Natural changes in hormone production signal a variety of biological changes during middle age. However, while these hormonal changes are normal, they can be very disruptive to your daily life. If you find that the symptoms of hormonal imbalance are causing symptoms that are difficult to cope with, you may want to visit Revive Wellness Group in Gibsonburg, OH, and Perrysburg, OH to learn about hormone pellet therapy.
What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone replacement pellets are the main therapeutic delivery system for patients who are undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement treatment. Pellet therapy is the preferred method for this treatment because the dosage of hormones is released over several months, which creates gradual and natural results for patients.
These pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and are designed to have an extended slow release. After the pellet is inserted into the muscular tissue of the lower hip, it will take the body’s immune response several months to dissolve and absorb the pellet. With this simple treatment, patients will benefit from better hormone balance without the stress of daily hormone application or medication.
How Does Hormone Pellet Therapy Work?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with pellets is based on a scientific understanding of the amount of hormones your body needs to operate at peak efficiency. To be clear, the goal of this treatment is not to reverse the changes of natural hormone decline but to manage the symptoms so they are not so disruptive to your health.
The first part of your treatment will be to attend a comprehensive consultation, which will establish your symptoms, your relative level of health, and your eligibility for this treatment. You will be asked to complete bloodwork, either in the office or an outside lab, so your hormone levels can be assessed. If your physician decides pellet therapy is ideal for you, a prescription order will be placed and a treatment appointment will be scheduled.
Your Treatment
Your appointment will take about 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Pellets are usually inserted into fleshy areas of the body, so the most common location is the lower hip; a small incision will be made in this area, and once the pellet is placed, the incision will be taped close. After the pellet is inserted, you will be given a set of instructions for how to care for the incision site for the next few days, such as avoiding hot water on the area.
How Is Your Dosage Determined?
The dosage for your pellet therapy will be determined by your bloodwork, specifically the hormones in your body as represented by blood serum tests. The goal of this treatment is to restore the balance of your hormones, so the exact level of hormones you need for your treatment will be different from another person’s. Both the type of hormones you need and the amount appropriate for you will be determined by your bloodwork.
How Soon Can You See Results?
Although it will take some time to notice any significant results of this treatment, most people using this treatment for the first time will be able to see initial results within a few days or weeks. You may notice improvements in your energy levels, your appetite, and your mood at first; other physical results, such as better muscle tone or hair and skin health, may take four or more weeks to be visible.
There are a few signs to look out for to determine whether or not the pellet therapy is working. Some patients notice a temporary gain of water weight, which will dissipate within weeks. Women may notice breast tenderness, while men may notice a faster increase in muscle mass. Most people will be able to see the results of this treatment within two to four weeks. The results will gradually improve over several months.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this treatment last for as long as the pellet is active in your body. For most patients, the results of this treatment will last for three to six months. When the results of this treatment start to fade and the symptoms of hormone imbalance return, you will need to have another treatment. The pellets will not need to be removed from the body since the pellets will dissolve as they are absorbed by the body.
What Can Affect Result Longevity?
Some factors may affect how long your pellet therapy will last. For example, your gender may determine the longevity of your results; for women, results can last for three to five months, while men can experience results for five to six months. Additionally, stress, high physical activity, sleep deprivation, and even some medications can affect how quickly the hormones in the pellet are absorbed.
Do Women Need Additional Medications?
Although pellet therapy is an ideal avenue for hormone replacement for both genders, it’s usually necessary for women to have an additional prescription with this treatment. As a rule of thumb, when estradiol is prescribed, progesterone is also prescribed to aid in absorption and hormone balancing. This prescription can be applied as a cream (topical or vaginal), capsule, or sublingual form. Women who are still experiencing menstrual cycles will use this prescription during the last two weeks of the cycle for the best effects.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Good candidates for hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormone pellets include any woman or man who is experiencing moderate to significant symptoms associated with a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include fatigue, confusion, mood swings, hot sweats, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, changes in hair and skin health, and low libido. Your legibility for this treatment will be determined during a consultation.
Hormone Replacement Pellets Restore Your Balance
Hormones change as you age, but coping with the symptoms of this natural process can be difficult. Hormone replacement pellets are an ideal treatment for most people who want to balance their health and wellness. The effects of this treatment can last for three to six months at a time, making it a perfect, hassle-free treatment for most people. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.