Pellet Bio-identical Hormone Therapy vs. Other Methods of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Written by Bodysculpt Team
At Sakoon our preferred method of hormone balancing therapy is via pellet therapy using bio-identical hormone therapy for both men and women.
There are hundreds of clinical studies that have provided evidence that systemic customized hormone replacement therapy effectively helps such conditions as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and bone loss.
These benefits can lead to improved sleep, and sexual relations, and quality of life. It can also have effects on muscle development and maintenance as well as weight loss or weight control. Of note, any hormone therapy taken by mouth is not bio-identical.
What is the difference between Bio-identical Hormones (BHRT) vs. Pharmaceutical Hormones?
BHRT are compounded chemical and molecular structures which have been used for nearly 100 years. They are designed to have similar compound structures as the hormones that are naturally produced by the human body. Bio-identical hormones are fully recognized by the body’s natural receptors and promote a better biological response than artificial pharmaceutical compounds. Because BHRT pellets are identical in their molecular and structural shape to our body’s naturally manufactured hormones, our receptors naturally accept them and respond more naturally.
Pharmaceutical companies have been manufacturing hormone-like drugs since the 70’s, most people understand that “natural” compounds like Provera, Prempro, and Premarin are not bio-identical. They are produced from conjugated mare urine as pharmaceutical companies are not allowed to patent naturally-occurring hormones.
These products do not match human testosterone or estrogen and do not bond to the receptors nor perform the same as BHRT.
Therefore, these synthetic hormones are very potent, and can produce intolerable side effects as they are metabolized by the body quite differently. The performance of synthetic hormones is generally significantly less effective than bio-identical hormones. BHRT is also tailored to an individual’s unique body as opposed to mass-produced synthetic hormones.
What are the Benefits of Bioidentical Pellets?
When properly administered and titrated, the pellet system provides safe and effective BHRT with minimal side effects. It is the only method that allows your body to decide how much hormones it needs at a given time.
It raises levels when more is needed, as in times of high stress or strenuous exercise and decreases it when less is required. A low dose is continuously delivered directly into the bloodstream and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and the liver preserving their function. Pellets can last 3-6 months.
How are Pellets Administered?
BHRT pellets are compounded in highly rated and commercially licensed custom compounding pharmacies. Hormones are placed inside a part of the body where ample body fat is present via a pellet insertion device.
The pellets are extremely small, usually painless to insert and provide a steady hormone level for several months. Pellets can be used to replace depletion of testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. The dosage and specific hormone needed by your body is assessed prior to treatment and titrated based on symptom relief and blood levels.
There are generally minimal side effects associated with the pellet implant procedure. Complications include minor bleeding, bruising, infection and pellet extrusion. Other than slight bruising, the other complications are very rare.
How Long Do BHRT Pellets Last?
Depending on how rapidly hormones are metabolised, pellets generally last between 3-6 months. AN individual’s stress level and level of physical activity play an important role in the length of time a pellet will last.
Patients generally notice symptomatic relief within a couple days of pellet placement and will have maximum effective symptom relief in 2-4 weeks. Pellets do not need to be removed and are completely dissolved by the body.
Our experienced practitioners at Sakoon closely monitor our patients progress to ensure proper hormone level and symptom relief. It sometimes takes a couple cycles to titrate hormones to the best functioning level for each individual .
For more information on this topic and our services that provide hormone therapy, please contact our friendly staff via our Contact form or at 531-466-8200.
