What Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by our bodies, most commonly estradiol or testosterone. These hormones are delivered through small, solid pellets placed under the skin.
The hormone pellets are made from plant-derived compounds, typically sourced from soybeans, and compounded by a pharmacy in sterile glass vials before being provided to our office. Each pellet is only slightly larger than the size of a grain of rice and slowly releases hormones over time to help maintain consistent levels.
Because the hormones are bio-identical, the body processes them in a way that closely mimics natural hormone production.
Why Are Pellets the Best Choice for Hormone Therapy?
Pellets are used for hormone therapy because they provide a steady, consistent release of hormones. This helps avoid fluctuations that can occur with creams, pills and patches.
Each pellet is placed under the skin and gradually releases hormones for about 4-6 months in men and 3-4 months in women. This slow-release delivery helps maintain more stable hormone levels compared to other methods that cause peaks and dips.
Hormone pellet therapy is also made with bio-identical hormones, which are structurally the same as those produced by the body. Unlike synthetic hormone therapies, bio-identical hormones are not associated with the same increased risk of blood clot formation.
Pellet therapy maintains an extremely high success rate, even for patients who have tried other systems of hormone therapy with little or no results.
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Benefits of Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy helps improve energy, mood, cognitive function and overall quality of life by supporting more balanced hormone levels.
Patients often experience the following improvements:
- Improved energy levels
- Improved vitality
- Sharper cognitive function memory
- Reduced hot flashes
- Improved vaginal lubrication
- Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Increased motivation and mental drive
- Improved libido
- Improved symptoms of erectile dysfunction
- Increased fat loss support
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Improved blood pressure regulation
- Improved bone health and bone density support
- Reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease
- Reduced risk for prostate cancer
What Are the Effects of Pellet Therapy?
Testosterone pellets are used in both men and women as a part of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This will help improve lean body mass (strengthening muscles and bone density) and reduce your fat mass.
The most common response from our patients about pellet therapy is that it has restored their quality of life. With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, patients may experience the following improvements:
- Decrease body fat
- Increased muscle strength and endurance
- Restored or increased sex drive
- Relief from depression and anxiety
- Increased energy levels
- Greater focus and mental clarity
- Improved sleep and relief from insomnia
How Are Hormone Levels Measured Before and During Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Before hormone pellets are administered, we’ll draw a blood sample and send it to the lab for analysis. This helps establish your baseline hormone levels and allows us to determine your ideal hormone dose.
For men, we will measure testosterone, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), estradiol, blood count and liver profile levels. For women, hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone may be evaluated, along with other labs as needed based on individual symptoms and health history.
Hormone Therapy Testimonials
I just want to send a quick note to let you know my experience with the hormone pellets.
Prior to getting them, I was on a couple of different medicines which did not work very well. I used to go to sleep very cold and wake up in a sweaty hot flash. Then I would get cold and start the process all over again. I had low energy and was very uncomfortable.
After receiving my first injection, my life changed for the better. I no longer have any symptoms that I used to have every day!!! They changed my life. I am able to sleep, which makes my life so much better, in addition to not sweating like crazy on a daily basis! I am a much happier and comfortable person now.
Kolleen S.
Dr. Bloy and his staff have successfully treated me for many issues! I look better, my hormones are in balance, I’ve lost weight, and my sex life … well! Thanks to everyone who works so hard at the Fort Myers office!
Virginia O’Connor
Hormone Health Tests
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As we age, often times important hormone levels drop as well. At Contemporary Health Center, we are committed to providing relief for men and women suffering from symptoms of hormone deficiency. With a free consultation and a simple blood test, Dr. Bloy can help you determine if this treatment is right for you.
We are finding great success for our patients with this time-tested process, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy. Utilizing a quick, simple, painless in-office procedure, performed with a local anesthetic, tiny pellets are inserted under the skin allowing the medication to be absorbed over the next 4 to 6 months.
