hormone pellet therapy for women
Holland Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics was the first in Maine to offer pellet insertion, pioneering the service in the state. With our extensive experience, we are the most trusted provider in the region!
The introduction of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy through the pellet method has revolutionized the aging process for women. In the past, childbirth claimed more lives, PMS was dismissed, and menopause, with its associated challenges, was simply endured as a part of life. Today, we understand that we don't have to resign ourselves to hormonal imbalances as an inevitable fate. The BioTE Method represents a comprehensive and high-quality approach to transforming healthcare, enabling patients to attain optimal health and well-being.
*For individuals aged 35 or older with a family history of breast cancer, or those aged 40 and above, annual mammograms are necessary before undergoing pellet therapy. Moreover, up-to-date pap smears from the last 2 years are required, and we will need copies of these results.
What is BHRT pellet therapy?
As we grow older, our bodies undergo natural changes, including a decrease in hormone production like testosterone and estrogen. These hormones play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including brain activity, heart health, bone strength, and reproductive organ function. When these hormones fall out of balance, it can lead to a range of symptoms. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) offers a solution to restore hormonal equilibrium and alleviate these symptoms. This therapy involves the use of compounded hormones that mimic the structure of the hormones naturally produced by your body. By providing replacement hormones that your body recognizes, BHRT helps your body function just as it would with its naturally produced hormones, addressing the imbalances and alleviating associated symptoms.
The Biote Method of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
The Biote Method of hormone optimization is a culmination of more than 80 years of scientific research, offering a solution for the early signs of aging. Using pellets, each no larger than a grain of rice, this method ensures effective hormone optimization. Our certified providers perform a straightforward, in-office procedure to insert these tiny pellets under the skin. These pellets dissolve gradually over time, requiring re-administration only every 3-5 months, tailored to the patient's needs. As they dissolve, they release hormones steadily into your bloodstream, allowing your body to utilize them as required. Eventually, the pellets are completely absorbed, leaving no residue behind.
the importance of hormone balance
During menopause, many women experience a notable decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels. Hormonal imbalances arise when there is an excess or deficiency of specific hormones in the bloodstream. These hormones play a vital role in regulating numerous essential bodily functions. Due to their fundamental significance, even minor hormonal imbalances can lead to widespread side effects across the body.
signs of imbalance
Fatigue*
Night sweats*
Hot flashes or flushes*
Decreased sex drive*
Weight gain*
Trouble sleeping*
Irritability*
Anxiousness*
Mood swings*
Brain fog*
Low mood*
Decreased bone mass*
Discomfort during intercourse*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
prevention
HORMONES PROTECT THE HEART, BRAIN, BONES AND BREAST!
musculoskeletal system
Approximately 1 in 7 women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis
Approximately 4% of muscle mass is lost during the first 3 years after menopause
Women lose approximately 25% of bone mass from onset of menopause until age 60 due in large part to loss of estrogen
HALF of women over age 50 will have osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime
Testosterone increases lean body mass & decreases fat mass
Pellets have 8.3% increase per year in bone density
Pellets improve most forms of chronic joint and muscular pain and lowers inflammatory markers
Most autoimmune disease patients notice improvements when on BRHT
BRAIN
Number of Alzheimer’s cases will triple by 2050
Dementia takes 15-20 years to develop and begins with Mild Cognitive Impairment
MCI begins in the 30s-40s
By 80-85, 50% of Americans have dementia
Dementia may be accelerated by hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances
Bioidentical hormones increase cerebral blood flow, decrease inflammation, and decrease the unhealthy proteins seen in Alzheimers. Estradiol has better effects on verbal memory and testosterone improves cognition & memory
heart
Leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States
Affects 12 million people with 1 million deaths per year
1 in 7 premenopausal women die from heart disease and for postmenopausal women, that number rises to 1 in 3
Pellets increase blood flow, decrease inflammation, improve insulin resistance, reduce body fat, and improves HDL (with no adverse effect on platelets)
BREAST
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer with a median age of 61 years old
400,000 deaths annually worldwide and 75% occur in postmenopausal women
80% are hormone receptor positive and NO studies show that estrogen causes cancer
Breast cancer survivors can be treated with testosterone and/or testosterone with anastrozole
getting started
Embarking on your hormone optimization journey at Holland Plastic Surgery is a straightforward process! Reach out to us today to determine if you're a suitable candidate for hormone optimization. You'll complete a brief health assessment and arrange for a blood test to assess your current hormone levels. Our Biote Certified Provider will thoroughly discuss your lab findings with you and create a customized care plan tailored to your results and health objectives. While many individuals notice improvements after their initial pellet insertion, it might take up to two insertions before achieving the desired results.
