{"id":1783,"date":"2019-06-18T11:00:47","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T16:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/?p=1783"},"modified":"2019-07-31T10:01:59","modified_gmt":"2019-07-31T15:01:59","slug":"what-to-expect-with-hormone-replacement-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/what-to-expect-with-hormone-replacement-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect with Hormone Replacement Therapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to treating hormonal imbalance, there is no uniform approach. Yet, many in the medical field continuously prescribe \u201cband-aid\u201d treatments that may work for some, but don&#8217;t offer patients optimal results, nor do they address their full scope of health concerns and symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Hormonal imbalance can come from various sources, but no matter the cause when left untreated, the consequences can be severe. <strong>One approach many practitioners use to help patients find balance is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>While BHRT has been around for years and had great results, we have seen a resurgence in its use. Read on for all things BHRT, hormone pellet therapy, and how you can improve your health!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HRT is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a type of hormone therapy that uses hormones that are structurally identical to the substances as they naturally occur in your body<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It has been a favorite for both men and women going through the aging process and dealing with hormonal imbalance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other hormone therapy options include pills, patches, and creams, but don&#8217;t offer an individualized approach for your unique needs and health concerns.\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">BHRT is the natural alternative to synthetic hormone treatments<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that often don&#8217;t provide relief.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We use BHRT through hormone pellet therapy. Hormone pellets have been around for decades but were pushed aside when pills and patches flooded the market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">many practitioners are turning back to hormone pellet therapy<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to offer their patients a more individualized approach to restoring balance and optimizing hormones.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>What Are Hormone Pellets?<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignright wp-image-412 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/180706-EvexiPEL-branded-images_Page_1-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/180706-EvexiPEL-branded-images_Page_1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/180706-EvexiPEL-branded-images_Page_1-768x547.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/180706-EvexiPEL-branded-images_Page_1-1024x729.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Designed for both men and women,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hormone pellets are roughly the size of a grain of rice<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and composed of an estrogen hormone or testosterone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They come from organic plant materials that mimic the molecular structure of those hormones found in the body. And, these tiny pellets are inserted under the skin, usually in the buttocks, in a simple and painless in-office procedure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>How Do Hormone Pellets Work?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The pellets\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">release small amounts of hormones directly into the bloodstream<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0similar to the way your body would in previous years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also, the pellets will release the hormones in response to physical activity or emotional stress, both the good and bad kind. They also allow for a steady stream of hormones, which can help curb symptoms and side effects of your hormone levels.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>What Are the Pros of Hormone Pellets?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">BHRT with pellets is preferred by many patients thanks to its incredible convenience. Rather than remembering to take daily pills or apply cream throughout the day,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">most patients need only to visit their practitioner 2-3 times per year for pellet implants<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. With hormone pellets, you can truly restore order to your life!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Are There Any Cons of Hormone Pellets?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For some patients, the idea of a procedure can be scary. Though the insertion method is painless and straightforward for most, there is always a possibility for discomfort.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also,<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0there is a little downtime required post-insertion<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">; you should not practice any strenuous physical activity or have prolonged water exposure for the first few days after implantation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Finally, BHRT with pellets can be slightly more expensive than other forms of hormone therapy, but it is also recognized as more reliable and valuable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Is Hormone Pellet Insertion Painful?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most patients experience no pain with their hormone pellet insertion. However, to help alleviate any discomfort, a local anesthetic is applied to the insertion site before the procedure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tenderness, redness, and a little bruising is standard up to 3-4 days after insertion, but the entire process is viewed as quick and painless.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>How Long Does It Take for Hormone Pellets to Work?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although every patient experience is unique,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">most report symptom relief within 2-4 weeks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but full hormone optimization could take closer to 6 months.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Which is why regular follow-up and contact with your BHRT pellet provider is vital following the procedure; this allows your provider the opportunity to monitor and customize hormone optimization based on your symptoms and blood work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Comprehensive Blood Tests<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After talking to an EvexiPEL provider and deciding pellet therapy is a great option or you, <strong>we will have you go through blood work<\/strong> to determine the best levels of hormones for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is an extremely important step in the process, as each patient\u2019s hormone\u00a0needs\u00a0and blood levels are different.