What to Expect When Undergoing Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

If you’re considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the first step is talking to an experienced BioTE provider, such as Women’s Healthcare Associates in Houston, TX. They will walk you through the process and determine whether bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

From there, if you decide to pursue bioidentical hormone therapy, you will go through a comprehensive blood work analysis and then have hormone pellets implanted under the skin to consistently release small doses of bioidentical estrogen and/or testosterone to your bloodstream. The implants will stay in place for a maximum of five months, balancing your body’s hormones and working to improve your overall wellbeing.

Step 1: BioTE Comprehensive Blood Work Analysis

If you and your BioTE provider determine that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the right course of treatment moving forward, you will first undergo a comprehensive blood work analysis to determine the proper hormone levels to use. Each individual patient receives unique dosing customized to what your body needs to provide optimal treatment.

Step 2: Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Implants

Once the dosing levels are determined, hormone pellets are placed in the fatty tissue under the skin to release small, physiologic doses of bioidentical hormones. Hormone pellets are created by fusing estrogen or testosterone into small cylinders and are one of the most effective ways to deliver hormones in both men and women. The pellets are very small, some smaller than a grain of rice, and can easily be implanted in an office procedure.

Step 3: Consistent Release of Bioidentical Hormones

Once the pellets are implanted, they will release small amounts of bioidentical hormones into your bloodstream over the course of the next three to five months, depending on the determined course of treatment. Unlike other types of hormone therapy, like oral treatment or transdermal methods, the BioTE bioidentical hormone pellet therapy provides sustained therapy without the significant ups and downs of some hormonal therapy. Some oral and transdermal forms of therapy can create a “roller coaster” effect from significant fluctuations in hormone levels, leading to extreme swings in mood and energy. Bioidentical hormone pellets instead release hormones into the bloodstream 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the recommended treatment time. The hormones are chemically identical to those produced by your body, so your body recognizes them and reduces the change of adverse side effects. The pellets are pure hormones without fillers or synthetic ingredients, so by the end of the course of treatment, they completely dissolve.

Step 4: Improved Wellbeing and Continued Treatment

Throughout your treatment and once the initial course of treatment is completed, you will likely begin to notice increased energy levels, enhanced mental clarity, improved ability to lose weight and other positive outcomes associated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. To continue to benefit from these outcomes and to keep your hormones balanced, women will likely need to use pellets every 3-4 months, while men will likely need to use them every 4-5 months.

If you think BioTE bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is right for you, talk to an experienced BioTE provider today.