Hormone Pellet Therapy
Hormone Pellet Therapy uses bioidentical hormones derived from natural plant sources to replicate the body’s normal hormone levels. Pellets which are the size of a grain of rice are placed in the fatty tissue, under the skin, consistently release small physiologic doses of hormone providing optimal therapy to return you to a healthy state of hormone balance. Unlike typical and transdermal forms of therapy, which can produce roller coaster hormonal levels of therapy, hormone pellets provide sustained hormone levels throughout the day without any roller coaster effect.
Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Implant History
Hormone replacement using pellet implants is not new and has been used with great success in the U.S., Australia, and Europe since 1938. In fact, they were a very popular mode of administration in the United States until 1970’s, before many of the synthetic oral and topical hormone products were developed. While the demand for pellets diminished in the U.S., pellet implants continued to be popular in Australia and Europe for both men and women. In the past decade, due to a better understanding of its benefits and advances made in processes, pellet implants for hormone replacement have grown and are growing in popularity in the U.S.
Hormone Pellet Therapy FAQ
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
They are hormones that are identical in molecular
structure to the hormones made naturally in our bodies. They are not found in this form in nature but are made from a natural plant source, yams and soy. They are professionally compounded by select pharmacies, using strict United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines, to be biologically equivalent to the human form of testosterone.
FOR MEN:
Testosterone, the chief male hormone, plays a crucial role in energy, mood, cognitive ability, body composition, bone health, libido and erectile function.
Testosterone levels begin to decline in men in their mid- 30’s. There is a gradual but steady decline in the production of testosterone, of about 1-2% a year thereafter, continuing into older age. Millions of men in the USA suffer from the effects of low testosterone (low T). This population of testosterone deficient men will only grow in the future, as the number of aging American men increases. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone (low T), known as Andropause, may include:
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Lack of mental acuity; difficulty concentrating; foggy thinking
- Decreased sexual desire (libido)
- Difficulty achieving or sustaining erection, and reduced intensity of orgasm
- Insomnia/poor sleep quality
- Anxiety and Depressed mood
- Increased irritability and grumpiness
- Loss of motivation
- Loss of muscle mass and decrease in strength
- Joint aches/pain/stiffness
- Loss of sense of well-being and vigor
- Accumulation of belly fat
- Thinning/sagging skin
- Osteopenia / Osteoporosis (thinning of bones / bone loss)
- Increased incidence of type 2 diabetes
- Increased risk of heart disease
These symptoms should not be ignored. Unfortunately, the vast majority of men are left untreated and feeling poorly. Bioidentical hormone restoration may indeed be beneficial and can improve one’s quality of life significantly.
What can I expect bioidentical hormones to do for me?
The benefits of restoring hormone balance may include:
- Enhanced physical energy
- Improved mental sharpness and better memory
- Improved libido, sexual performance, and pleasure
- Improved sleep
- Better mood
- Less Irritability
- Less Anxiety and Depression
- Increased ability to build lean muscle and increase in strength
- Inducing fat loss in those who are unable to reduce body weight regardless of diet and exercise
- Improved exercise recovery
- Less joint aches/pain/stiffness
- Increased sense of well-being and vigor
- Reduced wrinkles and improved skin tone
- Increased bone production and prevention of Osteoporosis
- Reduce degenerative disease, and more
Where are the pellet implants inserted?
Pellet insertion is a short, simple, relatively painless in-office procedure done under local anesthesia. The tiny pellets are inserted in the fat layer under the skin, usually near the hip or buttocks, through a very small incision. The tiny incision is closed with adhesive steri-strips.
How soon will I feel the benefits after pellet insertion?
Patients may often experience relief of symptoms within one to two weeks of pellet insertion while others may take up to two to three weeks to notice a marked difference.
How long do the hormone pellet implants last?
Pellet Implants typically last anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on how rapidly the hormones are metabolized.
Do the hormone pellets need to be removed every 3-6 months?
The hormone pellets do not need to be removed. They are completely dissolved by the body.
Are there any pellet therapy side effects?
Generally, there are minimal side effects that may include bruising, minor bleeding, discoloration of the skin, infection, and possible pellet extrusion. Other than slight bruising, or discoloration of the skin these side effects tend to be very rare.
How do I know if I am a candidate for hormone pellet therapy?
Before starting any hormone restoration therapy, you should work directly with a knowledgeable physician who will meet with you in consultation, review your medical history, do a physical examination, perform hormone testing to evaluate your personal hormone profile.
Based on your hormone levels and health history, if you are determined to be an appropriate candidate, a hormone restoration recommendation is then customized and tailored for your individual needs.
It is very important to work with a physician who is well versed with bioidentical hormone therapy as well as the actual implant procedure. The placement of the pellets and the hormone dosing are extremely important in determining safety and efficacy.
How are the hormones monitored during therapy?
After starting your customized hormone therapy, your physician will work closely with you to monitor and re-evaluate your hormone levels to insure that you have restored and are maintaining optimal hormone balance.
Once pellets have been inserted, hormone levels will be reevaluated before the insertion of the next round of pellets.
After the first year of therapy, based upon your response to therapy and prior hormone levels, your physician may suggest less frequent testing.
What does pellet therapy cost ?
Pellet therapy helps to maintain consistent blood hormone levels. The cost for pellet insertion will vary depending on your individual treatment protocol ( the dose of the hormones and the number of pellets needed). Men need a much larger dose of testosterone than women and the cost is higher. When compared to the cost of drugs to treat the individual symptoms of hormone decline, pellets are very cost effective.
So, if increased energy, better mood, increased muscle mass and tone, increased sex drive and sexual performance, improved concentration and memory, improved sleep, regaining youthful vitality are a part of your action plan for healthy aging, then call to schedule an appointment at The ChinQuee Center to help you restore optimal hormone balance so you can start feeling good again.