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Are you experiencing the effects of age and just don't feel like yourself anymore? Do you have frequent hot flashes, a reduced libido, or an increase in sleep problems? You could benefit from seeking out hormone replacement therapy.
In this article, you'll learn everything you should know about a type of HRT that uses bio-identical hormone pellets. We'll discuss the nature of the treatment, potential side effects, signs you might need HRT and more.
Bio-identical hormone replacement uses pellets as a natural alternative to synthetic treatments. Hormone pellets consist of either estradiol (a form of estrogen), progestin, or testosterone, depending on your needs. They're between the size of a grain of rice and a medium-sized medicine capsule.
A healthcare professional inserts the pellet under your skin, usually in your hip or upper thigh.
Rather than taking a mass-produced hormone, a bio-identical hormone matches your individual needs and metabolizes in your body the way nature intended. The pellet consists of plant-based materials, so vegans can use them without concern.
Men and women have estrogen, though it's more prominent and necessary in women. Its primary responsibility is regulating a woman's reproductive system, and in men, the testes produce estrogen, as do fat cells and adrenal glands.
Estrogen also regulates sex drive, helps develop sperm, supports male and female fertility, and regulates bone health and weight. Unbalanced estrogen can cause depression, sexual dysfunction, and prostate issues.
Though progestin is present in both men and women, females contain higher levels of it. This hormone's primary function is to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the woman's uterus for the implantation of an embryo. A woman's period occurs when an egg doesn't implant, causing progestin to drop and the uterine lining to shed.
In men, progestin helps produce sperm, regulate mood, maintain muscle mass, balance estrogen, regulate blood sugar, and several other minor functions.
While testosterone is most commonly thought of as a male hormone, women also have it at low levels. In men, testosterone helps:
In women, testosterone helps enhance ovarian function, improves bone strength, and may help balance libido.
How do you know whether you could benefit from HRT? While some symptoms differ in men and women, you can look for these most common signs:
Healthcare professionals use HRT to treat conditions that arise from an imbalance in a person's hormones. These conditions include menopause, osteoporosis, low libido, and gender dysphoria. Depending on your condition, your healthcare professional might suggest using other types of treatment before trying HRT.
According to the State of Menopause Study, only 27% of women seek treatment for their menopause symptoms. The Endocrine Society estimates that roughly 35% of men age 45 and older experience low testosterone from hypogonadism and could benefit from hormone replacement therapy.
Because of potential side effects, a doctor may advise against HRT if you have a blood clotting disorder, a cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, or a have a high risk of stroke. Other minor potential side effects include:
One study by Dr. Kjersti Bakken found that roughly 43% of women experience side effects while on HRT. Roughly half of the women experienced only a single side effect.
What are the benefits of a hormone replacement therapy that uses bio-identical pellets?
One of the best advantages of pellet hormone therapy is that a single treatment usually lasts between five and six months. Many patients prefer to receive continual treatments so they continue feeling great even as their body ages.
Always consult your doctor about whether you should continue seeking treatment. Many patients still feel great even after they've stopped treatment.
Inserting a hormone pellet is an easy in-patient procedure with minimal recovery time. During the appointment, the doctor applies a local anesthetic to the insertion location (usually the butt or hip) and places the pellet into the fatty tissue. The incision is so small that it doesn't need stitches.
The entire process takes only about 15 minutes. For three to five days after the procedure, you'll need to avoid strenuous activity, avoid prolonged exposure to water, and keep the incision site clean.
Most patients start noticing a reduction in their symptoms in as little as 48 hours after receiving their pellet. In some women and most men, noticeable changes can take up to two weeks.
You'll likely start noticing benefits sooner if you pair your HRT with a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine.
Since bio-identical pellets are not made from synthetic materials, many healthcare professionals and manufacturers consider them safer and less likely to cause side effects than artificial or synthetic hormones. However, because bio-identical hormone pellets are new, very few studies have shown they increase safety or effectiveness. Talk with your provider about your concerns.
One of the most significant benefits of hormone pellets compared to traditional HRT is how convenient the treatment remains in the long term. While other forms require wearing an uncomfortable patch, taking daily pills, or receiving regular injections, hormone pellets require one or two fast appointments a year.
