Instructions prior to pellet insertion: Show
Instructions after pellet insertion:
Possible Side-Effects:
Understanding Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Data supports that hormone replacement therapy with pellet implants is the most effective and most bio-identical method to deliver hormones in both men and women. Implants, placed under the skin, consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones providing optimal therapy. What are pellets?Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The hormones are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a tic tac. In the US, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile vials. There is an FDA approved 75mg testosterone pellet. Why pellets? In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal and andropausal symptoms (male hormone decline or “male menopause”), maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance. Testosterone delivered by a pellet implant, has been used to treat migraine and menstrual headaches. It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency. In both men and women, testosterone has been shown to increase energy, relieve depression, increase sense of well being, relieve anxiety, and improve memory and concentration. Testosterone, delivered by pellet implant, increases lean body mass (muscle strength, bone density) and decreases fat mass. Men and women need adequate levels of testosterone for optimal mental and physical health and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and heart attacks, which are associated with low testosterone levels. Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. There is no other method of hormone delivery that is as convenient for the patient as the implants. Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s. Research on hormone implants to support breast cancer patients in staying in remission is out of the United States and there are also clinics that specialize in the use of pellets for hormone therapy in the US. In fact, there is more data to support pellets than any other method of delivery of hormones worldwide. How and where are pellets inserted? Are there any side effects or complications from the insertion of the pellets? After the insertion of the implants, vigorous physical activity is avoided for 72 hours in women and 5-7 days in men. Early physical activity is a cause of ‘extrusion,” which is a pellet working its way out. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a patient is diabetic or has had a joint replaced. However, this is a ‘clean procedure’ and antibiotics are most often not needed. Why haven’t I hear about pellets? Do men need hormone therapy? What if my primary care physician or my gynecologist says that there is ‘no data to support the use of pellet implants?’ Do pellets have the same danger of breast cancer as other forms of hormone replacement therapy? Testosterone, delivered by pellet implantation, has been shown to decrease breast proliferation and lower the risk of breast cancer, even in patients on conventional hormone replacement therapy. Clinical studies show that bio-identical testosterone balances estrogen and is breast protective. This is not true of oral, synthetic methyltestosterone found in Estratesta®, which gets converted to a potent synthetic estrogen, which can stimulate breast tissue. In the past, testosterone implants have been used to treat patients with advanced breast cancer. In 1940, it was theorized that treating patients with testosterone implants earlier, at the time of diagnosis, would have an even greater benefit, preventing recurrence. Androgens have also been shown to enhance the effect of Tamoxifen® therapy in breast cancer patients. References supporting these statements can be found in the data section of www.hormonebalance.org in the ‘Breast Cancer Folder.’ Are there side effects to estrogen delivered by pellet implantation? Will hormone therapy with estradiol and testosterone pellets help with hair loss? How long until a patient feels better after pellets are inserted? How long do pellets last? Do patients need progesterone when they use the pellets? The main indication for the use of synthetic progestins, like Provera®, is to prevent the proliferation (stimulation) of the uterine lining caused by estrogen. However, there are progesterone (not progestin) receptors in the bone, brain, heart, bladder, breast and uterus where progesterone has been shown to have beneficial effects. Progesterone can be used as a topical cream, vaginal cream, oral capsule (Prometrium®), sublingual troche or drops. Only oral progesterone (100-200mg) and vaginal progesterone (45-90mg) have been studied and shown to protect the uterine lining from estrogen stimulation. Women at any age may experience hormone imbalance. Levels decline or fluctuate contributing to debilitating symptoms. Hormone therapy with pellets is not just used for menopause. If a patient is pre-menopausal, she uses the progesterone the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of bleeding). Pellets are useful in severe PMS, post partum depression, menstrual or migraine headaches, and sleeping disorders. Pellets may also be used to treat hormone deficiencies (testosterone) caused by the birth control pill. How are hormones monitored during therapy? How much does this cost? For any questions please contact us at the Vibrant Health MD office: 214.918.7222. How long after Biote can you take a bath?Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 3 days. You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days). No major exercises for the incision area for the next 3 days, this includes running, elliptical, squats, lunges, etc.
How long does it take for hormone pellets to dissolve?As such, it's impossible to give a definitive timeline for the dissolving of hormone pellets. However, most patients report their pellets fully disappearing after 3 to 5 months. You may notice your pellets dissolving slightly before or after this period.
Can you swim after getting hormone pellet insertion?Do not remove this bandage for at least 7 days post pellet insertion. Do not immerse the incision site in water for 5 days. This means no tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming. You may shower the day following your procedure, just no soaking or immersing in water.
When can I remove bandage after hormone pellet insertion?You may shower, but do not remove the bandage or steri-strips for 7 days. No major exercises for the incision area. No heavy lifting using the legs for 7 days. This includes running, elliptical, squats, lunges, etc.
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