Hormone Pellets

What are Hormone Pellets?

Hormone pellets are an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapies (HRT) such as prescription tablets or patches prescribed to menopausal women challenged with low levels of estrogen and sometimes androgen deficiencies. The hormone pellets are made of pure crystalline estradiol 17-B (estrogen) and/or testosterone (androgen) which contain the identical properties found within natural human hormones. These pellets are injected under the skin on a woman's abdomen or hip. Over a period of 3 to 6 months, the pellets slowly dissolve and mimic the body's natural release of these hormones.

Are Hormone Pellets Safe?

Hormone pellets were first used in the late 1930s by a British physician and then introduced in the U.S. in the early 1940s. Since then, there have not been any adverse affects with the use of therapeutic hormone pellets. Once the pellets are implanted subcutaneously, the pellet releases its hormones, at a consistent rate, into the blood stream. The estrogen is metabolized in the body over a period of 3-6 months. It's important to note, hormone pellets should be administered with caution for women who have their uterus in tact. Continuous exposure to estrogen, even at low levels, may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Typically, these patients are advised to use progesterone in tandem with the hormone pellets.

What are the benefits to using the alternative HRT hormone pellets?

Since hormone pellets have been used for more than 60 years, documentation of its benefits include an increased feeling of well being, energy, and sex drive. The transdermal release of testosterone is potentially safer than other therapies because the testosterone from the pellets by-pass the liver and prevents a significant lowering of HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol). And, documented studies show an increase of 25% in bone density in some women with androgens, such as testosterone as part of their therapy.

Contact Armity Simon today. We can help you learn more about traditional as well as progressive Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT) and help you determine your best HRT option.

© 2007 - 2009 Armity A. Simon, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

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