What Are Bio-identical Hormone Pellets?
Biologically identical hormones have been approved and available in the US since the 1930’s. The use of these hormones has been slow to increase despite scientific research showing that bio-identical hormone use is far superior to using non-human hormones. We now have the ability to place time-release pellets of approved human hormones in the fat under the skin to deliver more youthful levels of hormones. The hormone is absorbed slowly and steadily for months following placement. While this is not a “fountain of youth”, it can dramatically improve many people’s quality of life and overall health in measurable ways. These findings are also supported by hundreds of recent scientific studies.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and affect specific types of cells that have receptors for that hormone. Many types of cells go on to modify the hormone once it is absorbed. For instance, cells from the brain, bone, and heart absorb testosterone easily then convert it to estrogen as needed.
What Does Bio-Identical Mean?
Bio-identical hormones have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones made by the human body. Synthetic hormones supplements available in pill form are not bio-identical and are responsible for side effects and health risks when taken by humans.
Why Are Humans Taking Non-Bio-Identical Hormones?
Because bio-identical hormones are naturally produced by our bodies, the production process cannot be patented. Therefore, large pharmaceutical companies cannot make large profits from the sales of bio-identical hormones. The pharmaceutical industry creates hormone drugs by using animal hormones (often collected from the urine of pregnant horses) to create products that are chemically different from human hormones but they still bind to human receptors—often much too strongly. Premarin binds to human estrogen receptors 20 times stranger than natural estrogen. Mass production of non-bio-identical hormones by drug companies is very profitable despite the health issues and side effects caused by them. Conversely, bio-identical hormones (especially testosterone) have not been shown to have any serious side effects.
How Is BHT Administered?
Bio-identical hormone pellets come in various strengths from a highly rated commercially licensed compounding pharmacy. The hormones are derived from an ingredient found in many vegetables, particularly yams. Testosterone is placed using time released pellets inserted into body fat. The pellets are very small, usually painless to insert, and provide a steady hormone level for months. Bio-identical hormones cannot be swallowed as a pill. The digestive process will inactivate the hormone. Any hormone drugs that can be taken by mouth are NOT bio-identical.
What Are The Goals Of BHT?
- Alleviate symptoms caused by decreased hormone production, such as—sleep problems, mood swings, increased body fat, decreased libido and sexual function, hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, etc.
- Re-establish the protective benefits of hormones, including bone density, cardiovascular health, immune function, balance, etc.
- Reversal of diseases traditionally associated with aging, like osteoporosis, loss of strength, fatigue, exercise intolerance, decreasing muscle mass, mental clarity, etc.
- Enhance the enjoyment, sense of well-being, and quality of life over the long term.
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Testosterone (T)
Testosterone is vital to the health and well-being of BOTH men and women. In men, T is produced by the testicles and adrenal glands. In women, T is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. T functions to maintain muscle mass, strength and endurance, decreased fat, increased exercise tolerance, enhancement of the sense of well-being and psychological health. T protects against cardiovascular disease, and reduces blood sugar. It leads to increased muscle mass, increased bone density, decrease in cholesterol, improved skin tone, improved healing capacity, and increased libido and sexual performance. T enhances the quality of life for both men and women by decreasing the diseases of aging. Cells that use Estrogen use Testosterone to manufacture Estrogen inside the cell by a chemical conversion using a specific enzyme. T is extremely important in BOTH men AND women. Although women require substantially less T than men, adequate tissue levels are very important for health in both sexes.
Estrogen
Like Testosterone, Estrogen is a required hormone for BOTH men and women. Estrogens are believed to help protect against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and memory disorders. It also protects against vaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, and prevents symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and poor temperature regulation. Estrogen deficiency is linked to urinary incontinence, loss of skin tone, fatigue, depression, mood swings and decreased libido. However, the vast majority of women need only testosterone pellets because their bodies, like men’s, make all the intracellular estrogen they need by converting it from testosterone. This avoids the serious problems that can occur with high levels of estrogen in the blood. Estrogen supplementation is rarely necessary. If it is used, it should be bio-identical. The non-human estrogens found in pills bind nearly 20 times stronger to your cell’s receptors and have been proven to be harmful.
Other Supplements
BHT effectiveness may be affected by certain nutritional deficiencies. A notable example is Iodine. This is a trace mineral that is deficient in the normal diet of most Americans. Iodine is essential for the absorption and functioning of Testosterone in our cells. Iodine supplements are inexpensive, readily available, and recommended for patients receiving BHT.
Vitamin B-12 injections are also available for patients who desire them. Many of our patients find B-12 very helpful for increased energy and appetite suppression. The injections can be given weekly or monthly according to your preference and schedule.