Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
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Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BioTE®)
The human body naturally produces less hormones as men and women age. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) by BioTE® helps by providing identical hormones to those that are lost with age. This hormone balancing is done by hormone pellet therapywhich is a safe and FDA approved treatment.
What is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Pellets are the longest studied form of hormone replacement therapy, dating back to their development in 1939. Today, pellets by BioTE® are made of estradiol or testosterone and steric acid that is used to bind it. The pellets are no bigger than a grain of rice and usually cannot be felt except for swelling when inserted. The pellet is placed under the skin and then your circulatory system can absorb hormones as needed. Pellet’s will completely dissolve into the bloodstream as the hormones are absorbed. Once hormone imbalance symptoms return, the pellet will need to be replaced. Usually patients will only need to undergo the procedure 2-4 times a year. As with most body cycles, patients will be able to schedule when it’s time to re-pellet after the first few hormone cycles.
The Pellet Therapy Procedure
The pellet procedure is quick and most patients experience minimal pain. The procedure averages 3-5 minutes for women and typically longer for men. After the initial needle of lidocaine and sodium bicarbonate, which numbs the insertion area, there is little discomfort for the patient. After the procedure it is recommended to have limited gluteal exercises for about 72 hours in women and 7 days for men to reduce swelling. The hormones begin to enter your bloodstream anywhere from 72 hours to 3 weeks for first time patients.
Pellet Therapy and Other Hormone Replacements
Different forms of hormone replacement therapies are applied via oral HRT, patches and topical creams. If you are using one of these forms, you do not need to stop taking current hormones for blood labs. It is recommended to not apply or take hormones the day of the blood draw and once it is complete you can resume your medications as directed. Once the pellet has been inserted, the doctor will advise on when to discontinue your previous hormone replacement.
Hormone Replacement Therapy at Essentially You
Dr. Samuels will sit with you for a one-on-one consultation to discuss if you can benefit from BioTE® hormone replacement therapy. She will answer any and all of your questions about the pellet application, hormone replacement, and other aspects of BHRT. For any other questions please call our office or read through the BioTE® FAQ page.
