Putting something foreign into your body that can alter your hormone levels can be scary. Women wrestle with the idea of toughing menopausal symptoms they continue to battle or addressing the symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. Not all hormone replacement therapy is the same, however. There are a variety of different treatment options available. We will be discussing the difference between bioidentical hormone pellets and the other forms of HRT.
What Are Bioidentical Hormone Pellets?
Bioidentical hormone pellets are compounded hormones the size of rice or grain. They are implanted into the hip region of a patient undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The pellets are tailored to a patient’s hormonal needs and produced by a compounding pharmacy that specializes in hormone replacement therapy. They contain the hormones estradiol and testosterone which is released into the body over a sustained period of time. The hormones contained in bioidentical pellets are plant based and have an identical molecular structure to the hormones our bodies produce naturally. Although many mistake anything hormone replacement related as synthetic, bioidentical hormone pellets are indeed all natural. This gives women the peace of mind of knowing they are not filling their bodies with foreign substances.
Other Forms Of BHRT
- Creams
- Injections
- Patches
- Gels
- Capsules
Benefits Of Using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy Over Other Forms Available
While other forms of bioidentical hormones exist, pellet therapy has long been the preferred method of implementation. Advantages of bioidentical pellet therapy include:
- Longer Lasting: Pellets are usually good for 3-4 months before having to have them replaced.
- More Consistent: Gels, creams, and injections can often provide less stability in your hormone levels, and require much more frequent replacement and application.
- More Effective: Hormone pellets generally keep your hormones at more optimal levels for a sustained period of time. Outperforming the gels, creams, and patches over both over the short and long term.
Symptoms Bioidentical Hormone Pellets Help Treat
Any women currently experiencing menopausal symptoms can relate to the psychical and psychological anguish brought on from hormonal imbalance. While there are many benefits to bioidentical hormone pellet therapy, the most common symptoms it can help treat include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Weight Gain
- Decreased Sex Drive
- Vaginal Dryness
- Sleeping Problems
- Night Sweats
- Painful Intercourse
Traditional HRT vs Bioidentical Hormone Pellets
Many of the negative misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy come from studies conducted on non-bioidentical forms of HRT. It’s important to note that when referring to traditional HRT, there are multiple forms. Another “All Natural” form of HRT is derived from urine that comes from pregnant horses. Then there are synthetic hormones. For this particular assessment, we are going to leave the pregnant horse urine option aside and focus on the synthetics.
Different Molecular Structures
Synthetic hormones often contain synthetic progestin as to progesterone which the body produces naturally. Scientific studies have found progesterone to lower the risk of breast cancer, while many forms of synthetic progestin have been found to increase the risk of breast cancer. Synthetic progestins have also been found to negatively impact the cardiovascular system when not being supplemented with some form of progesterone.
Health Risks Associated With Synthetic HRT
- Breast Cancer
- Increased Risk of Stroke
- Increased Risk of Heart Attack
We Only Offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
At Restorative Health of St Louis, we only offer patients bioidentical hormone pellet therapy for all the reasons above. BHRT has been linked to no negative side effects and provides our patients with an all natural and effective solution to hormonal imbalance. By specializing in pellet therapy, it allows our patients to enjoy an increased quality of life without having to apply a gel or cream every day. Our hormone specialists work with clients to come up with customization treatments that best meet their hormonal deficiencies. We offer 100% free consultations for initial appointments. Financing is available while also working with your insurance to help mitigate any out of pocket costs. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, contact us today to set up your free consultation or take our online hormone test to see if BHRT might be right for you.