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Pre-Procedure Steps<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you\u2019ve done your blood tests and we have determined the proper dosage of hormone pellets to give you, there are a few steps you can take before the actual pellet insertion. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We recommend that all patients stop taking blood thinners (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) one week\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">before the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0insertion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your physician has instructed that you take any of these\u00a0daily, you should consult with him or her.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<strong>Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy does not require any pre-procedure fasting<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The Procedure<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The day has finally arrived! Before you come into our office to have the procedure done, we will have\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">created customized pellet(s) for you by fusing estrogen or testosterone into small cylindrical pellets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>These pellets are very small<\/strong> \u2013 about the size of a grain of rice.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you come in, we will clean and numb the site of pellet insertion.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pellets absorb best when inserted into fatty tissue, so the most common site of insertion\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is the rear end. After you are numb, we will make a very small incision through which to insert the pellets. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We will then put the pellets in, cover the site with a bandage, and you are good to go! <strong>T<\/strong><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>he whole process does not even take 20 minutes<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Post-Procedure Steps<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We recommend that you remove the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0initial<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0bandage\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">24 hours after the\u00a0procedure, and\u00a0reapply bandages as needed over the next few days.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is also recommended to keep the wound completely dry\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for the first 24 hours \u2013 after that, go ahead and shower. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, we recommend staying out of baths, pools, hot tubs \u2013 or anywhere else that you might soak the wound in \u2013 for at least three days following the insertion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To avoid irritation, <strong>it is also a good idea to refrain from extraneous exercise<\/strong> (anything beyond your regular walking and work around the house) for about a week following the procedure.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A week or so after the procedure, you should be able to remove the bandage and start to get back to your regular activity. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are still feeling intense irritation or pain two weeks after the procedure, give us a call.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep in mind, though, some redness, bruising, and swelling is normal for a few days following pellet insertion. The area may feel tender for up to two weeks after insertion. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Happens to My Body After Hormone Pellet Insertion?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There is usually an adjustment period after undergoing pellet therapy. As the pellet releases hormones into your body, your body may have to play \u201ccatch up\u201d for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a few days as it adjusts to normal hormone levels. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This can come in the form of temporary weight gain, or other body changes such as breast tenderness or toning. <strong>You may also experience mental and emotional changes<\/strong> \u2013 some patients report feeling very mild, puberty-like symptoms for a few days.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After this initial recovery period, you should start to notice the positive changes in your body you were hoping for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This can include any combination of getting better sleep, having more energy, being happier, stronger, and much more.\u00a0 <\/span><strong>The pellets will continue to release hormones into your bloodstream 24\/7 for their allotted treatment time. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since the hormones are identical to those your body produces, your body should accept them happily with no adverse side effects.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Contact Us Today!<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our hormones are just as unique as we are. So, finding the best treatment path to help you achieve balance requires time and collaboration.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/provider-directory\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Schedule your consultation today<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to speak with one of our hormone experts and take the first step toward restoring balance!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Article Reviewed By <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/faculty-and-advisory-board\/\">The Medical Faculty and Advisory Review Board<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Resources<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/couple-african-happy-man-woman-1030744\/\">Image attribution<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/hormonereplacementtherapy.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hormone Replacement Therapy<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/menopause\/in-depth\/hormone-therapy\/art-20046372\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/risk\/hormones\/mht-fact-sheet\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/menopause\/guide\/which-type-of-estrogen-hormone-therapy-is-right-for-you\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Which Type of Estrogen Hormone Therapy Is Right for You?<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.menopause.org\/for-women\/menopauseflashes\/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments\/hormone-therapy-benefits-risks\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hormone Therapy: Benefits &amp; Risks<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/benefits-of-hormone-replacement-therapy\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Benefits of hormone replacement therapy<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to treating hormonal imbalance, there is no uniform approach. Yet, many in the medical field continuously prescribe \u201cband-aid\u201d treatments that may work for some, but&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1845,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[25,10,9],"tags":[6,101],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1783"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1783\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/evexipel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}