Hormone replacement therapy has benefits that can improve your overall health, in addition to alleviating specific symptoms related to low testosterone or menopause. Researchers suggest that bio-identical hormone pellets can impart the following health improvements:
While most people associate hormone replacement therapy with women experiencing menopause, both men and women can benefit from it, though the treatment differs slightly based on gender.
Women are more likely to undergo HRT because every female goes through menopause. Most women choose not to seek hormone replacement therapy despite how drastically the symptoms can affect their lives.
In women, HRT most often addresses estrogen. However, since each woman's body is different, some providers may suggest adding progestin or even testosterone to your hormone replacement therapy. Several studies indicate that adding progestin to an estrogen-focused HRT can reduce the risk of long-term severe side effects like cancer.
Also known as hypogonadism, low testosterone is the primary reason men seek HRT. While low testosterone can begin at any time, even within the womb, most experts agree that, on average, men begin naturally losing testosterone around the age of 40 at a rate of about 1 or 2% per year.
HRT for men can also treat erectile dysfunction and andropause, a type of male menopause that arises from hormonal imbalance but isn't universally experienced in men.
Unless they're undergoing treatment for gender dysphoria, most men do not use estrogen or progestin as part of their hormone replacement therapy.
How can you choose the best provider for hormone replacement therapy?
While a general practitioner can oversee your hormone replacement therapy, you want a specialist who frequently treats menopause, hypogonadism, and other hormone-specific treatments. You won't need a doctor who only specializes in hormone replacement therapy, but it should be a large part of what they do on a daily or weekly basis.
While hormone replacement therapy doesn't require any specialized training, many doctors receive additional education to help provide more expert service. For example, while some doctors take extra classes or courses on hormone replacement therapy, others participate in years of fellowship for endocrinology (the study of the hormonal system).
Always ask a doctor about their training concerning your specific condition and any treatment you'll require.
Always look at reviews of the doctor and their health practice before you commit to working with them. Most doctors will have reviews posted on their websites, but they usually only post the best ones.
Find reviews about the doctor, and in particular how they provide hormone replacement therapy, from third-party websites like Google My Business, healthgrades.com, or ratemds.com. While many of the reviews can still show bias, if you notice trends in the positive or negative things the reviewers mention, you can assume they say something true about the practice.
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances who have also undergone hormone replacement therapy, you can ask them about their experience and whether they recommend the doctor they used.
You want a doctor that prioritizes helping patients achieve a greater overall quality of life. To some providers, you're just a number, and they treat you as quickly as possible so they can move on to the next treatment. Others don't take the time to understand how their treatment will impact your overall quality of life.
You want a doctor who spends time understanding your life, your health goals, and how their treatment integrates with your other healthcare initiatives.
You'll need multiple tests before you can receive hormone replacement therapy, so make sure you find a provider that can run the tests at their practice. If you have to go to a different location to receive the testing, it can delay the process, and it's inconvenient at best.
The ability to provide their own testing and lab work shows they are an established healthcare provider with experience and who remains serious about providing quality care for their patients.
If you're having symptoms of menopause, low testosterone, or other hormonal imbalances, you may benefit from natural hormone replacement therapy. The team of health professionals at Connecticut Pain Solutions passionately works to reduce your chronic pain. We tailor our treatment to your needs and make you feel comfortable throughout the treatment.
To talk with our support staff or book an appointment, call 203-626-9080 today.
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about hormone replacement therapy
There is no best type of doctor when it comes to hormone replacement therapy, as various types of specialists can provide the treatment. Gynecologists are one of the most frequent practitioners because they're familiar with helping women through menopause.
Endocrinologists also specialize in hormones, and males might receive the treatment from a urologist.
Long-term hormone replacement therapy side effects include an increase in blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. However, one study by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care saw a significant increase in these conditions only after seven years of therapy. For example, the study showed that after eight years, the woman's risk of breast cancer increased from 2.6% to 3.3%.
You'll benefit most from hormone replacement therapy if you are a woman experiencing symptoms of menopause that are affecting your overall quality of life. Men benefit most from HRT when symptoms of low testosterone decrease their ability to perform day-to-day responsibilities.
You cannot take more hormones to increase how quickly you experience results from hormone replacement therapy. In fact, taking too many hormones can increase the likelihood and severity of side effects. Whether you've opted for a pellet or a more traditional method of HRT, always use it as directed by your healthcare provider.
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