Choosing between hormone pellets and pills is one of the toughest decisions you’d have to make when starting hormone replacement therapy. This is because the two HRT methods have their own applications along with their own benefits that appeal to many patients.
For the past 28 years, Dr. Catherine Vanderloos has been one of the leading gynecologists based in Shreveport, LA, providing compassionate, superior healthcare for women of all ages. Find out which hormone replacement therapy method would be ideal for restoring your hormonal balance.
What Are Hormone Pellets?
A hormone pellet is a rice-size implant made from bioidentical hormones. These pellets are typically implanted under the skin of the hip or buttock area.
Hormone pellets release a steady supply of hormones like estrogen and testosterone int your bloodstream by way of bioidentical hormones.
The bioidentical hormones from these pellets help restore hormonal balance over an extended period, usually 90 days. Apart from restoring balance, hormone pellets help fix issues like decreased sex drive, fatigue, and weight gain that may come from age.
What is HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment that replenishes declining hormone levels. In this therapy, doctors administer bioidentical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone into a patient’s bloodstream.
These hormones help restore balance, thereby enhancing your quality of life.
Advantages of Hormone Pellets vs Pills
Typically, hormone pellets and pills play a similar role— they restore hormonal balance. However, each of the two HRT methods has distinct merits that you should consider when trying to narrow down which option might be right for you.
Here’s a quick overview of each HRT method and the advantages that come with each.
Advantages of Hormone Pills
Hormone pellets stand out for one primary reason. They eliminate the hassle of having to take a dose of hormones daily. Doctors implant the hormone pellets under the skin, where they keep releasing a small dose of hormones over a given period. The pellets’ function mimics the body’s natural rhythm of hormone production.
Hormone pellets are often preferred not only because of their convenience but also because a doctor can customize the dosage. This customization helps optimize HRT outcomes, saving you from several discomforts, including:
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Diminished sex drive
Advantages of Pills
Different from hormone pellets, hormone pills are taken orally. Many patients may prefer hormone pills if they’re uncomfortable at the thought of an implanted pellet.
With hormone pills, however, there’s a constant need to have to take them daily. This means that even missing one day might set you back in your treatment.
Many patients who come to our Shreveport office prefer hormone pellets for this specific reason.
Customized Hormone Pellets For Each Patient
Dr. Vanderloos’s practice is Shreveport’s premier provider when it comes to compassionate gynecological care for women of all ages.
We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone experiencing hormone imbalance.
For this reason, before treatment, Dr. Vanderloos conducts thorough evaluations to understand your needs and ensure you’re being heard.
After an initial consultation, we may prescribe a treatment such as the Biote pellet, a customized HRT option.
Unlike pills, the customized Biote pellets help restore balance more effectively.
Biote pellets are designed to help you manage hormone issues like weight gain, headaches, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Hormone Pellet Therapy in Shreveport, LA
When dealing with hormone imbalance, you need a supportive space for open discussions. Dr. Vanderloos’s practice in Shreveport is one such place.
Dr. Vanderloos will actively listen to and treat your concerns with compassion.
With over 28 years of experience, the NAMS-certified practitioner has amassed the knowledge to handle a spectrum of gynecological needs, ranging from minor to more complex cases.
Contact us to get the support you deserve.
Image Credits: angellodeco/Shutterstock
