As men and women age, they may develop an imbalance in hormone production. Commonly seen after the age of 50, this imbalance may develop even earlier due to diet and lifestyle habits. The symptoms of hormone imbalance often include increased stress and fatigue. In fact, some individuals become too tired for everyday activities, which leads to a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain.
Although experts recommend solutions for people in their 50s and 60s who experience hormone imbalance weight gain, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is particularly effective.
What is the Role of Hormones in Men and Women?
Both men and women require a certain balance of hormones in order to remain in optimal health. Men naturally produce higher levels of the hormone testosterone. Females produce more significant estrogen levels. These two hormones, also known as sex hormones, regulate various physiological functions of the human body. These include:
- maintaining bone density and keeping bones strong
- regulating lean body mass
- protecting the individual from several diseases
- regulating the distribution of fats around the body
- lowering the amount of stored fat
Because they allow regulation of mood, energy levels, and even sex drive, hormones also have a prominent effect on one’s mental health. When you’re unable to produce the correct levels of the hormones or maintain the balance needed between them, you start experiencing adverse symptoms. They may start as general symptoms of discomfort that progress to weight gain, fatigue, and lethargy. (1)
What is Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Authorities define Bioidentical Hormones as compounds that have identical molecular and chemical structures to the hormones naturally present in the body. In other words, they mimic the hormones naturally found in our bodies. When these hormonal compounds are delivered to the patient in the form of pellets placed under the skin, they are able to reach the blood directly. This allows the body to reach its optimal level by receiving a slow and steady supply of hormones. Not only do experts feel this therapy is safe but it is also highly effective. (2)
How Does Pellet Therapy Differ From Hormone Therapy?
Conventional FDA-approved Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves the supplementation of hormones, usually in the form of pills, under a doctor’s supervision. This also includes monitoring hormone levels from time to time. These hormone replacement therapies might either contain hormones that are synthetic or are derived from plants and animals. They are not usually identical to the sex hormones found in the human body.
What makes Bioidentical Pellet Therapy different is that, as the name suggests, these pellets contain compounds which are identical to the hormones found in your body. Therefore, it demonstrates the most efficient, and safe results. In addition, the use of Pellets prevents the first-pass effect. Because the compounds are able to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, they remain unaltered by the liver or any other organ. This often happens with drugs that must pass through the digestive tract after being swallowed.
Additionally, In Hormone Replacement Therapy, even if a patch is used instead of a pill, it needs to be changed every few days. Whereas the pellet does not and may work on its own for up to 5 months.
What are the Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Commonly recommended by experts, these are the major benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy:
- Using pellets allows the availability of hormones in the bloodstream 24/. Therefore, there is no disturbance or unusual turbulence in the levels of hormones like that seen in individuals taking hormone pills and changing patches every few days.
- By being implanted in the body, the body can control the amount of hormone taken into the bloodstream. So, while greater levels may be able to reach the blood when required, like exercise and stress, lower levels may be absorbed when it is not required. For example, when an individual is eating.
- Using pellets is highly convenient for individuals. Particularly those who lead a busy life since their day-to-day might make it overwhelming to remember to take hormone pills or change patches regularly. Once the hormone pellet is in, you may not need to worry about going to the doctor for a change of a pellet or the levels of hormones in your body for at least 3 to 5 months.
How Does This Enable Weight Loss?
While conventional hormone replacement therapies include the usage of both estrogen and testosterone, hormone pellets address the levels of testosterone in the body. To remain fit and healthy, both men and women require testosterone. To a greater extent, It is associated with our energy levels. So, by regulating testosterone levels in the body, you can convert the food you eat into energy and muscle instead of body fat. Moreover, testosterone levels also allow you to get a better night’s sleep so you will have more energy and be more active the next day. (4)
How To Find The Right Bioidentical Pellet Therapy For You
Start your search by looking for a local certified provider of Bioidentical Pellet Therapy. You can book a consultation with a Valley Medical Weight Loss specialist at a location near you. After the consultation, you may schedule an appointment to assess your current hormone levels.
After a comprehensive checkup and required lab work, it will be determined if you are a good candidate for Bioidentical Pellet Therapy. You will receive instructions on what to expect during your pellet insertion appointment.
The Bottom Line…
It’s important to remember that Pellet Therapy is not a quick fix. It is a steady procedure giving you long-term results. Over time, you may start to notice gradual weight loss, an elevation in mood, and relief from fatigue and discomforts associated with an aging body. This therapy can help you remain active and lose weight as well as assist with the symptoms of menopause and other hormonal disorders.
References
- Gurvich C, Hoy K, Thomas N, Kulkarni J. Sex Differences and the Influence of Sex Hormones on Cognition through Adulthood and the Aging Process. Brain Sci. 2018; 8(9): 163. Published 2018 Aug 28. Doi: 10.3390/brainsci8090163
- Files JA, Ko MG, Pruthi S. Bioidentical hormone therapy. Mayo Clin Proc. 2011;86(7):673-680. doi:10.4065/mcp.2010.0714
- Boothby, L. A., Doering, P. L., & Kipersztok, S. (2004). Bioidentical hormone therapy: a review.Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 11(3), 356–367. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2004/11030/bioidentical_hormone_therapy__a_review.17.aspx
- Traish AM. Testosterone and weight loss: the evidence. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):313-322. doi:10.1097/MED.0000000000000086
