What Are Bhrt Pellets For Women
BHRT pellets for women are inserted subcutaneously in the upper buttocks. They are made of custom-compounded hormones and binders that hold them together. Every batch of hormones is tested for potency, sterility, and endotoxins, ensuring that patients are provided the best possible therapy to expedite their journey towards optimal wellness.*
What To Expect During A Pellet Insertion
The pellet insertion process is quick and simple. A tiny pellet capsule about the size of a grain of rice containing bioidentical hormones are inserted subcutaneously under the skin in the upper buttock. The body processes the hormones by entering the bloodstream and dissolving over a several month period of time.
Repeat pellet insertions are done every 4 months for women and every 5-6 months for men.
Fee For Hormone Pellet Therapy For Women
Generally, health insurance will cover the cost of office visits and laboratory tests for evaluation of hormone related symptoms. However, insurance will not cover compounded bioidentical hormone pellets or the pellet insertion procedure.
The fee for female hormone pellet therapy is $365.00. The cost works out to approximately $3.00 per day, depending on how often new pellets are needed . When one considers the amount that may be saved on medications for sleep, depression, anxiety, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoporosis, plus benefits to quality of life, relationships, and job performance, the cost of pellet therapy is well worth it.
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What Is The Bhrt Pellet Insertion Process Like For Women
The BHRT pellet insertion process is straightforward, fast, and simple. First, a patient finds a Biote Certified Provider. If their preferred provider is not listed, they may nominate them to become Biote certified. They will then schedule an office visit to have their hormone levels tested. Based on a comprehensive consultation and extensive lab work, the provider will determine if the patient is a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women. Custom pellet therapy insertion will take place either during this appointment or during a quick follow-up.
So What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy
At Allure, I get a lot of questions about hormone pellets and how they differ from more traditional methods of hormone replacement therapy.
Historically we have offered creams, capsules and sublingual drops as delivery methods for bioidentical hormones. Over the past few years we have introduced hormone pellets as a delivery option for bioidentical hormones.
Hormones pellets are tiny implants that are implanted just under the skin. They slowly and consistently release your hormones providing optimal therapy.
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Why Do So Many Doctors And Their Patients Favor Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are tailor-made to the patient, so they cannot be tested through the usual FDA-approved process of giving the candidate drug and a placebo to hundreds of patients. For this reason, bioidentical hormones are not FDA-approved, and because they are not FDA-approved, insurance companies do not pay for them.
Even the FDA., however, recognizes the value of bioidentical hormone therapy. Here are some of the justifications submitted to the FDA through the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine in favor of bioidentical hormone therapy.
- Compounding bioidentical hormones allows for the customization, optimization, and personalization needed for patient-centered medical care. Hormonal disturbances are by nature idiosyncratic, and providers need unique options for each patient.
- FDA-approved products do not meet the clinical needs of all patients. For example, there is currently no FDA-approved testosterone replacement therapy for women.
- Due to supply chain issues, FDA-approved products are not always available.
- Patients can have allergies to excipients, preservatives, and binders in FDA-approved products. They may need a dosage not possible with FDA-approved medications.
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:
Isnt Testosterone For Men Only
Testosterone helps protect the health of your brain, heart, breasts and bones in both men and women.
Many people think testosterone replacement is just for men, however testosterone is essential for women, too. Its naturally present in womens bodies but as we age, it becomes depleted. And women typically begin losing their testosterone at an earlier age then men!
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Does The Procedure Hurt
The procedure is very quick and we do our best to make you comfortable by numbing the area where the pellet will be inserted.
Michelle Byars works on the hormone therapy team at Allure Medical. She works with patients to help them achieve an overall improved state of wellbeing that comes with hormonal balance. For more information, or to schedule your consultation for hormone therapy, call or text us at 586-992-8300.
Benefits Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
One of the most beneficial features of El Paso hormone replacement therapy is the reduction of symptoms during menopause. As hormone levels decrease, bone thinning becomes a concern, as this leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis. When hormone replacement therapy is introduced, it provides a protective factor against bone thinning. Other benefits of HRT include:
- Improved skin conditions
- Improved mood and mental well-being
- Lowered risks of certain health conditions
- Mitigation of hot flashes and night sweats
- Improved quality of sleep
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What Makes Minnesota Women’s Care Specialcompare And Save: Minnesota Women’s Care Provides Affordable Access To Pellet Hormone Therapy
We are committed to providing treatment to women in the most affordable way possible. Here’s what you need to know about costs:
- More than 50% of our patients have insurance coverage for their pellet therapy.
