Bioidentical Hormone Pellets
What are they? Hormone pellets are bioidentical hormones that are pressed together into a cylinder-shaped capsule that is no bigger than a Tic Tac.
Why is hormone replacement therapy so important? As we begin to age, the cells that create our hormones start to slowly die off, leaving our adult bodies with an undersupply of hormones that we need for so many vital things.
As this happens, the rates of chronic disease begin to increase, and the signs & symptoms of hormone deficiency and imbalance begin to show. These signs & symptoms can include, but are not limited to: Fatigue, lack of physical strength, diminished muscle mass, poor recovery time following exercise, a diminished sense of well-being and confidence, fatigue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, increased irritability, weight gain, insomnia, hot flashes & night sweats. Another big sign of hormone deficiency is the onset of chronic disease, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even Alzheimer’s. In many cases, hormone imbalances can occur with expected changes in the lifespan, such as menopause and andropause. However, hormone replacement may be necessary even in younger stages of life.
Why use hormone pellets? Hormone pellets have been around since the late 1930’s, and are currently more common in other countries than in the US. There are various forms and routes of administration for hormone replacement therapy. The benefits to using hormone pellets include convenience, as the procedure is simple, and completed with a brief and relatively painless in-office visit every 4-5 months. The pellets are inserted on the backside of the hip through a small incision that is taped closed & completely healed within just a few days.
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, and 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 hormone pellets.
How will I feel? After the pellets are inserted, patients may notice that they have more energy, sleep better and feel “more like themselves.” Patients may notice increased strength, coordination and physical performance. Muscle mass and bone density will increase while fatty tissue decreases. Concentration, mood and memory may improve, as will overall physical and sexual health. They may even see an improvement in skin tone.
What about the risk of breast cancer? Estrogen therapy does NOT increase risk of disease, including heart attack and breast cancer. This false impression began in 1991, when the very controversial Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was halted due to increased incidence of disease among study participants. This study used conjugated estrogens and synthetic progestins (Premarin & Prempro), which are medications that are not representative of safe or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which is what we use today. This study also used participants that are not a representative population, and included older patients over the age of 65 who were mostly overweight, had hypertension or high cholesterol. In addition to this, about 50% of participants were smokers or had a history of smoking.
Hormone replacement therapy should always be bioidentical, or exactly the same molecule that our bodies would normally produce. Dosing should never exceed supraphysiological levels, which means it should always be in harmony with what an individual’s body would normally produce on a daily basis.
Pellets do not carry 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 actually breast protective.
How do I know if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is something I need? The only way to know if you need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is by completing a thorough evaluation with your doctor. By analyzing your laboratory results & assessing your symptoms, your doctor will be able to decide what is right for you and the proper dosages to use. There are specific lab panels available to determine if your hormones are imbalanced. In some cases, BHRT may not be necessary; however, lifestyle and environmental factors may change this need over time, so routine testing along with a preventive, healthy lifestyle is recommended to keep hormones balanced and maintain optimal health.