With a commitment to offering the best in hormone pellet therapy to residents in Appleton, Wisconsin and the surrounding area, the team at the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine displays a deep passion for enabling individuals to regain their vitality and live their best lives. Ultimately, it is our goal to not only address a symptom but rather to identify and treat the underlying issue that is causing a problem in our patients’ lives. So, with this in mind, what exactly is hormone pellet therapy? And how can it help a person realize optimal health outcomes?
Hormone Pellet Therapy (BHRT) Explained
Hormone pellet therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that can be used by both men and women as they face the effects and impacts of aging. Typically, hormone pellet therapy treatment is embarked upon by an individual who is facing issues related to drops and fluctuations in hormones, usually associated with menopause and andropause. Using hormones extracted from natural plants, hormone pellet therapy seeks to replicate normal hormone levels found in one’s body.
The treatment is done via an in-office procedure where hormone pellets are implanted just under the skin in the fatty area of the buttocks. Additionally, there is no recovery time as the incision is so small that you do not even need a suture to close the site where the implant is inserted. Then, the pellets are able to release a constant flow of hormones directly into the body, all the while maintaining correct and natural levels to achieve an optimum effect.
What are Hormone Pellets?
The hormone pellets used in this therapy are derived from naturally sourced plants and are never made from synthetic materials. They are comprised of compounded estradiol or testosterone and possess the exact molecular structure of hormones that are found in one’s body. Constituting the size of a cooked grain of rice, these hormone pellets are then inserted under the skin of the buttocks and release regulated amounts of hormone directly into a person’s bloodstream.
Pellet Therapy Compared to:
Hormone pellet therapy is just one iteration of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy available to sufferers of hormone decline and fluctuation. Other available treatments include the following.
Injections
Hormone therapy injections are typically administered every 1 to 2 weeks and can be done in the office or by patients at home.
Patches
This particular hormone delivery method, via patch, is less invasive than hormone pellet therapy, and you are able to change your dosage easier; however, patches can take several weeks in order to feel the effects. Some patients may have reactions to the adhesive on the patch.
Orals and Creams
Oral hormone therapies need to be taken daily, and cream applications must be applied regularly in order for these delivery methods to be effective. There is also no guarantee that the hormone delivery will be consistent in the same manner as hormone pellets, but these are options for patients.
Meet Your Hormone Pellet Therapy Doctor, Dr. Page
Optimizing Your Hormones—Who is a Candidate for Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Have you been suffering from varied symptoms that have led you to begin contemplating hormone pellet therapy? If so, then consider this list in order to know if you might be a good candidate for this treatment:
- Women who have gone through menopause at a younger age, including prior to 40 years old
- Women who have experienced a sudden change in their reproductive health, including uterine or ovarian surgery
- Women who are faced with perimenopause or menopause symptoms, such as night sweats, hot flashes, headaches, weight gain, changes in mood, decrease in libido, depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, and more
- Men who are experiencing weight gain, especially in the belly area
- Men who have lost their sex drive or have a problem trying to achieve an erection
- Men who are experiencing mood swings, have thinning hair, depression and anxiety, and sleeplessness
Of course, in order to truly assess if you are a good candidate for hormone pellet therapy, you are invited to contact the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine directly and set up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Page.
What are the Key Benefits of Getting Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Once you decide you are a good candidate for hormone pellet therapy and make a choice to pursue treatment, then it is time to look forward to all the benefits you will receive. Hormone pellet therapy has been proven to be effective in:
- Controlling emotions and mood swings
- Minimizing headaches and migraines
- Relieving anxiety and depression
- Managing fluctuations in weight
- Improving sexual desire and drive
- Reducing vaginal dryness in women
- Enhancing memory, focus, and concentration
- Increasing muscle strength and bone density
- Improving sleep patterns and reducing the time it takes to get to sleep
- Preventing diseases such as dementia, osteoporosis, and other medical conditions
Intrigued by the opportunity presented by hormone pellet therapy? Then learn more about how this treatment modality could improve your life and help you realize enhanced health and wellness outcomes.
What Should I Expect from My Hormone Pellet Therapy Treatment?
When you decide to partner with the team at the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine for hormone pellet therapy, Dr. Page will analyze your diet, lifestyle, symptoms, blood work, and other factors to come up with a plan of action that is unique to you. The procedure will be performed in an in-office environment, and a small incision will be made in the fatty area of your buttocks for implantation of the hormone pellets. However, rest easy knowing that the incision will be so small that a suture will not even be required.
After your procedure, there is no recovery or downtime. You are simply advised to avoid any heavy lifting for 5 days. It is normal to experience some redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the incision site, but this should go away after a week or two.
After six weeks, additional lab work will be performed to assess your hormone levels and decide if any adjustment is needed.
When was the last time you felt well? Get to the Root of the Problem with Functional Medicine!
Other Things to Consider Before Getting Hormone Pellet Therapy
As with any hormone replacement therapy, it is wise to be fully informed about all of the potential side effects, risks, and other factors associated with the procedure.
Are There Any Side Effects to Hormone Pellet Therapy? Is It Safe?
Hormone pellet therapy is recognized as safe for both men and women. There are some side effects to be aware of, however, including the potential for weight gain, blurred vision, breast tenderness, headaches, acne, fatigue, and vaginal spotting in women. Additionally, women may experience an increase in facial hair depending on the dosage.
In order to understand the side effects as well as other possible risks, please consult with the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine directly so you can ensure you are fully informed.
How Long Until I See Results from Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Typically, you can begin to experience some relief from your symptoms in a couple of weeks after your in-office procedure is performed. Patients should be advised that it can take up to three months for the full effect of the hormone pellet therapy to be experienced. Also, know that the team at the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine believes in a “test do not guess” approach to care, so lab work is completed after five weeks to ensure hormone levels are achieving balance, and if not, adjustments are implemented.