Learn More About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Here:
“Love Dr. Holland and her staff! They’re friendly, knowledgeable and so much fun. It’s always a great visit and the BioTe has saved my relationship! BioTe is the way to go if you’re post menopausal.”
View more Real Patient Reviews here.
biote faq
Q. What is the first step?
A. The first step to therapy with our office is ensuring you are up-to-date with both your pap and mammogram. These are required annually prior to having therapy with our office. Next, we will need to complete a full comprehensive lab panel and health screening. This information will not only provide Dr. Holland your hormone levels, but also a picture of your overall health. Once this information is obtained, Dr. Holland will determine if BioTE is the right fit for you.
Q. Are pellets FDA approved?
A. The estradiol and testosterone in the BioTE pellet are FDA approved, but the actual pellet is not.
Q. What should I do before the procedure?
A. One week before the procedure, if possible, stop all NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, etc.). No fasting in advance of the procedure is required.
Q. What test is required before the insertion?
A. BioTE requires, at the minimum, our comprehensive blood panel which can be discussed with your BioTE provider. A full lab panel is completed annually. If you are over the age of 35 with a family history of breast cancer or over the age of 40, annual mammograms are required prior to Dr. Holland providing pellet therapy. Additionally, pap smears need to be up-to-date within the recommendation of your gynecological provider. We will require copies of these results prior to having therapy with our office.
Q. Do patients need to stop taking any medications before getting labs drawn?
A. If you are currently on creams, patches or oral HRT, you should not apply or take your hormones directly before getting your blood drawn. Once blood is drawn, patients may resume taking or applying as directed. For injectable hormones, BioTE recommends drawing blood the day they are supposed to receive their not shot before they receive their hormones. Once pelleted, women will stay on their existing estrogen hormone therapy for 3 days and then discontinue on day 4.
Q. How big are the pellets and can you feel them?
A. They are about the size of a large grain of rice. Occasionally pellets may be felt underneath the skin. Sometimes the area is more palpable due to swelling. Limit gluteal exercies after insertion can reduce this swelling.
Q. What happens during the in-office insertion?
A. During the in-office visit, which only takes a few minutes, patients are brought into the exam room, and the insertion site is numbed. The most common site of insertion is the upper buttocks. A small incision is then made for the pellet to be inserted. Once the pellet is inserted, the insertion site is covered with a small bandage. You will return 6 weeks after the initial insertion for a follow up blood panel to determine any dosing changes.
Q. Do I need to take supplements in addition to my BioTE pellets?
A. YES. Nutraceutical supplements will be recommended to you by Dr. Holland at your consultation and can be purchased in our office or on the shop page of our website. Supplements are key in providing integrated wellness in the areas of healthy hormone balance, disease prevention and supplementing diets.
Q. What happens during the week following the insertion?
A. After pellet insertion, its best to eliminate lower body exercise. This doesn’t include walking, but, extraneous exercise is not recommended. Swimming, hot tubs, and bath tubs are to be avoided, this doesn’t include showers. After removal of the bandage, normal activities may resume.
Q. How often is pellet insertion necessary?
A. Each patient’s symptoms are unique and each patient’s paths to optimization is unique. Your journey will be specialized to fit your specific needs. Just as it doesn’t take you 1-2 weeks to get out of balance, it doesn't resolve that quickly either.
Q. What happens to pellets after insertion?
A. Since the pellets are bio-identical and contain nothing other than the hormone your body naturally produces, the pellets are completely dissolved and absorbed, leaving nothing behind.
Q. How often do you need pellets?
A. For women 3-6 months depending on age, activity and stress level. Most women however have symptom relief around 3 to 4 months on average.
Q. What about patients on birth control?
A. Stay on your birth control. Pellets do no serve as a method of contraception.
Q. Are there side effects to pellet therapy?
A. Less than 2% of patients experience actual side effects. Side effects or secondary responses are minimal and very easily managed. Some reported responses are noticeable in the first two rounds during the initial balancing phase. These include: fluid retention, post-menopausal bleeding, acne and hair growth or thinning.
*Facial hair removal is available to our BioTE therapy patients at a discounted rate. Please inquire with one of our team members for more information.
Q. How long will it take for body changes to occur?
A. An exercise regimen & healthy diet is essential in optimizing hormones. Body changes are typically seen with the 2nd and 3rd insertions, typically 4-6 months after initiating therapy.
Q. Does health insurance cover pellet therapy?
A. No, pellet therapy is not covered by insurance providers. Health savings accounts can be used if approved by your account carrier.