Hormone pellet implants have been around for over 85 years in the United States and even longer in the European Country. However, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) Pellets are not yet a mainstream treatment for hormone deficiencies in the United States. Most of the data that can be found are from European Studies.
The advantage of pellets over pills, patches, creams, gels, and injections is that they are more convenient (they are inserted only 2-3 times a year) and they provide a more even level of hormone in the blood. And in contrast to oral pills, they avoid the “first pass effect” of having to go through the liver.
There can be a few minor side effects from pellet therapy. An example would be tender breasts or nipples if more estrogen or testosterone was given than was actually required. Unwanted hair growth is report by about 20 % of women. The most common side effect occurs in patients receiving pellet implants is temporary minor discomfort (like a bruise would feel) at the pellet site lasting maybe 2 to 3 days. Only 30 % of women complain of this discomfort.
Patients are reporting great benefits with the use of pellet therapy. A high % of women report their energy level is better than it ever has been or at the very least like it use to be when they were younger. Secondly, approximately 70% of women report they have a fantastic libido again. Another reported improvement is that brain function is much better; the forgetfulness is mostly diminished once hormone levels are restored to normal. One of the most beneficial improvements would be the bone density growth. Protection against bone loss is worth trying Pellet therapy if you are suffering from osteoporosis.
The procedure would take place in the doctor’s office, using a local anesthetic, they are painlessly inserted under the skin of the hip, through a tiny incision, using a small insertion device. Then, a small piece of tape is used to close the incision. The whole procedure takes only 2 to 3 minutes, and the amount of Discomfort one feels is actually less than getting a blood test.
If pellet therapy is being considered, it is essential that certain lab tests be performed both before and after pellet insertion, to ensure that proper doses are being given. Most insurance usually covers most of the associated office visits, lab tests, and insertion fee. The patient is responsible for the cost of the pellets themselves, since most insurance plans do not reimburse for them.
Angie Fielden
Solutions Pharmacy