Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone therapy is the use of hormones to treat and restore hormone balance within the human body. Hormone imbalance can occur for a variety of reasons, but is most commonly associated with aging. Symptoms of hormone imbalance that are effectively treated with hormone replacement therapy include hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, muscle loss, joint pain, poor sleep, and more.

What should I expect after treatment?

You may experience mild soreness and light drainage at the insertion site. Most people experience soreness for 24-48 hours, but it can last for 2-3 weeks. Generally, you can receive treatment and go back to your normal daily activities without any recovery time. For women, avoid vigorous exercise and submerging the site in water for 3 days. For men, avoid vigorous exercise and submerging the site in water for 7 days.

How does Hormone Therapy work?

Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a therapy designed to restore hormones to optimum levels in the body. This treatment is recommended for men and women who Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a therapy designed to restore hormones to optimum levels in the body. This treatment is recommended for men and women who are experiencing symptoms or conditions related to imbalanced sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and/or testosterone) and/or thyroid disorders.are experiencing symptoms or conditions related to imbalanced sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and/or testosterone) and/or thyroid disorders.

Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a therapy designed to restore hormones to optimum levels in the body. This treatment is recommended for men and women who are experiencing symptoms or conditions related to imbalanced sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and/or testosterone) and/or thyroid disorders.

Bioidentical hormone pellet therapy provides natural restoration of testosterone and/or estrogen by mimicking the natural structure and function of hormones made by the human body. Unlike other delivery methods, pellet therapy maximizes convenience and efficacy to achieve optimal results. During a routine appointment with your practitioner, the pellet(s) are inserted under the top dermal layer near the upper buttock area. Over the course of several months the pellet releases a steady dose of individually-prescribed hormones to support your body’s needs. For those who are more active or under high stress, more hormones are released (the same reaction as the body would have with natural hormones) and therefore may require pellet therapy more frequently. As a general rule, women can expect to require a BHRT procedure 3-4 times per year and men can expect to require a BHRT procedure 2-3 times per year.

To find out if you are a candidate for HRT, schedule a consultation with one of our trained practitioners who specializes in hormone therapy. Your practitioner will assess your current health and medical history, review symptoms and goals, and perform lab tests to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to restore hormone balance.

What makes Bioidentical Hormone Replacement treatments different?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses bioidentical hormones derived from natural sources and compounded to be an exact structural match to the hormones inside the human body. Each dose of BHRT is individualized for the patient and takes factors such as age, weight, lab results, activity level into consideration.

Synthetic hormones are often derived from animals and combined with chemicals to create a hormone therapy that is similar, but not exactly like human hormones.

The natural ingredients combined with the molecular match allows bioidentical hormones to fit into human hormone receptors exactly as naturally-occurring hormones. This feature ensures the safety and efficacy of the treatment. With synthetic hormones, the molecular structure is merely similar, causing the body to struggle with recognition of the substance and, therefore, causing side effects and poor outcomes.

In the past, most research into hormone therapy focused on synthetic hormones, but as the effectiveness of bioidentical hormone therapy has become renowned, researchers are turning their attention to BHRT. Bioidentical hormones have been heralded as a natural hormone therapy option and are effective for disease prevention as well as eliminating uncomfortable symptoms that often occur as part of the aging process.

Are these treatments safe? Are they painful?

Most famously, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that hormone therapy was dangerous. At the time, this was the largest-ever study on hormone therapy. It was designed to compare the efficacy of estrogen-only therapy and a combination of progesterone and estrogen therapies. For the study, researchers used synthetic hormones and many of the participants were of advanced age and higher risk of disease before the study began. These factors led many experts to review the study and uncover flaws in the methodologies used. These reviews have led large medical organizations, experts, and communities to revise previous policies against the use of hormone therapy. Today, the known benefits of hormone replacement therapy are numerous and it is believed to be the best treatment option for hormone imbalance and prevention of disease. New research has also linked the use of bioidentical hormone therapy to better outcomes, finding that patients have fewer side effects along with enhanced benefits.

In terms of pain, you can expect to feel a “pinch and a burn” as the numbing agent is introduced before the procedure. You may experience mild soreness and light drainage at the insertion site. Soreness usually lasts for 24-48 hours. Generally, you can receive treatment and go back to your normal daily activities without any recovery time. For women, avoid vigorous exercise and submerging the site in water for 3 days. For men, avoid vigorous exercise and submerging the site in water for 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know if I’m a candidate for pellets?

Symptoms of hormone deficiency vary widely and may include fatigue, lack of energy, depression, anxiety, mood swings, night sweats, joint pain, sleeplessness, brain fog, low libido, etc. We will begin with a Symptom Checklist and a lab slip to have blood work done which will determine your hormone levels. Once your practitioner reviews your labs and determines whether you are a candidate, we will schedule an appointment for a consultation and insertion. =

Do I have blood work done before each treatment?

