Wed, May 11, 2016 at 05:00 AM

What are hormone therapy pellets, and do you need one?

Many women are more energetic and sleeping better thanks to a hormone therapy that implants pellets into the body.

Dr. Megan Zeien, OB/GYN talks about what hormone therapy pellets are exactly, and whether you might benefit from one.

What are they?

Pellets are made from yams, soy and other natural, plant-based ingredients. They are bio-identical hormones, meaning they are the exact same structure as human hormones. Pellets secrete hormones in tiny amounts into the blood stream constantly, differing from other delivery systems – such as pills, creams or patches – which generate hormones inconsistently. 

How do they work?

Pellets are inserted into the fatty tissue of the buttocks. A lidocaine injection numbs the area before the doctor makes a tiny skin incision, about 5-6 millimeters. The device is implanted and the site heals in a few days. 

“Most people tolerate it very well,” she says. 

The body absorbs the pellet so nothing has to be removed. A new pellet can be inserted every three to four months, depending on the patient. Some go as long as six to 12 months. 

If they choose to try pellets, patients’ levels are checked once a year and adjustments are made by their symptoms. Every patient is different, she stresses.

Who might need one?

For women who are post-menopausal, estrogen is the hormone of choice to improve complaints such as hot flashes, mood swings, trouble sleeping and vaginal dryness. It also prevents bone loss and promotes skin health.

Studies show that estrogen therapy may decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The heightened risk of breast cancer is linked to progesterone, which is not included in estrogen therapy. 

“There’s probably more risk of getting in your car every day than hormone therapy,” says Dr. Zeien.

Pre-menopausal women are benefitting from hormone therapy that uses the male hormone testosterone. Women also produce testosterone, but at lower levels than men. 

Dr. Zeien hears her patients between the ages of 35-45 complain about being tired, gaining weight, decreased libido and problems sleeping. They tend to blame it on the demands of being a mom, she says. 

If testing shows their testosterone level is low, she explains the hormone therapy available options. They can start on a trial basis and see how it works for them. 

“I’d say 90 percent of the women who try it say they feel better,” Dr. Zeien says.

If you are interested in exploring your hormone implant options, contact Dr. Zeien’s office at (256) 571-8470 or find a doctor here.