Women go through a variety of changes as they age. One significant one is a decrease in hormones. Estrogen and prolactin are the most affected, but growth hormone, aldosterone, calcitonin, and renin are also involved. Lower hormone levels have a wide range of effects, which can be uncomfortable and discouraging.
Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy is one option for dealing with menopause. There are numerous options for hormone replacement, and one is hormone pellets. Dr. Vanderloos, located in Shreveport, LA, has more than 30 years of experience working with her patients, offering MedSpa and OBGYN services. In this article, we’ll look at what hormone pellets are, who is the ideal candidate, potential drawbacks, and the benefits.
What are Hormone Pellets?
BHRT is an abbreviation for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. What does that mean? Bioidentical means the supplement hormone is molecularly identical to the human hormone. People with hormone deficiencies or excesses may benefit from BHRT.
Women’s BHRT pellets are placed subcutaneously in the upper buttocks. They contain custom-combined hormones and binders. Every hormone batch is tested for potency, sterility, and endotoxins to give patients the best treatment to speed up their recovery.
The BHRT pellet insertion process is easy and fast. To begin, a patient must locate a Biote Certified Provider. They will then make an appointment to have their hormone levels tested in the office. Based on a thorough consultation and extensive lab work, the provider will determine whether the patient is a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women.
Ideal Candidates for Hormone Pellet Therapy
Many menopausal symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by balancing hormones, particularly bioidentical hormones. The ideal candidate is women who are experiencing:
- Mood changes – Hormonal changes can affect mood, from increased anxiety to depression.
- Energy changes – Low energy and fatigue are common complaints among menopausal women.
- Difficulty sleeping – 25% to 50% of women suffer from sleep difficulties due to hormonal imbalances.
- Sexual difficulties – Decreased sex drive and vaginal dryness can lead to painful sex.
- Hot flashes – Hot flashes are a widespread issue with menopause.
If you believe hormone pellet therapy may be an effective treatment for you, it’s best to set up a consultation with Dr. Vanderloos office so we can answer any questions you might have.
Are Hormone Pellets Safe?
The FDA-approved bioidentical hormones have undergone safety testing. They have passed the FDA’s stringent standards and are suitable for human consumption. There are risks associated with this treatment, as with all hormone treatments. Even FDA-approved bioidentical hormones should be discussed with your doctor.
Potential Drawbacks
Hormone therapy may not be safe if you’ve had or are at high risk for the following conditions:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Heart or cardiovascular disease
- Breast cancer
- Stroke
Furthermore, side effects are possible, particularly after the first dose. The dose may need to be adjusted in some cases as your body may not be accustomed to the increased hormone levels. Common bioidentical hormone side effects may include:
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Acne
- Increased facial hair
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Mood swings
Benefits of Pellet Therapy
Customized pellets are one advantage of pellet therapy. This is helpful because each woman’s symptoms and levels differ, and customizing medication improves the results.
Additionally, pellets are easy and convenient. Patients may need to take hormone replacement tablets or injections daily with conventional hormone treatment. However, Biote hormone pellets eliminate that hassle. The pellets are placed every two to three months, depending on the patient, and the slow-release nature of the pellets helps prevent lows and highs that could create adverse side effects.
Pellet Therapy in Shreveport, LA
Hormone pellets can be an effective way to manage hormonal imbalances and improve your general well-being.
Contact Dr. Vanderloos in Shreveport, LA, to see if pellet therapy is right for you.
Image Credits: Ramona Aleo/Shutterstock
