What are bioidentical hormone pellets?

BioTE® Medical Hormone Pellet Therapy contains a natural plant source of estrogen and testosterone. A compounding pharmacist, using strict federal guidelines, compounds the estrogen and testosterone utilized in the pellets. These are not anabolic steroids (ie. Baseball or cycling scandals).

The bioidentical hormone pellets, which are about the size of a grain of rice, are placed in the fatty tissue underneath the skin usually in the upper buttock/hip area. Once placed, they most closely mimic the actions of healthy ovaries and testicles for hormone release into the bloodstream. The hormone pellet implantation procedure is easily performed in the office in a few minutes.

What can I expect from bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormone therapy can provide the following benefits:

• Increased energy levels

• Restore or increase sexual drive

• Consistency in moods

• More restorative sleep

• Relief from anxiety or depression

• Decreased body fat and healthier fat distribution

• Increased mental clarity and focus

• Greater capacity for getting the body in shape and building lean body mass (muscle)

How does Bioidentical Medical Hormone Pellet Therapy compare to creams, patches, gels or even injections?

Pellet Therapy uses hormones derived from natural plant sources to replicate the body’s normal hormonal levels. Patients have found that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with pellet implants is extremely effective to achieve their wellness goals. The pellets are placed under the skin to consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones providing sustained and optimal therapy.

Pellet therapy, is the only method of hormone therapy that provides sustained hormone levels throughout the day for up to 4 to 6 months without any “roller coaster” effects. These effects can happen with typical transdermal forms of therapy (gels, creams, patches) which produce “roller coaster” hormone levels that can result in mood and energy fluctuations. Since bioidentical pellet therapy is implanted, there are no concerns about poor absorption through skin, sweating it off or accidentally exposing your partner, children or pets.

And when compared to testosterone injections, the BioTE® Medical Hormone Pellet Therapy removes the need for twice-weekly testosterone injections, saving you from 104 uncomfortable injections per year. Pellets eliminate the “roller coaster” effects from bi-weekly testosterone injections that can cause hormone levels to spike and plummet causing mood and energy fluctuations. They are truly a delivery method where you “set it and forget it”!

Does treatment with bioidentical hormones cause cancer?

The short answer is that bioidentical hormones do not cause cancer.

We certainly do not want to add hormones in disease process where there is a known active cancer that requires treatment. However there is plenty of research that shows that certain hormone therapies can have a protective effect for the breast, bones, heart and brain. Jen Nugent NP will discuss your individual risk factors for disease overall, and look at your most recent cancer screenings and take this into consideration when working with you to create a treatment plan. There are some conditions/diseases where hormone therapy may not be recommended, or you may require specialist input.

Will I need other medications while I’m on bioidentical hormone therapy?

Some treatment plans require women to add progesterone to protect the uterine lining unless the uterus has been removed. Jen NP recommends DIM, a nutraceutical supplement for all people during hormone therapy. Some side effects can warrant treatment with medications as well.

Are there any possible side effects from bioidentical hormone treatment?

Jen Nugent NP will review your personal treatment plan as well as risks and benefits, possible side effects and what to expect after treatment. Unlike other forms of hormone therapy, there are fewer side effects with bioidentical hormones. Approximately 2-10 % of women experience mild acne or facial hair and less than 1% risk hair thinning. Both of these mild side effects can be easily treated by Jen.

Specifically, there are minimal side effects with BioTE® Medical’s hormone pellet therapy (BHRT) when compared to other hormone delivery methods. That’s because BHRT pellet therapy uses hormones derived from natural plant sources (not synthetic) and delivers consistent amounts of hormones 24 hours a day for 3 - 6 months.

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