- When insurance coverage isn’t possible, the annual cost for hormone pellet therapy at Minnesota Women’s Care is often less than $1,000 per calendar year.
Whats The Difference Between Hormone Pellets And Hrt
While hormone pellets and hormone replacement are very similar, there is one major difference: their purpose. Hormone pellets are used for patients who need more testosterone production, while HRT is used for patients who need testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Also, pellet therapy works on its own for about three months, instead of having to change a patch every few days like with HRT.
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How Do I Know If I Have A Hormone Imbalance
There are many signs of a hormone imbalance. However, it is important to determine whether these are caused by a hormone imbalance or some other underlying cause as they are common to other ailments. Signs of a hormone imbalance include hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, and fatigue. The only way to know for sure if these symptoms are related to hormone imbalances is to get your levels tested by a professional healthcare provider.
Whats Inside Of Hormone Pellets
The pellets are consisting of estradiol, estrogen, or testosterone, with the hormones fused into solid cylinders, the size almost identical to a tic-tac.
Hormone pellets are developed by pharmacy compounds and transported in sterile glass packages. Progesterone cannot be delivered via pellet for, because the pellet would have to be of a very large size, and thus very uncomfortable if placed under the skin.
The benefit of hormone pellets is the stability and healthy level of hormone levels that are delivered over a period of several months, which means you get to avoid the roller-coaster effect of traditional methods.
It also helps maintain a healthy balance of estradiol to estrone, which is crucial to hormone therapy for women. Unlike synthetic hormones and pills, bio-identical hormone pellets dont lead to blood clots, and consequently heart attacks.
It is known that pallets deliver greater relief for menopausal symptoms, such as disturbed sleep, hot flashes, irritability, and poor libido.
Pellets that deliver testosterone will help improve bone density, lead body mass, muscle strength, while reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons.
Not to mention, pellet hormone therapy is convenient. There is no need to manage and maintain a schedule. These pellets have been used since the 1930s and there is more data support their use than any other delivery method.
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Actions For This Page
- Menopausal symptoms can be managed with education, lifestyle changes, support and hormone replacement therapy , also known as menopausal hormone therapy .
- In the early postmenopausal years, HRT is an effective therapy for menopausal symptoms. In most women with moderate to severe symptoms, the benefits outweigh the small increases in risk.
- The long-term use of HRT has some benefits, but also has some risks.
- The current role of HRT is for menopausal symptom relief, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration required for the control of bothersome menopausal symptoms.
- The decision to use HRT, and for how long it should be used, must be based on individual assessment and needs.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy
If you are experiencing menopause, andropause or a hormonal imbalance, you know that hormones can have a profound impact on your physical and emotional health. You may already realize the potential value of hormone replacement therapy to replenish your hormone levels and regulate your body.
Today, there are more choices than ever before when it comes to HRT, and treatments such asbioidentical hormone replacement therapy can significantly minimize or even eliminate many of the symptoms related to hormonal changes. However, even if you know hormone therapy is the best option to address your discomfort, you may struggle to choose the best administration method.
In recent years, hormone replacement pellet therapy has become an increasingly popular option for both men and women seeking tore-establish their sense of well-being. So, how do you know if pellet therapy is right for you? By exploring the pros and cons of this innovative treatment method, you can gain the insight you need to make an informed choice and take the next step toward wellness.
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One Patients Experience With Hormone Pellet Therapy
I found Dr. Ashford and MN Womens Clinic out of necessity. I was experiencing horrible menopause symptoms and couldnt find relief anywhere. My regular doctor told me Well, thats just the way it goes. Could last up to 10 years and when I told her I wasnt sleeping more than a couple hours per night she gave me an RX for Ambien with a strict warning of addiction. I couldnt imagine that the next 10 years of my life would be like this no sleep, no libido, weight gain, night sweats/hot flashes. Dr. Ashford was the first doctor to tell me that I wasnt crazy my levels were way too low for a woman my age .
I nearly cried with relief that someone could actually do something for me! I had my first Hormone Pellet Therapy on this date and about 5 days later I started feeling better, sleeping, hot flashes stoppedand within 10 days all my other symptoms ceased as well.
