The Pros and Cons of Hormone Pellets
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating our body’s functions, and when levels are off, they can greatly impact our quality of life. Hormone imbalances can lead to a variety of undesirable symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, low libido, and mood swings.
Hormone pellet therapy is a popular delivery method for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that offers a consistent release of hormones into the body. This long-term therapy method is often preferred over other forms of hormone replacement therapy thanks to its convenience and effectiveness in providing long-lasting relief from symptoms.
Before committing to pellet hormone therapy, it is important to consider the benefits and risks so you can decide if this method of HRT is best for you and your lifestyle.
Read on to learn all about the pros and cons of hormone pellets so you can empower yourself to choose the best treatment option for you.
What Are the Benefits of Hormone Pellets
Pellet Hormone Therapy is a safe, easy, and effective treatment that delivers small amounts of natural hormones regularly. There are countless benefits you can enjoy when undergoing pellet hormone therapy. One of the main advantages is that it can help address hormonal imbalances that cause low energy, mood swings, or trouble sleeping and greatly improve your quality of life.
Additional benefits include:
- Restores natural hormone levels
- Improves mood
- Relieves symptoms of menopause
- Increases energy levels
- Improves quality of sleep
- Supports weight management
- Enhances libido
- Reduces anxiety
- Improves bladder control
- Improves bone density
- Improves memory and concentration
- Improves quality of life
Understanding Hormone Pellet Therapy
Hormone pellet therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that helps regulate the hormones in our bodies. This type of HRT slowly releases hormones into the body over several months. Once hormone levels increase, most people see their symptoms improve.
Hormones are chemical messengers that help coordinate important body functions, such as mood, metabolism and energy levels, and sexual function. There are three main hormones in both men and women: estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. These hormones all work in harmony.
Our hormone levels can change as we age, throwing our bodies out of balance. This deficiency can lead to recurrent symptoms like mood swings, trouble sleeping, and changes in the libido. Hormone pellet therapy can help relieve these symptoms by replacing the hormones that our body is lacking.
Hormone Pellets: What to Expect
Pellet hormone therapy is a straightforward method that involves inserting tiny, rice-sized pellets under the skin to help regulate hormone levels. The procedure is quick and takes place in your doctor’s office. Hormone pellets are generally inserted in the hip or buttocks area. During the procedure, your doctor will clean the area, apply a local anesthetic, and make a small incision to insert the pellets.
The dosage of hormone pellets varies depending on factors like gender, weight, and individual hormone levels. Most patients experience little to no pain following pellet insertion. You may experience some mild discomfort or bruising at the insertion site, but this should go away quickly.
Most individuals notice energy, mood, and general well-being improvements within a couple of weeks. Depending on your individual hormone levels and your doctor’s treatment plan, you can expect to return 2-4 times a year to receive additional pellets.
Pros of Hormone Pellet Therapy
Learning about the different hormone pellet therapy benefits can help you envision a better quality of life. This simple, reliable treatment can reduce your symptoms and provide more consistent relief and peace of mind in comparison with alternative hormone treatment methods like creams or pills.
Convenient Method
This method is more convenient for patients who do not want to remember to take medication every day. Unlike other HRT methods that may require taking daily pills or administering weekly injections, hormone pellets require an easy, in-office procedure two to four times a year. Plus, the method is quick and typically painless.
Reliable, Consistent Delivery
Hormone pellets release a steady flow of hormones over time. This method provides a consistent, predictable dose of hormones in the body that can better stabilize mood and energy levels. Other HRT methods, like pills, creams, or patches, fluctuate in delivery and can lead to a rollercoaster-like effect.
Reduced Risk of Mistake
With hormone pellets, you eliminate the chances of error and can enjoy consistent relief from your symptoms. You don’t need to worry about making a mistake in dose.
The effectiveness of alternative HRT, such as pills, patches, creams, and injections, depends on how well you follow your dosing schedule and instructions. One small mistake in dose can impact your results.
Personalized Method
Your doctor will personalize your hormone pellet therapy to your unique hormone needs. Dosage and hormone types will depend on factors like gender, individual hormone levels, and weight. This customization can lead to more effective results.
Cons of Hormone Pellet Therapy
Hormone pellets have many advantages that can provide great relief for conditions like menopause or low testosterone levels. However, a few disadvantages exist before committing to this form of HRT.
Non-Invasive Procedure
Undergoing hormone pellet insertion involves a minor, non-surgical procedure that carries a low risk of complications. This may include the possibility of infection and pellets shifting or coming out. Additionally, taking time to schedule and go to appointments for hormone pellet insertion might be better if you have a busy schedule.
Down Time
After pellet insertion, it will impact your lifestyle for a few days. You may notice minor swelling, bruising, or redness at the treatment site, but these side effects will go away on their own. You will need to avoid strenuous activity or exercise for 24-48 hours to prevent the pellets from shifting or expelling. Additionally, you will need to avoid submerging the treatment site in water. This may deter you if you live an active lifestyle and do not wish to take any time off from physical activity.
Not Removable
After your procedure, pellets cannot be removed, and will dissolve over time. While your doctor can adjust your dosage or administer additional pellets at your next insertion, this form of hormone therapy delivers fixed results for 3-6 months.
Hormone Pellets vs. Injections
When it comes to hormone replacement therapy, hormone pellets, and injections are two of the most popular methods on the market. But which one is better?
In general, hormone pellets offer the longest-lasting delivery method for hormone therapy. Pellets release hormones steadily and slowly over time. However, hormone delivery can fluctuate with injections, leading to a rollercoaster-like effect.
Aside from consistent hormone delivery, pellets are also a more favorable method due to their ease of use and convenience. Implantable pellets last up to 6 months and only require additional insertion procedures 2-4 times yearly. With injections, you will need monthly, biweekly, or even weekly recurring treatments.
Additionally, hormone pellets have a higher patient success rate. In one study, 95% of patients were satisfied with their treatment within the first 12 months. Specifically, patients were able to experience greater improvements in energy, libido, concentration, and mood. In comparison, 75% of patients using injections were happy with their results.1
Get Safe, Reliable BHRT Pellets in Northern Virginia
If you are looking to improve your quality of life and find relief from your current symptoms, pellet hormone replacement therapy at Better Body MD can be an amazing option. We are a leading pellet hormone replacement therapy provider in Leesburg, Virginia, and greater Washington, DC.
Our facility specializes in hormonal health for men and women and has the experience to provide personalized care, support, and guidance tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. Call (703) 687-3601 to schedule your complimentary HRT consultation. Speak with one of our knowledgeable physicians to learn more about the benefits of hormone pellets and whether this method is best for you.
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SOURCES:
1.Patient satisfaction with testosterone replacement therapies: the reasons behind the choices. J Sex Med. 2014.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
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by submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.