BIOTE PELLET THERAPY
The Center for Women’s Health is proud to offer bio-identical hormone therapy using bioTe pellet therapy. The bioTe system allows our physicians to specifically tailor the dosages of hormones to each woman’s specific needs. Pellet therapy adds to the options we already to offer to aid in aging gracefully.
The term “bio-identical” means that the biochemical structure of the hormone is perfectly matched to the hormone produced in a woman’s body by her endocrine system. Bio-identical hormones are plant-based, natural substances. These compounded bio-identicals can be matched to each woman’s unique needs, something that’s impossible with mass-manufactured products.
The physicians at Center for Women’s Health have all undergone advanced training in hormone therapy in order to provide patients with the latest options. We are prepared to help you navigate the ever changing landscape of hormone therapy and assist you in finding the best treatment for you.
What is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Pellet Therapy uses hormones derived from natural plant sources to replicate the body’s normal hormonal levels. Patients have found that bio-identical hormone replacement therapy with pellet implants is extremely effective. Implants, placed under the skin, consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones providing optimal therapy.
Unlike typical oral and transdermal forms of therapy – which produce “roller coaster” hormone levels, resulting in mood and energy fluctuations for the patient – BioTE® Medical Hormone Pellet Therapy, is the only method of hormone therapy that provides sustained hormone levels throughout the day, for up to four to six months, without any “roller coaster” effect.
Because the hormones used are completely natural, BioTE® Medical Hormone Pellet Therapy is ideal for patients wanting the benefits of a natural hormone, without the drawbacks of a synthetic.
What are Hormone Pellets?
BioTE® pellets contain a natural plant source of estrogen and testosterone. A compounding pharmacist, using strict federal guidelines, compounds the estrogen and testosterone utilized in the pellets. These pellets, which are smaller than a grain of rice, are placed in the fatty tissue underneath the skin and most closely mimic the actions of healthy ovaries and testicles with regards to hormone release into the bloodstream. The hormone pellet implantation procedure is easily performed in the office.
Hormone Pellet Therapy for Women:
In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be extremely effective for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance, relief of depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and many others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is BioTE?®
BioTE® is a Bio-Identical form of hormone therapy that seeks to return the hormone balance to youthful levels in men and women.
+ How do I know if I am a candidate for pellets?
Symptoms may vary widely from depression and anxiety to night sweats and sleeplessness for example. You will be recommended to have blood work done which will determine your hormone levels. Once your doctor reviews and determines you are a candidate, we will schedule an appointment for insertion.
+ Will I have blood work done before each treatment?
No, only initially and four to eight weeks later to set your dosing. You may have it done again if there are significant changes.
+ What are the pellets made from?
They are made from wild yams and soy. Wild yams and soy have the highest concentration of hormones of any substance. There are no known allergens associated with wild yams and soy, because once the hormone is made, it is no longer yam or soy.
+ How long will the treatment last?
Every three to six months, depending on the person. Everyone is different so it depends on how you feel and what the doctor determines is right for you. If you are really active, you are under a lot of stress or it is extremely hot your treatment may not last as long. Absorption rate is based on cardiac output.
+ Is the therapy FDA approved?
What the pellets are consist of are FDA approved and regulated, the process of making pellets is regulated by the State Pharmacy Board, and the distribution is regulated by the DEA and Respective State Pharmacy Boards. The PROCEDURE of placing pellets is NOT an FDA approved procedure. The pellets are derived from wild yams and soy, and are all natural and bio-identical- meaning they are the exact replication of what the body makes.
+ How are they administered?
Pellet insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure done under local anesthesia. It takes an average of 5-10 minutes in total. The pellets are inserted subcutaneously (under the fatty lining of skin) in the upper buttocks through a very small incision. The incision is then closed with surgical glue or sterile tape strips. Patients should not be able to feel the implants under their skin. Hormone implants placed under the skin consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones, keeping a patient’s levels in a therapeutic range until the next pellet procedure.
+ What are the side effects?
Unlike with other forms of hormone therapy, there are few side effects with pellet hormone therapy. Two percent of patients experience mild acne or facial hair, and less than 1 percent experience hair thinning. All of these mild side effects are easily treatable.
+ Does it matter if I am on birth control?
No, the doctor can determine what your hormone needs are even if you are on birth control.
+ What if I am already on HRT of some sort, such as creams, patches, or pills?
This is an easy transition. The doctor will be able to determine your needs even though you may be currently taking these other forms of HRT.