No, only initially and 4 to 6 weeks after initial treatment to set your dosing. You may have it done again if there are significant changes to your weight, lifestyle, etc. Also, a full lab is suggested annually.

What are the pellets made from?

They are plant based (Wild Yams, etc.) The pellets are derived from yams and are bio-identical, meaning they are the exact replication of what the body makes in contrast to synthetic hormones.

How long will the treatment last?

Hormone pellets last for 3-6 months, depending on the person and dose received. Everyone is different, so it depends on how you feel and what the practitioner determines is right for you. Absorption rate is based on cardiac output and activity level.

How is the treatment administered?

Your practitioner will implant the pellets in the dermis of the upper hip or above the beltline. A small incision is made, and the pellets are inserted. No stitch is required.

Does it matter if I’m on birth control?

No, your practitioner can determine what your hormone needs are even if you are on birth control.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of subcutaneous hormone pellets will be managed clinically and individually. There have been no reported irreversible side effects of subcutaneous pellet therapy noted in the literature. There are no serious side effects. Some possible nuisance side effects, hair growth or acne in moderation. Both are very treatable. Surgical risks are the same as for any minor medical procedure and may include bleeding, bruising, swelling, and pain; extrusion of pellets; infection or abscess formation; seroma formation; scarring at insertion site; keloid scar. Estrogen-related side effects may include: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding; growth of estrogen dependent tumors and breast tenderness. NOTE: 17-beta estradiol (the bioidentical form of estrogen used in the pellets) has not been shown in any clinical study to date to increase breast, uterine or ovarian cancer risk. However, if a patient has an undiagnosed estrogen/hormone dependent cancer a possible risk of accelerated growth may occur. For this reason mammograms, according to the current clinical guidelines, are required as a baseline prior to the initiation of hormone therapy. In addition, women with a uterus who opt to undergo estradiol therapy (of any kind) must take oral micronized progesterone (prescription) daily for protection against uterine cancer. Testosterone-related side effects may include: Hyper-sexuality (overactive libido) increase one’s hemoglobin and hematocrit (erythrocytosis), acne, increase in body/facial hair growth, abnormal menstrual cycles, hair loss/thinning and virilization, voice changes or abnormal growth of the female genitals.

What if I’m already on HRT of some sort like creams, patches, pills?

This is an easy transition. Your practitioner will be able to determine your needs even though you may be currently taking these other forms of HRT.

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

Avoid taking blood-thinning agents 24 hours prior to the procedure, including
anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). If you are prescribed a blood thinner for a medical condition, notify your practitioner prior to the procedure for individualized instructions.

Women must have a current mammogram (within the past year) -OR- sign a waiver prior to undergoing BHRT.

Female Post-Treatment instructions:

Immediately report any adverse reaction or problems that might be related to BHRT to your practitioner.
Your insertion site will be covered with two layers of The outer pressure bandage is waterproof and can stay on for up to 3 days, as long as there is no significant drainage seeping into the gauze underneath. If drainage is noticed, replace the outer bandage with a waterproof bandaid. The inner layer is a steri-strip, which should stay on for 3 days. If the steri-strip comes off, replace it with a waterproof band-aid.
Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 3 You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days).
No major gluteal exercises for the next 4 days; this includes running, squats, riding a horse,
The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1-3 days. This is
The insertion site may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief, 50 mg orally every 6 hours. Use caution as this medication can cause drowsiness!
You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3
You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer This is normal.
If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5
Please call if you have any bleeding (not oozing) or pus coming out of the insertion site that is not relieved by

Male Post-Treatment instructions:

Immediately report any adverse reaction or problems that might be related to BHRT to your practitioner.
Your insertion site will be covered with two layers of The outer pressure bandage is waterproof and can stay on for up to 3 days, as long as there is no significant drainage seeping into the gauze underneath. If drainage is noticed, replace the outer bandage with a waterproof bandaid. The inner layer is a steri-strip, which should stay on for 7 days. If the steri-strip comes off, replace it with a waterproof band-aid.
Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 5-7 You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days).
If you had your insertion above the belt line, no major back muscle exercises for the next 7 days; this includes any repetitive movements that would stretch/stress/twist the insertion area including tennis, golf, side-bends,
If you had your insertion below the belt line, no major gluteal exercises for the next 7 days; this includes running, squats, riding a horse,

The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1-3 days.
The insertion site may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief, 50 mg orally every 6 hours. Use caution as this medication can cause drowsiness!
You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3
You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer This is normal.
If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5 Please call if you have any bleeding not relieved with pressure (not oozing), as this is NOT normal.
Please call if you have any pus coming out of the insertion site, as this is NOT