Pelleting hormone: What is hormone pellet therapy?

Understanding Hormone Pellet Therapy

Pelleting hormone therapy is a treatment designed to replace or regulate hormones in both males and females. It is particularly effective in alleviating menopause symptoms in females and is also utilized by transgender individuals to suppress or enhance certain sex characteristics. The therapy involves the use of hormone pellets, which are small implants placed under the skin, providing a continuous supply of hormones for approximately three months after insertion.

Uses of Hormone Pellet Therapy

The primary uses of pelleting hormone therapy include:

• Alleviating menopause symptoms in women.
• Supporting hormone regulation in men experiencing low testosterone.
• Assisting transgender individuals in hormone transition.

How Hormone Pellets Work

Hormone pellets release bioidentical hormones, which are derived from plants and are chemically similar to the hormones produced by the human body. These pellets are typically about the size of a grain of rice and can contain a mixture of hormones, known as compounded bioidentical hormone pellets.

Composition of Hormone Pellets

Compounded hormones are specifically created for an individual by a pharmacy or laboratory based on a doctor's prescription. This customization allows for tailored treatment, although it also raises concerns regarding the consistency and quality of the hormones used.

Regulatory Status of Compounded Hormones

The FDA has not approved compounded hormone pellets as a treatment, and there is a lack of evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. This lack of regulation leads to variability in the strength and purity of the hormones used in pelleting hormone therapy.

Insertion Procedure for Hormone Pellets

The insertion procedure involves numbing the skin and making a small incision, usually in the hip area, to place the pellets under the skin. A healthcare professional will consider factors such as hormone levels and body mass index (BMI) when determining the appropriate dosage of hormones to insert.

Determining Dosage and Hormone Levels

Prior to using compounded bioidentical hormones, individuals may undergo salivary testing to check their hormone levels. However, this method is not considered accurate by some medical organizations, and healthcare providers may rely on other methods to assess hormone levels.

Post-Insertion Care and Recovery

After the insertion, the incision is typically closed with Steri-Strips, stitches, or both. Care instructions must be followed to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Potential Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy

Potential benefits of pelleting hormone therapy may include:

• Individualized treatment tailored to a person's specific symptoms and hormone levels.
• Convenient and consistent hormone delivery.

Claims vs. Evidence: The Debate

Advocates of hormone pellet therapy claim it is safer and more effective than FDA-approved hormone therapies, although this is largely anecdotal. There is little scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials to support the claimed benefits of pelleting hormone therapy.

Regulatory Concerns and Variability

The FDA does not regulate compounded hormone therapy, leading to variability in the strength and purity of the hormones used. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of pelleting hormone therapy.

Side Effects of Hormone Pellet Therapy

Side effects of hormone pellet therapy can vary based on the types and levels of hormones contained in the pellets. Common side effects may arise from long-term, high dosages of testosterone, particularly in females, where elevated testosterone levels can lead to various adverse effects.

Concerns from Medical Organizations

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of salivary hormone testing and the lack of regulation surrounding compounded hormones. These concerns highlight the need for more research and oversight in the field of pelleting hormone therapy.

Comparing Bioidentical and Traditional Hormone Therapies

There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness and safety of bioidentical hormone therapy compared to traditional hormone therapies. While some patients report positive outcomes with pelleting hormone therapy, the scientific community calls for more rigorous studies to validate these claims.

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