Hormone Pellet Therapy
What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Pellet implants are a unique way to get the hormones used to treat hormone imbalances into the body. In a simple, quick office procedure, your doctor inserts a prescribed number of hormone pellets under the skin near the hip. These pellets will release steady small amounts of hormone directly into your bloodstream for several months.
Belmar compound manufactures hormone pellet implants in
- Estradiol (E2)
- Testosterone
- Testosterone with Cholesterol
- Progesterone
- Anastrozole
We use terminal sterilization techniques to ensure the sterility of our pellets.
Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy
Bioidentical hormones are used to treat men and women with low hormone levels. They have the same molecular structure as natural human hormones and work the same way. Delivering these medications in pellet form has several benefits:
- Convenience — You don’t need to worry about remembering to take your medication daily. Hormone pellets may only need to be inserted 3-4 times per year
- Minimal Side Effects — Pellet therapy sends hormones into the bloodstream, avoiding certain side effects of oral medications
- Consistency— Pellets supply a consistent level of hormones in the bloodstream
Conditions Treated
Hormone pellet therapy can be used to treat many of the conditions that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy addresses.
Menopause
The most common use of BHRT is to treat the symptoms of menopause in women. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, foggy thinking, and mood changes.
Low Testosterone
Levels of testosterone normally decline with age. Some people have no symptoms, but it can cause men, in particular, to have sexual problems, hair loss, fatigue, loss of muscle and bone mass, fat gain, mood issues and memory problems.
Loss of Bone Density
Postmenopausal osteoporosis affects women during the first decade following menopause. Bones become brittle, fragile, and easy to fracture. This is one of the most common postmenopausal problems doctors treat.
Sexual Dysfunction
BHRT may help with vaginal dryness in women, decreased libido in both sexes, and sexual functioning issues in men.
Muscle and Strength Loss
Men and women can lose muscle mass and strength as hormone levels decrease. Hormone replacement can help patients continue enjoying their favorite sports and activities.
Mood Disorders
Hormonal changes in menopause or andropause can cause or worsen mood swings, anxiety disorders, or depression. In addition to worry, fear, agitation, irritability, nervousness, and irrational thoughts, patients can have physical symptoms — rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, nausea, numbness, lightheadedness, shakiness, and high blood pressure.
Who May Benefit from Pellet Hormone Therapy?
Pellet hormone therapy typically benefits people who have symptoms of hormone imbalance related to age or other factors. In addition to serious medical conditions, as hormone levels decline, both men and women can feel less like “themselves” than when they were younger. They may not have the strength or energy they once had, sex may be difficult or uncomfortable, they may gain or lose weight, and they may be more sensitive to heat and cold. All kinds of things can change, from hair and skin to memory, when the body isn’t producing its optimal level of hormones.
Who Should Avoid Pellet Hormone Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy does have potential for risks and side effects which can vary from individual to individual, based on a patient’s medical history and lifestyle. You should always consult carefully with your doctor about the potential pros and cons for you. Some issues may be better or worse with pellet delivery than oral or cream delivery. Make sure your doctor knows if you:
- Think you may be pregnant
- Are experiencing vaginal bleeding
- Have/had certain types of cancer such as breast, uterine, or endometrial
- Had a stroke or heart attack
- Have/had blood clots
- Develop a local reaction to the implant, such as itching and redness
- See the pellets dislodging and coming out of the skin
If you have any of these risk factors, your doctor may want to consider a different solution for you.
Belmar’s Hormone Pellet Solutions
The following medication solutions currently fall within our BHRT formulary:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Testosterone
- Testosterone with Cholesterol
- Progesterone
- Anastrozole
If you’re dealing with or concerned about one of the conditions listed above, visit our Conditions page to find resources and guides to help you discuss compounding solutions with your doctor.
If you’re a clinician who’s interested in prescribing compound medications for your patients, visit our Belmar Solutions page to find a formulary and learn more about the solutions Belmar offers.
