Menopause is a natural biological process associated with aging, and onset begins between 45 and 60 for most women. Symptoms cause considerable discomfort and affect quality of life.
But with advances in medicine, women can choose to live free from fatigue, memory issues, hot flashes, low libido, and insomnia.
Plaza OB/GYN offers bio-identical hormone replacement therapy that reduces symptoms and manages chronic conditions associated with menopause.
If you’re interested, take a look at our article to see how hormone replacement works and whether it’s right for you.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is an effective option
Bio-identical hormones are natural hormones similar to those your body makes. When we say “natural,” we mean a class of hormones that come from plant sources — not made in a lab.
Hormones may be administered as an oral, sublingual, or injectable treatment. But in my experience, bio-identical hormones used to treat menopause symptoms work best when administered as pellets.
Why do we use hormone pellet therapy?
Allow me to clear up what exactly a “Pellet” is. It’s not a pleasant-sounding word, is it? I assure you that the reality is nothing to worry about
In short, hormone therapy pellets are very small implants that we insert just under the skin. Currently, the administration of pellets is the most effective form of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
How hormone pellet therapy works
Pellet insertion is a simple in-office procedure done under local anesthesia.
Once inserted in the layer under the skin each Pellet releases a physiologic dose of hormones. There are pellets that are made from Estrogen (Estradiol) and others from Testosterone.
The office procedure is short and stress-free.
First, the doctor places pellets just under the skin, either in your lower abdomen or upper buttocks. The incision is 2-3 millimeters barely noticeable and does not scar.
Next, the incision is closed with sterile tape strips. They last for one week. Then a pressure dressing is applied for 24 hours. The patient is asked not to exercise for three days.
And that’s it. Side effects are minimal, and you’ll begin experiencing relief of most menopausal symptoms in as little as 10-14 days.
Pellet implants typically last 5-6 months.
Cost-wise, they are cheaper than the pills or the creams.
Pellet implants offer three advantages
The healthcare team at Plaza OB/GYN is confident in hormone pellet therapy for its ability to manage symptoms successfully. We feel they’re effective for three reasons:
- Direct absorption
- Little or no pain
- Fast recovery
#1: Direct absorption
Pellet replacement hormone therapy offers direct absorption into the bloodstream.
Here’s what that means for you: It will bypass your liver and gastrointestinal system, delivering a steady stream of hormones directly to your system. Pellets give you a consistent feeling of relief from all the symptoms of menopause.
#2: Easy and painless
Most patients experience no pain during the procedure. We apply a topical anesthetic to the insertion site and then inject a small amount of lidocaine.
Each Pellet is only slightly bigger than a grain of rice. After the incision is sealed, you won’t even know they’re there. Your hormone levels are tested prior to insertion and depending on your values will figure the dosage needed to be inserted.
#3: – Fast recovery
Pellet implants are proven to reduce symptoms of menopause and restore quality of life for women like you within a short period: 10–14 days.
Some women experience mild soreness in the days following the procedure, but this resolves quickly.
Contact Plaza OB-GYN for hormone replacement therapy for menopause
If you’re in the Houston area and have questions about hormone replacement therapy, or you’re ready to set up a consultation about hormone therapy pellets as a method of delivery of natural hormones, give us a call at (713) 522-3333. We’d love to help.