Before we jump off into pellet therapy, it is best to lay a bit of groundwork. So, first let’s talk about hormones, both natural and bioidentical. Hormones are responsible for a great number of processes in the body.
What are Hormones?
Think of hormones like chemical messengers that guide growth and development and oversee complex mechanisms in the body, like the immune system and metabolism. Hormones are vital to your existence and play an integral part in almost all of your major body functions, from hunger to reproduction and everything in between. As you age, your body’s production of natural hormones begins to decrease. In some people, this can cause an imbalance in the body, leading to uncomfortable, often life-disrupting symptoms. Hormonal imbalance can occur for other reasons as well, such as environment or lifestyle, but is most often seen as an expected by-product of milestone life changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, just to name a couple of the most well-known ones.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
If your body has a significant hormonal imbalance, you may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and even depression. Other signs include low energy, weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, and anxiety. Bioidentical hormones were developed to help alleviate these symptoms. As the name suggests, they’re an exact replica of your body’s own naturally produced hormones and are used to supplement the waning supply of those natural hormones. There are specific lab tests designed to help determine whether or not you need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Hormonal imbalance is most often seen in women, but it does affect a portion of the male population as well. Bioidentical hormones are available for both men and women, with estrogen as the most common hormone replacement for women, and testosterone the most common replacement for men.
What is Pellet Therapy?
Once a thorough hormone evaluation has been done and lab results are in, there are several methods to choose from for administering bioidentical hormones. The most common forms are capsules, creams or pellets. Capsules are taken orally, creams are applied topically to the skin, and pellets are inserted beneath the skin in the upper area of the buttocks or the lower part of the abdomen.
How Does Pellet Therapy Work?
A pellet is inserted every three to six months. The bioidentical hormone is slowly metabolized and released during that time, so the body continues to receive it in much the same way it received the natural hormone. A small incision is made to insert the tiny cylinder. Each pellet contains the customized level of hormone necessary for each patient and is about the size of a grain of rice. The incision is closed either with sterile tape or a few self-dissolving sutures. Symptom relief can be felt a few days to a few weeks after the implantation. Some patients have immediate results, and others experience a gradual improvement over time. In order to keep the pellet from working its way out as the incision heals, you’ll be given post-op instructions to follow. They typically involve no bathing, swimming or vigorous activities for five to seven days. For best results and the speediest recovery possible, it’s in your best interest to carefully follow all the instructions.
To learn more about how pellet therapy and/or bioidentical hormones can help you, contact the professionals at OBI BioAesthetic Institute to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you feel your very best. Our experienced team serves the communities of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Neptune Beach, and those throughout the surrounding areas of Florida.
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. The information in this blog post is informational only and not intended to be medical advice.
The team at OBI BioAesthetic Institute invites you to bridge the best you, from the inside – out. Call today 904-273-5454 to schedule your personalized Aesthetic Medicine consultation with Gerrie M. Obi, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, CPSN.
