As we know all too well, the aging process can do a number on our female hormones when they get out of balance and we can experience mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, headaches, and other unwanted symptoms, like the “middle-age middle” (aka a gut, the “spare tire,” the “muffin top”).

 

Hormonal fluctuations are most commonly associated with menopause, but you can also struggle with hormonal issues because of pregnancy, inherited disorders, or from having your ovaries removed.

 

Why is Hormone Replacement Therapy Important?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is beneficial to balance out your hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, so your body can function at its best.

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It’s essential to get started on a customized hormone replacement therapy plan to stop or minimize the severity of:

• Brain fog (poor concentration)

• Pain during intercourse

• Vaginal dryness

• Urinary incontinence

• Low libido 

• Night sweats

• Fatigue 

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HRT isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s also important for your bones. The decrease in estrogen you may have can increase your risk of bone loss (osteoporosis). By stabilizing your estrogen levels, your risk of osteoporosis or further bone loss decreases. 

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How long do I need to stay on Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is designed to be a short-term treatment plan, meaning it isn’t something you need for the rest of your life. Generally, you start HRT during perimenopause and stop after the onset of menopause once symptoms naturally resolve on their own. 

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Depending on the severity of symptoms, you may stay on hormone replacement therapy for about one to two years. Very few HRT plans last five years or more.

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How does Hormone Replacement Therapy work?

Hormone replacement therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s personalized to you. 

We prescribe hormone creams, patches, injections and pellet therapy.

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Once Dr. Brooks gets your lab results back and talks with you about your symptoms, she will tailor your plan to your unique needs. Hormone replacement therapy may involve:

• Wearing hormone skin patches

• Taking oral hormone medications

• Applying a topical estrogen cream

• Inserting vaginal hormone suppositories

• Pellet Therapy*

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*Often women will need to take progesterone by mouth or cream in addition to the estrogen pellet

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What is Pellet Therapy?

Pellet therapy, a form of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, is one of the most effective modalities available to deliver bio-identical hormones. The pellets are no larger than a grain of rice and contain bioidentical estrogen or testosterone are placed under the skin in the hip or lower abdomen under a local anesthetic.

 

Over the next 3-6 months, the pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones and avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. This includes not passing through the liver before going to the rest of the body which can result in unwanted risks including an increased risk of blood clots.

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Reasons that you might select pellet therapy over the other modes of delivery are:

• Convenience because the pellet is inserted under the skin once every three to five months

• No chance of the hormone rubbing off on a partner or child

• Pellets help achieve higher absorption level of hormones in some people

Most patients experience superior results over traditional methods of hormone replacement therapy and find pellet therapy is much more convenient than applying transdermal patches, messy creams or remembering to take a pill every day.

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Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy for Men

Hormone replacement therapy is commonly advertised to women, but men often need to supplement testosterone as they grow older. The male body naturally produces less of this hormone as it ages, and that leads to fatigue, reduced sexual desire and weight gain. Some men struggle to control their emotions and may sink into depression if their testosterone levels get too low.

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Men over the age of 30 may start to notice some of these symptoms, but hormone replacement is often not needed until they are over the age of 40. Instead of suffering from reduced motivation and the physical changes that come along with low testosterone production, many men seek out hormone pellet therapy for men.

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Once the pellets start releasing testosterone into a man’s bloodstream, he should start feeling more energetic and focused. He may find it easier to lose weight and build muscle, and controlling his emotions should get easier.

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How quickly will I see results?

Some patients begin to “feel better” within 24-48 hours while others may take a week or two to notice a difference.

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How long do the results last?

The pellets usually last between 3 and 5 months in women and 5-6 months in men. High levels of stress, physical activity, some medications and lack of sleep may increase the rate at which the pellet absorb and may require that pellets are inserted sooner in some patients.

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How much downtime?

The whole procedure takes less than 5 minutes and patients can return directly to work or their usual daily activity.  It is recommended to avoid heavy exercise, pools and hot tubs for about four days to allow the insertion site to heal. 

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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy safe?

Pellet therapy is a safe, natural alternative to synthetic hormones and is the only form of HRT that closely mimics the natural levels of hormones secreted in the body. With the steady stream of hormones delivered through pellet therapy, mood and energy fluctuations and other symptoms are kept at bay, 24/7.

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Am I a Good Candidate?

A consultation with our team is the best way to determine if this treatment is a good fit for you and your goals.
 

Schedule Your Consultation!

The pellet insertion cost is $250 for women and $500 for men. The pellets are reinserted every three to four months in women and every four to five months in men.