Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Pelleting 101

In previous blog posts we've outlined the benefits of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for men and women. The symptoms and discomfort resulting from low hormone levels is very real to those experiencing it. And it is not a condition that should just be tolerated and lived with. We all know that having optimal health both physically and emotionally increases your enjoyment of life. It also makes you more pleasant to be around. If God made us for relationship, then that is vital to our survival. To be loved and lovable.
 
The question then becomes, how do I know if I need BHRT? A consultation with Jackie Tewes APRN, CNP, MSN is the first step. She will do a blood draw to establish hormone levels and explain the results. She will offer suggestions to help you reach your optimal levels (not just share the normal range with you). Jackie will do more than outline next steps - she will educate you - which helps you make an informed decision for your health. Then you can schedule your therapy as needed.

​Here are a few questions that have come from patients and a few answers that will serve as a helpful resource for you.

Q: What are the symptoms of a hormone imbalance?

A: Some symptoms for women include fatigue, night sweats, hot flashes, decreased sex drive, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiousness, mood swings, depression, and discomfort during intercourse. For men, symptoms may be the same but include decreased bone mass, increased waist size, brain fog, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar.

Q: What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

A: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps to re-establish your natural, optimal hormone levels, bringing your body back into balance and improving the negative symptoms you are experiencing. Traditional hormone replacement therapy consists of synthetic hormone preparations which increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, prostate cancer and breast cancer. However, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) does not have these associated risks. Learn more»

Q: What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

A: It is a replacement that is identical in structure to what the ovary and testicle produce. Pellets are bio-identical hormones that are plant-based and smaller in size than a grain of rice.

Q: Why does FMW offer only Bioidentical Therapy?

A: We want to offer the best treatment possible. Because hormones are naturally released, the ideal hormone replacement would be a continuous absorption of a small amount of a natural product over a long period of time. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has been studied extensively and has shown to have the opposite outcomes of synthetic hormone replacement therapy. BHRT can improve bone density, reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer, lower cholesterol, promote weight loss, and reduce blood sugar.

Q: What is Pelleting?

A: The process of inserting a small pellet painlessly under the skin. It is not surgically implanted, but a small amount of local anesthetic is used to numb the area. The pellet is inserted with a patented trocar, similar to a mini epidural needle. Then a steri-strip is used to close the entry point. After your clinic visit you can return to your regular life. There are a few restrictions for the first three days after treatment such as no swimming, hot tub, or bath and no strenuous exercise.

Q: How effective is Pelleting Therapy for hormone replacement?

A: Hormone pellet replacement therapy has become a time-tested treatment that was first performed in 1939. Women will feel the benefits within one week of treatment and men within two weeks. Symptoms are relieved for months from that one pellet insertion.

Q: How often do I need a pelleting treatment?

A: The key is to optimize and balance your hormones. So, depending on when you start to feel symptoms returning and when the lab results show a hormone level change you will know when you need another pelleting treatment. Typically, it is every three to four months for women and every five to six months for men. Let our practitioners create an individualized treatment plan for you.

What are Flourish patients saying about their pelleting experiences?

Watch these patient testimonial videos or read the stories from our patients.

Let the recommendations of others and guidance from a medical professional help you toward a healthier life. Our daily motivation at Flourish Medical +Wellness is to help our patients make an informed decision that brings them closer to who God made them to be. We hope you will schedule your first visit and reach out with any questions.

Resource: Age Healthier Live Happier by Dr. Gary Donovitz