Ive since been back to MN Womens care and have seen other providers in his office for subsequent injections, and I have had great experiences with all of them. I refer all my friends to him and this office as well. I feel like Ive lived a miracle!
Bioidentical Hormones In Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormones are selected based on your individual hormone deficiency and the associated symptoms. Various bioidentical hormones are used during pellet hormone replacement therapy.
These should be selected with the guidance of your healthcare professional prior to undergoing any hormonal therapy whether natural or synthetic. Taking hormone supplementation without seeking the guidance of a therapist could cause irreversible damage to your body and prove dangerous. Those with adrenal fatigue also might not be able to handle the hormones in their body, making their symptoms worse if their body isnt primed to take in the hormones.
With those precautions in mind, the following are some of the hormones that can be used in hormone therapy:
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Requiring A Minor Surgery
In a technical sense, your pellet implantation is a surgery. Its a very minor surgery that uses local numbing instead of general anesthesia, and the incision is tiny, but its still surgery.
This is a deterrent for some patients because it requires scheduling the procedure, which can be challenging with a busy calendar. The procedure also requires that you take precautions for several days like limiting your exercise regimen.
How Are Hormone Pellets Different Than Hormones Delivered By Pills Creams Or Patches
With the greater awareness and understanding of the health benefits of balanced hormones, pellets are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity no need to remember to replace a patch, use a topical cream or have an injection. The pellets provide a steady release of hormones.
Hormone pellets help avoid the roller coaster effect of hormone replacement that occurs when using other forms. Daily spikes occur with pills, creams, injections or patches, while hormone pellets slowly release into your bloodstream. Pellet delivery can also help avoid changes in the liver sometimes experienced with other therapy and wont increase the risk of clotting.
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Highs And Lows Of Testosterone Dosing
Creams, gels, buccal tablets, nasal spray , underarm solution , and patches are all easy to self-administer, but they have to be done daily.
You also run the risk of accidentally exposing women and children to contact with excessive amounts of testosterone.
Injections can last longer and dont present the contact problems these other methods do. However, irritation can occur at the injection site. You have to go to a healthcare provider or learn to inject yourself.
Some of the negative side effects of TRT are due to the highs and lows of testosterone dosage with conventional administration methods.
With testosterone injections in particular, testosterone levels can start off very high and then become very low before the next injection occurs. This can result in a rollercoaster-like series of changes in mood, sexual activity, and energy levels.
These high peaks of testosterone exposure can lead to testosterone being broken down and converted into estradiol, an estrogen. This excess estrogen can potentially lead to breast growth and tenderness.
Other side effects of TRT may include:
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Are Hormone Pellets They Safe
Hormone pellets have been shown to be the safest and most effective delivery method for bioidentical hormones. Not only are hormone pellets safe, but studies show that the testosterone pellet can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 78% and heart related death by up to 72%.
Other benefits of hormone replacement are decreased weight gain, improved mood, better sleep, increased libido, increased energy and a better quality of life.
Hormone replacement may even decrease memory loss and prevent Alzheimers.
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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.
Legitimate Health Concerns Demonstrated In Women Taking Pelleted Hrt
In this study, Xuezhi Jiang, MD, PhD, and his colleagues examined the medical records of postmenopausal women who were patients at the Reading Hospital in Pennsylvania. Their goal was to compare serum levels of estradiol and total testosterone in women who had taken bioidentical pellet hormone therapy compared with women who used regular hormone therapy. The women who received hormones by solid pellet had it inserted under the skin. Dr. Jiang is an obstetrician-gynecologist and associate professor of medicine at Jefferson Medical College, in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The researchers were surprised by their findings they reported that the mean serum estradiol and total testosterone levels for women using pellet therapy were 237.7 pg/mL and 192.84 pg/mL, respectively, compared to 93.45 pg/mL and 15.59 pg/mL in women receiving traditional hormone therapy.¹ These high levels of hormones can be very concerning, Dr. Jiang tells EndocrineWeb.
Pellet therapy users also had significantly higher incidences of negative side effects, he says. Among the issues reported by the women who had pelleted hormones were: abnormal bleeding, mood swings and anxiety, breast tenderness, changes in hair patterns, acne, and weight gain.¹
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