Hormone replacement using pellet implants has been used with great success in the United States, Europe, and Australia since 1938. Pellet implants were a very popular mode of hormone administration in the US until the 1970s, when many oral and topical commercial products were developed.
Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment. Bioidentical hormones come in various forms. Enhanced Wellness uses subcutaneously implanted pellets.
An individualized approach to hormone replacement therapy, using biologically identical hormones (BHRT), pinpoints a person’s exact hormone levels, and what hormones are needed to balance their hormone deficiency. The differences between synthetic and biologically identical hormones are in their chemical structures and functionality. Biologically identical hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones created naturally in the human body.
Over 70 years of research has illustrated the benefits of pellet implants in administering hormones in both women and men:
Delivery of consistent, physiologic levels of hormones (shown to maintain and improve bone density)
They bypass the liver and don’t negatively impact clotting factors, blood pressure, lipid levels, glucose, or liver function.
Women and men who wish to supplement their hormones but do not want synthetic hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment.
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Fused pellet implants are compounded using biologically identical hormones (most often Estradiol or Testosterone). The hormones are pressed / fused into very small cylinders, a little larger than a grain of rice.
Where are the pellets implanted and what care should I take afterwards?
Pellet insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are inserted subcutaneously (under the fatty lining of skin), either in the lower abdomen or the upper buttocks through a very small incision. The incision is then closed with Steri-Strips. Implants placed under the skin consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones, which have been shown to have many benefits.
After Implantation
Vigorous activity should be avoided for 2-3 days, and activity involving the gluteus muscles should be avoided for a week. You may shower the same day as the procedure, but submerging in water (swimming or bathing in a bathtub) should be avoided for a week, or until the incision site has healed.
Fused Pellet Implants typically last between 3-5 months, depending on how rapidly the hormones are metabolized. Some patients begin to feel symptom relief within 48 hours, while others may take up to two weeks to notice a marked difference. The pellets do not need to be removed. They are completely absorbed by the body.
Before starting any hormone replacement therapy, patients should work directly with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner to have hormone testing done to evaluate their personal hormone profile. Based on existing hormone levels and health history, the practitioner will make a hormone replacement recommendation. Once pellets have been inserted, hormone levels will be reevaluated prior to the insertion of the next round of pellets. Follow up lab work is done after the initial pelleting to determine whether target hormone levels were reached. Once this is successfully achieved, the practitioner may suggest testing less frequently based upon patient feedback and prior hormone levels.
Our Functional and Regenerative Medicine approach focuses on the comprehensive healing and restoration of normal function to tissues, organs, and overall bodily systems affected by illness or degeneration. This holistic method is grounded in harnessing the body's innate healing capabilities, and understanding the interconnectedness of its systems. Your treatment journey begins with an in-depth health assessment that takes into account genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Our therapies may encompass intravenous infusions, bioidentical hormones, and biologics containing growth factors, aiming to foster tissue regeneration and combat illness at its source. Additionally, we advocate for nutritional adjustments, supplements, and lifestyle changes that enhance the body's natural ability to heal. This personalized approach addresses the root causes of illness, promoting long-term wellness and improved quality of life.