What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-Identical Hormones are hormones that are the exact chemical structure of the hormones that your body makes naturally.
What are compounded hormones?
Compounded hormones are hormones mixed by our pharmacists in doses that are specific for you. They can make our bio-identical hormones in a variety of different delivery systems, such as pellets, creams, trouches, etc.
Are compounded hormones safe?
Yes. There is no reason to believe there are increased concerns with compounded products. We carefully choose accredited compounding pharmacies that include extensive quality control for our prescriptions.
What are Bio-identical hormone pellets?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pellets are a great delivery system that we recommend for our patients that have the most significant hormone related problems. They are pure hormones that are inserted under the skin on your hip. They are not metabolized into by-products because they do not pass through the skin or the gut. This delivery system allows your body to access the hormone as the blood flows around the pellet insertion site. Increased activity will increase the blood flow and increase the amount of hormone available to meet your body’s needs. This helps to keep a steady amount available to your system at all times.
How are hormone pellets placed?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pellets are small pellets that are inserted under the skin with a needle. We use local anesthetic and then place the insertion needle through a tiny incision in the skin on your hip. The whole process takes only a few minutes and creates very little discomfort.
How often do I need pellets inserted?
Depending on the patient, pellet therapy usually lasts about 12 weeks. Some patients require pellets less frequently and are only dosed twice per year. This usually depends on the type of hormone related symptoms, the patient experiences.
Do I need bloodwork every time?
Early on in your treatment, bloodwork is helpful for dosing. If you have had pellet therapy for quite some time, bloodwork is less important.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, there can be side effects. They are usually transient and usually fairly mild. We see mild acne flare-ups, breast/nipple tenderness, sometimes women will have uterine bleeding. Hair will grow faster. Women who have some facial hair may notice this growing too! This usually is easily managed. Occasionally a pellet will come out or “extrude”.
How long does it take for pellets to work?
This varies from patient to patient as well. Some patients notice a change in how they feel within a few days. Most patients will take 2 weeks or so before they begin to notice any changes.
Do I have to be in menopause to benefit from pellets?
No. Women of any age can struggle with hormone imbalance. Symptoms can begin as early as the mid-thirties. Symptoms can include severe PMS, migraine headaches, sleep problems, decreased libido, etc.
Are your services covered by insurance?
We are not “in network” with any insurance providers. But, we can provide you with coded claims to file with your insurance company for reimbursement, if your plan provides coverage for our services. Many patients use their Health Savings Accounts to cover our services.