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!
Do Hormone Levels Affect Hair Loss?
A common cause of hair loss is suboptimal hormone levels. Pellet therapy can absolutely help to re-grow hair.
Can Hormone Therapy Restore My Libido?
If you’re experiencing low libido, sexual dysfunction, pain during intercourse, or lack of sexual desire, these could all be signs of hormone deficiency. Achieving optimal hormone balance can restore your quality of life by greatly improving sexual function, interest, and enjoyment.
What Does Pellet Therapy Cost?
Female Pellet Therapy Insertion is $425 lasting 3-5 months
Male Pellet Therapy Insertion is $750 lasting 5-6 months
Labs and additional medical visits are not included in the insertion cost. Labs and many 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 for office visits and lab fees at the lowest possible cost in our office. We make every effort to keep the costs low and order only the most comprehensive lab tests without resulting in excessive costs to our patients. We want pellet therapy to be as affordable to all who need it!
Does Insurance Cover Pellet Therapy?
Usually, pellet therapy is not covered by health insurance. While other forms of hormone therapy are covered by some insurance companies, pellets are excluded. Because hormone pellets aren’t produced by large, conglomerate pharmaceutical corporations, there isn’t any pressure being put on insurance companies to cover pellet therapy. When copays and deductibles are factored in, most of our patients find pellet therapy to be affordable despite the fact it isn’t covered by insurance. Receiving superior treatment is worth the investment.
Are There Any Adverse Side Effects from Pellet Therapy?
Unlike other less-effective forms of hormone therapy, there are very few side effects to pellet therapy. Even still, those side effects are transient. You may experience temporary breast discomfort, nipple tenderness, or bloating. Very rarely, a pellet insertion site could become inflamed or come out. Most patients, however, only experience minor bruising at the insertion site.
Because hormone receptors are very sensitive, you may also experience a temporary water weight gain, but it will resolve on its own. Some women (who still have their uterus) will see a return of some menstrual-type bleeding, but this bleeding is easily managed by adjusting the dosage of pellets.
With testosterone pellets, women may see increased or darker hair growth, or mild acne, but these are easily managed. Additionally, in men, testosterone stimulates bone marrow and increases production of red blood cells. if hemoglobin and blood count get too high, a unit of blood may be donated.
As with any product or procedure, it’s important that you let Dr. Bloy know about any side effects you might be experiencing during the brief hormone balancing process.
Is There Any Recovery or Downtime After Pellet Insertion?
After pellet insertion, any vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 48 hours in women, and for up to 5-7 days in men. Early physical activity can be a cause for pellet “extrusion,” the pellet working its way out of the insertion site. Though it may be inconvenient, this activity rest only occurs 3-4 times per year.
How Do You Measure Hormones Before and During Therapy?
Before hormone pellets are administered, we’ll draw your blood and send it to the lab for analysis. This will allow us to establish baseline hormone levels in your system. We can then determine the optimal hormone dose on an individual basis.For men, we will measure out testosterone, prostate specific antigen, estradiol, blood count, and liver profile levels will all be checked.
Will Testosterone Therapy Help My Headaches?
Yes! Testosterone pellet therapy has shown great success in dramatically reducing testosterone-related migraines and headaches.
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