Frequently Asked Questions about BHRT
What is bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT) pellet therapy?
This therapy is the most convenient and effective method of hormone replacement available. Hormone pellets are administered via a pellet that is painlessly inserted, under the skin, on the fatty hip area of the body. Once the pellet is inserted, a steady, low dose of natural hormones flow directly into the bloodstream whenever the body needs it. This gives the body the ability to control the release of the hormones just as it did when the ovaries or testes were functioning normally. Pellet hormone therapy has been thoroughly documented and researched in medical journals since 1939. What are bio-identical hormone pellets made from?
Pellets contain natural plant sources of estrogen and testosterone. The estrogen and testosterone utilized in the pellets is compounded by hand, in a compounding pharmacy, and formed into a pellet shape. The pellets are dosed according to your bloodwork results and symptoms and then inserted into the hip area using a small micro-incision. I have no libido. Can pellet hormone therapy help?
Yes. Hormone balance will greatly improve your sexual desire. Most patients experience a better response from their bodies with sex as well as an increase in sensitivity and intensity. How long will it take pellet hormone therapy to start working after my insert?
Most patients report they begin to experience improvement within several days of receiving their pellets. Testosterone pellets may take two weeks to express their benefits. How often do you monitor hormone levels?
You will have your initial hormone level checked to determine if and what dose of hormones you need. After your pellet insert, we will test your blood one month after the insert to capture the “peak” therapeutic level and to see if the first dose was sufficient. Then your blood will be tested 3 months after your pellet insert to capture the “plateau” level of therapy. This plateau level will determine what dose will be inserted at your second pellet insert. Regular monitoring is crucial to ensure your hormones are in proper balance. Without regular monitoring, you may be receiving too much or too little hormones to keep the proper balance. How often will I need hormone therapy?
You began your pellet therapy because your body was unable to make the proper balance of hormones anymore. The pellets usually last from 3-6 months. After that time, you will receive another insert of pellets. As long as you are receiving pellets at regular intervals, your symptoms will be managed. If you stop pellet therapy, your symptoms most likely will return. Why BHRT Pellet Therapy versus Testosterone Injections?
Testosterone injections deliver a less steady dose of testosterone than pellets. The injections are done weekly or bi-weekly versus the pellets which are inserted two to three times a year. The pellets dissolve over months, to deliver a more steady dose of testosterone. The pellets are also readily available and naturally dose adjust if they body demands more, such as in heavy exercise, than the injections. Why doesn’t my doctor suggest pellet hormone therapy, or BHRT, as an option?
Most physicians are educated in the use of synthetic hormones. More than likely your physician has heard to BHRT, but was never trained in the use of bio-identical hormones or bio-identical pellets. As a woman, do I need estrogen?
Your bloodwork, symptoms and a consult with the doctor will determine if you will benefit from estrogen pellets. Estrogen is the most important hormone a woman has, protecting her from heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Synthetic estrogen does not offer these universal benefits. As a woman, do I need testosterone?
Your bloodwork, symptoms and a consult with the doctor will determine if you will benefit from testosterone pellets. Testosterone gives women mental clarity, libido and muscle tone. Without it, women often complain of mental confusion, weight gain and poor muscle growth even with regular exercise. As a man, why do I need testosterone?
Testosterone is a man’s most important hormone. Your bloodwork, symptoms and a consult with the doctor will determine if your body is deficient in testosterone. Without it, you may experience fatigue, anxiety, loss of libido, reduced sexual performance or prostate problems. Men with low testosterone also have been shown to have a shorter life span and three times the chance of developing Alzheimer’s.