You’ve been hearing about how fantastic bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is and how it works to balance hormones and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
But have you been on the fence about it? And is that because
- you don’t want to have to remember to take yet another pill every day? Or
- get injections regularly? Or
- have to deal with messy creams and gels?
The good news is you don’t have to wait to get your best life back anymore. That’s because there’s an even better option to deliver BHRT to your system. It’s called BHRT pellet therapy.
What Are Bio-Identical Hormone Pellets?
Bio-identical hormone pellets are pellets that contain the same bio-identical hormones as in other types of delivery systems. That means they’re naturally sourced and derived from plants. Both men and women can use BHRT pellets as a part of their BHRT treatment plan.
If you’d like to read about the difference between HRT and BHRT, we give you the low-down here.
But back to BHRT pellets… The pharmacy will compress estradiol or testosterone into granular-sized cylinders about the size of a piece of rice. A BHRT specialist then inserts the BHRT pellet under your skin via a small incision. The procedure is quick and relatively painless.
The pellet remains under the skin and will deliver healthy levels of hormones into your system for 3-6 months. The consistent delivery of hormones directly into your bloodstream balances hormone levels and prevents fluctuations.
3-6 months after insertion, the pellets dissolve entirely and your body absorbs them. BHRT pellet therapy is therefore a viable option for you if you want a safe and effective way to balance hormones.
As with all treatment approaches, BHRT therapy has its pros and cons.
Let’s take a look at both so that you can make an informed decision as to whether BHRT pellet therapy is a good option for you.
Pros of BHRT Pellet Therapy
Pellet therapy is easy.
Do you have a busy schedule? Are you sick of traveling to a clinic for hormone injections? Then pellet therapy may be for you.
BHRT pellet therapy only requires 2-4 outpatient visits to your provider each year.
The BHRT pellet insertion process is easy.
Whatever customized hormone combination your BHRT pellet therapy contains, the insertion process is equally easy. Your specialist makes a 1/4” incision (usually in your hip). It needs no stitches, and leaves no scars.
Hormone dosage is released steadily.
Because there is a steady release of hormones into your system, you won’t experience the peaks and valleys associated with other delivery methods.
You won’t forget a dose.
Do you have trouble remembering to take pills or apply creams? BHRT pellet therapy decreases the risk of human error. Pellet therapy gives you the security of knowing you can’t compromise your results by not keeping to the routine. Your provider takes responsibility for the dose, the insertion of the pellet, and the timing of visits.
Cons of Pellet Therapy
You can’t remove BHRT pellets once they’re inserted.
Over-treatment with bio-identical hormones is possible. So, if your provider packs too high a dose in your pellet, you could have some unwanted side effects. You can avoid this “con” by doing your research and choosing your BHRT doctor wisely. Make sure that your specialist is highly trained and experienced in BHRT and pellet therapy.
Adjusting dosage in between insertion visits is tricky.
A good provider will thoroughly assess the state of your hormones, create a treatment plan, and measure your dose carefully. However, if you were to need to adjust the dose, you would need to wait until your next BHRT visit after your body has completely absorbed the hormones.
There can be some discomfort after the insertion.
Planting BHRT pellets under your skin is a minor, usually painless, procedure. As with all procedures, it carries a low risk of complications, including
- a small chance of infection
- some discomfort during and after the procedure
- mild bruising
- swelling
- redness of the incision site
There is a short recovery period after the pellet insertion.
You should avoid strenuous physical activity and prolonged water exposure for several days after implantation, so your schedule may feel somewhat disrupted. You may also want to rest if you experience any of the insertion side effects.
Pellet therapy is slightly more expensive than other BHRT delivery systems.
If your budget is tight, this may be a “con” for you. But you can weigh this against the longer-term gains of convenience to make the decision about whether BHRT pellet therapy is right for you.
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Cost
BHRT, in general, is not easy to price out because there are many variables to consider. The price of the bio-identical hormones alone can range from $45-$150 per month.
The average treatment cost with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy pellets is between $200-$600 per month. This cost includes medications, customized treatment plans, and follow-up appointments.
In addition, your initial treatment cost will be higher than your monthly rate. That’s because of the comprehensive lab tests necessary to determine the cause of your hormone imbalance.
The total price will therefore depend on your individual plan and whether or not your insurance policy will cover it. Most insurance companies will not cover pellet therapy because the compounding pharmacies mix the measured hormone compound just for you.
However, many people find that the long-term benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement pellet therapy are well worth the cost.
Safety and BHRT Pellets
All medications come with certain risks to consider before taking them. Bio-identical hormones and BHRT pellets are no different. People who use bio-identical hormone pellets may have an increased risk of:
- Water retention
- Acne
- Increased facial or body hair growth
- Uterine spotting or bleeding
- Breast Tenderness
Your BHRT specialist will be happy to discuss all risks and side effects with you before undergoing insertion of bio-identical hormone pellets.
What BHRT Pellets Can Do For You
If you’re suffering the effects of hormone imbalance, bio-identical hormone pellets may be a good treatment option for you.
The treatment brings your hormones back into balance so you may find an improvement in many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, or androgen (male) menopause. This could include:
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Sleep issues
- Low libido
- Pain during sex
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
Research is still ongoing, but there’s some evidence that BHRT pellet therapy could reduce your risk for diabetes, tooth loss, and cataracts – and improve the appearance and elasticity of your skin. What’s not to love?
Have We Given You Enough Information to Make a Decision About BHRT?
Contact us for a consultation today, and we’ll get you set up!