Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is it?

Hormones are involved in most of the body’s basic functions like digestion, appetite, immune function, brain function, libido, and mood. Low or imbalanced hormone levels can have widespread effects on your health and feeling of well-being. For many people, hormone replacement therapy offers a solution for symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause, low testosterone, thyroid conditions, and other hormone imbalances. 

What are they?

Bioidentical hormones are plant derived compounds with the same molecular structure as natural human hormones. Many providers and patients are choosing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as the preferred treatment for declining or imbalanced hormones instead of synthetic hormones. BHRT has many functions, but it’s most commonly used to treat perimenopause and menopause in women and andropause or low testosterone in men.  

How will my treatment plan work?

Your initial consultation will tell us if hormonal imbalance might be the cause of your symptoms. We’ll provide customized recommendations based on your history, family history, and current symptoms. We’ll also use bloodwork, urinalysis, or saliva testing to determine the correct dosages for your individual needs. We offer several types of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy options, including topical creams, oral troches, injectables and hormone pellets.

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • What are pellet implants?

    The pellets themselves contain estradiol or testosterone, pressed or fused into small sterile cylinders (think larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a “Tic-Tac”). Once implanted, the pellets will deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-5 months in women and 4-6 months in men, avoiding the fluctuations of hormone levels. Pellets have been shown to provide superior symptom relief when compared with conventional or synthetic hormone replacement, and they do not post a blood clot risk, unlike other methods. 

  • How are pellets inserted?

    Pellets are inserted through a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are inserted in the upper buttocks through a small incision. The “down time” following this procedure is simple – just avoid vigorous physical activity for a few days. 

  • What if my primary care physician or gynecologist says that there is ‘no data’ to support pellet implants or hormone replacement therapy?

    Well, there is a significant difference between ‘no data’ and a physician who hasn’t read the data. It is often easier for busy practitioners to dismiss patient questions than it is to question their own beliefs by studying existing research. That research does exist, and we’d be happy to share it with you!

  • What are the positive effects of pellet therapy?

    After pellets are inserted, you may notice that you have more energy, sleep better and feel happier. Muscle mass and bone density will increase while fatty tissue decreases. You may also notice increased strength, coordination, and physical performance, or an improvement in skin tone and hair texture. Concentration and memory may improve, as will your overall physical and sexual health. Some patients feel better within 24-48 hours, while others take up to two weeks.

  • How long do pellets last?

    Pellet implants last between 3 to 4 months in women and 4 to 6 months in men. The pellets do not need to be removed. They completely dissolve on their own.

  • How are hormone levels monitored during therapy?

    We’ll establish a hormonal baseline before pellet therapy begins through serum, saliva or urine, and we’ll re-check frequently to see how your body is adjusting and progressing!

If you think a hormonal imbalance may be behind your symptoms, set up a visit in our clinic and let’s journey toward a holistically healthier you!