatty tissue of the hip. Before treatment, your hormone expert will clean your treatment site and then apply a topical numbing cream to the area.
Once the treatment site becomes numb, he will make a nearly invisible incision and insert the pellet. The incision will be closed with dissolvable stitches and will begin to absorb into the skin and eventually the bloodstream. The total appointment time only takes a few minutes, and you will be free to go about your day.
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What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy
Hormone Pellet Therapy uses hormones extracted from natural plants to replicate the bodys normal hormone levels. Implants placed just under the skin, release tiny and regular doses of hormones into the body, maintaining correct and natural levels. Other treatments, such as oral and transdermal therapy, produce high levels of hormones all at once. These levels then drop off just as quickly. The result is like a roller coaster ride for the patient. Extreme mood and energy fluctuations occur. Pellet therapy releases a constant flow of hormones into the body, avoiding those negative effects. Since the hormones used are from a natural source, this method is perfect for patients who dont want synthetic hormones pumped into their bodies. Hormonal creams are messy and ineffective, and pills cause daily mood swings.
Insertion of the pellet is an in-office procedure. There is very little , if any, pain. The physician applies a local anesthetic, and makes a tiny cut in the upper hip area. The actual pellet, which is slightly larger than a grain of rice, is then inserted. There are no stitches, and tape is used to seal the cut.