Hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on the body, affecting everything from mood and energy levels to sleep patterns and sexual health. When hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone are out of balance, it can lead you to experience fatigue, irritability, weight gain, decreased libido, and much more. Recently, hormone pellet therapy has been making waves so, let’s talk about that.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been useful to treat these symptoms by maintaining your body’s hormone levels. HRT is available in various forms, such as pills, creams, patches, or injections. However, hormone pellet therapy is a newer and innovative approach to HRT. It offers a more consistent, long-lasting release of hormones which helps release the hormones similar to your body’s circadian release.
What is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone pellet therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) that uses small pellets about the size of a grain of rice to deliver hormones into the body. These pellets are made from bioidentical hormones. It means they are chemically identical to your natural hormones so there is a shallow risk of allergies.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most common hormones used in this therapy. These hormones play a critical role in regulating many bodily functions, such as metabolism, sexual function, mood, and more. Hormone pellet therapy is particularly popular because it offers a steady, controlled release of hormones, which helps to maintain balanced levels over an extended period.
How Does Hormone Pellet Therapy Work?
Hormone pellet therapy starts with a simple in-office procedure where small pellets containing bioidentical hormones are inserted under the skin, usually in the hip or buttock area. The procedure itself is quick and lasts only a few minutes. Furthermore, the process is performed under local anesthesia so it is painless.
Once inserted, the pellets begin to release hormones into the bloodstream slowly. This slow release is important to mimic your body’s natural release of hormones.
Who is a Candidate for Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone pellet therapy can be a great option for both men and women who are experiencing hormone imbalances. As we age, hormone levels naturally decline, which can lead to a range of symptoms.
For women, hormone pellet therapy is often used to manage the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and decreased libido. Whereas in men, it can help control the symptoms of low testosterone. They may include fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and a decline in sexual function.
Other candidates include individuals with conditions that cause hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues or adrenal fatigue. Common symptoms indicating the need for hormone therapy may include chronic fatigue, irritability, unexplained weight gain, anxiety, depression, or a reduced sex drive. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about considering pellet therapy.
Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy
Slow Release of Hormones
One of the primary advantages is the consistent release of hormones. Unlike other methods, such as creams or pills that can result in fluctuating hormone levels, pellets provide a steady supply of hormones to the body. This means fewer mood swings, more balanced energy levels, and a more stable overall sense of well-being.
Saves You Time
Hormone pellet therapy is convenient, you don’t have to go through the hustle of taking medication every day. Once the pellets are inserted, they typically last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on your needs.
Better Absorption
Another key benefit is the potential for better absorption. Since the hormones are released directly into the bloodstream, they are absorbed more efficiently, potentially leading to fewer side effects compared to other HRT methods.
Risks and Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, hormone pellet therapy does come with potential risks and side effects. One possible risk is infection at the site where the pellet is inserted, although this is rare and can be minimized with proper aftercare.
Some individuals may also experience side effects such as acne, increased hair growth, or mood changes, particularly if the dosage isn’t quite right. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your hormone levels and adjust the dosage as needed. Regular follow-up appointments and hormone testing are crucial to ensure that your body is responding well to the treatment.
Despite these risks, many patients find that the benefits outweigh the potential downsides, particularly when the treatment is carefully managed by a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The procedure to insert hormone pellets is relatively simple and can be done in a doctor’s office. After a local anesthetic is applied, the doctor makes a small incision and inserts the pellets just beneath the skin, typically in the hip or buttock area. The incision is then closed with a small bandage, and the entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild bruising or discomfort at the insertion site, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a few days to allow the area to heal.
The pellets themselves last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the individual and the dosage used. Once the pellets have dissolved and hormone levels start to decline, another insertion can be scheduled to maintain the desired hormone balance.
How to Know if Hormone Pellet Therapy is Right for You
Before starting hormone pellet therapy, it’s essential to undergo thorough hormone testing and consultation with your doctor. Factors such as age, medical history, and current symptoms will be taken into account before concluding if hormone pellet therapy is the right choice for you.
Conclusion
Hormone pellet therapy is a convenient and long-lasting solution to manage any hormone deficiencies. It provides a consistent release of hormone levels which can help manage the symptoms of menopause, andropause, and other hormone-related conditions.
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, mood swings, or other signs of hormonal imbalance, it may be worth discussing hormone pellet therapy with your doctor. If you are looking for a reliable healthcare provider to talk to about hormone pellets, you can book an appointment with a frontline healthcare medical clinic and have all your queries cleared by our professionals.
