Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a life-changing option for people who experience symptoms of low hormone levels as a result of aging. Menopausal women tend to be the most common users of HRT, but many people can benefit from HRT for symptoms like fatigue, sexual dysfunction, sleeping problems, mood swings, and more. If you’re considering HRT, you might be aware that there are a few different methods of treatment, each of which has its benefits. Here, we’ll discuss two of the different types available at Hybrid Medical Solution and which one is best for your needs.
Hormone pellets are small, bio-identical implants that are inserted under the skin by our team. There, it releases hormones into the bloodstream for a few months at a time before a new one is inserted. One of the biggest benefits of hormone pellets is that it’s extremely convenient and you don’t need to remember to take it every day – rather, it works completely independently and can’t be forgotten, lost, or tampered with. Because of the delivery mechanism, patients do not get spikes in their hormone levels but rather they get 24-hour, consistent levels.
The vast majority of our patients prefer hormone pellet therapy to other forms of hormone replacement. Hormone pellets have been in use since 1939 and have been proven to be safe, effective, and convenient. The dosage is precisely calculated based on age, weight, blood levels, symptoms, and medical history. The incision is tiny and does not even require a stitch to close. The biggest downside to pellet therapy is that the pellets don’t gradually wear off but when they have reached the end of their life, they will immediately cease to work.
Hormone creams work by absorbing bio-identical hormones through the skin. These creams can be customized to your unique needs, giving you flexibility with your treatment plan and the ability to change the dosage or formula quickly. However, hormone creams can be inconsistent and absorbed differently by each patient. In fact, some patients receive less benefit from hormone creams simply because of the way it’s absorbed through the skin (and in what amount). Creams are applied to the skin once or even twice per day, meaning it’s important to be consistent.
Certain hormones are also available in oral forms as well. Bio-identical Estradiol and Micronized Progesterone are also available in the form of capsules. Bio-identical Testosterone comes in Troche form which dissolves in the mouth. We do not recommend the pill form of Testosterone due to the “first pass effect”, which means it can result in toxic levels of the drug accumulating in the liver.
This can depend greatly on your preferences and needs for treatment. If you prefer an active lifestyle, then hormone pellets can be a great, low-hassle way to enjoy the benefits. But, if you’re still early in your HRT journey and haven’t yet found the right formula or dosage, creams can be a more flexible option. But, the best way to determine the right method for you is by meeting with our team at our Boca Raton office to discuss the risks and rewards.
At Hybrid Medical Solution, we offer a variety of bio-identical HRT methods and can help you transform your lifestyle. To meet with our team, schedule an appointment by calling (561) 898-0020 or filling out our online contact form.