The results are exceptional and many times, more economical than other treatments. Men and women are experiencing better sleep and more energy in general. They are enjoying an increase in libido, a reduction in “hot flashes” for women and one of the best results, weight loss!
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQs
Do Hormone Levels Affect Hair Loss?
Yes. Hormone imbalances can contribute to hair thinning or hair loss in men and women. If hormone deficiency is an underlying cause, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may help support healthier hair growth by balancing hormone levels.
Can Hormone Therapy Restore My Libido?
Yes. Low libido, sexual dysfunction, pain during intercourse and reduced sexual desire can all be associated with hormone imbalances. By restoring hormone levels, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy may help improve libido, sexual function and overall sexual wellness for women and men.
What Does Pellet Therapy Cost?
The cost of hormone pellet therapy varies based on whether you receive male or female hormone therapy and how often treatment is needed.
Female Pellet Therapy Insertion is $425, typically lasting 3-5 months.
Male Pellet Therapy Insertion is $750, typically lasting 5-6 months.
The insertion fee does not include lab work or additional medical visits. Labs and most medical visits are often covered by your health insurance at little or no out-of-pocket cost to you. Lab fees are payable directly to the lab of choice and not to us.
Uninsured patients are charged the lowest possible cost for office visits and lab tests in our office. We make every effort to keep the costs low and order only the most comprehensive lab tests without resulting in high costs to our patients. We want hormone replacement therapy to be as affordable to all who need it!
Does Insurance Cover Pellet Therapy?
In most cases, hormone pellet therapy isn't covered by health insurance. While some insurance plans cover other forms of hormone replacement therapy, pellet therapy is often excluded.
However, many lab tests and office visits associated with hormone therapy may be covered by your insurance, depending on your plan. Even without insurance coverage for the pellets themselves, many patients find pellet therapy to be an affordable long-term treatment option because each insertion typically lasts several months. Receiving superior treatment is worth the investment.
Are There Any Adverse Side Effects from Pellet Therapy?
Bio-identical hormone pellets have very few side effects, and the ones that may occur are typically mild and temporary. These side effects include temporary breast discomfort, nipple tenderness, bloating and minor bruising at the insertion site. In rare cases, the insertion site may become inflamed or a pellet may work its way out.
Because hormone receptors are very sensitive, some patients may experience temporary water retention that resolves on its own. Women who still have their uterus may experience a return of light menstrual-type bleeding, which can often be managed by adjusting the pellet dosage.
Women receiving testosterone pellets may also experience increased or darker hair growth or mild acne. In men, testosterone therapy can increase red blood cell production. If hemoglobin or hematocrit levels become too high, donating a unit of blood may be recommended.
As with any treatment, it's important to let Dr. Bloy and his team know about any side effects you experience so your hormone therapy plan can be adjusted if needed.
Is There Any Recovery or Downtime After Pellet Insertion?
Yes, there are a few temporary activity restrictions after pellet insertion to allow the treatment site to heal properly. Women should avoid vigorous physical activity for 48 hours, while men should avoid strenuous activity for 5-7 days.
Returning to strenuous activity too soon may increase the risk of pellet extrusion, which occurs when a pellet works its way out of the insertion site. Although these restrictions may be inconvenient, they only apply for a short period after each treatment, which is typically needed just a few times per yet.
How Do You Measure Hormones Before and During Therapy?
We draw a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis before we administer hormone therapy pellets. This process establishes your baseline hormone levels and helps us determine the appropriate hormone dosage for your individual needs.
For men, lab testing may include testosterone, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), estradiol, complete blood count and liver function testing. For women, hormone levels and other lab work may be evaluated based on individual symptoms, medical history and treatment goals.
Will Testosterone Therapy Help My Headaches?
Yes! Testosterone pellet therapy has shown great success in dramatically reducing testosterone-related migraines and headaches.
Our team can help determine whether hormone therapy may be appropriate based on your symptoms and lab results.
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