When your hormones are out of balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause, it can lead to a lot of frustrating symptoms, such as low sex drive, fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one way to address these symptoms.
One popular method of HRT is hormone pellet therapy. Hormone pellets are tiny implants that a healthcare provider places under your skin. The pellets then release hormones into your bloodstream over a period of months.
There are a number of different hormone pellet brands available, including BioTE, SottoPelle, and EvexiPEL. This article will compare and contrast these brands, discuss the pros and cons of hormone pellet therapy, and explore some of the controversies surrounding this treatment. Which brand is best: BioTE pellets vs other brands?
Understanding Hormone Pellet Therapy
What are Hormone Pellets?
Hormone pellets are a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). With this method, tiny, solid implants are inserted under the skin.
The pellets release bioidentical hormones. “Bioidentical” means that the hormones are identical in structure to the ones your body makes. The hormones in pellets are often derived from plants.
The pellets are designed to release hormones slowly and steadily over 3-6 months. The goal is to provide more consistent hormone levels than you might get with other forms of HRT, like pills or creams.
The Pellet Insertion Procedure
Inserting hormone pellets is a minor surgical procedure. The doctor makes a small cut in your skin and inserts the pellet.
It’s not unusual for patients to feel some discomfort, swelling, or bruising after the pellets are inserted. The skill of the healthcare provider and the location of the insertion can affect how you feel afterward.
BioTE: An Overview
BioTE, a company based in Dallas, provides bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using hormone pellets. These pellets, inserted under the skin, slowly release hormones into the bloodstream, aiming to provide a more consistent hormone level compared to other delivery methods, influencing testosterone metabolism pathways.
While BioTE is a well-known name in hormone pellet therapy, specific details about their unique pellet formulation are not readily available. To understand the nuances of the BioTE method and its specific advantages, it’s best to consult their official website or speak directly with a BioTE-certified provider. They can offer the most accurate and up-to-date information on their approach to hormone optimization.
SottoPelle: An Overview
Besides BioTE, SottoPelle is another hormone replacement therapy option that uses pellets. Here’s a quick rundown:
Key Features of SottoPelle
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement: Like BioTE, SottoPelle uses bioidentical hormones in its pellet therapy.
- DosaggioTM Methodology: SottoPelle has a unique approach called “DosaggioTM.” To get the full scoop on what this means, you’d need to check out their official website or chat with a SottoPelle provider.
Potential Benefits According to SottoPelle
SottoPelle highlights the following potential benefits:
- Continuous Hormone Release: They emphasize that their pellets release hormones continuously, which they believe helps keep side effects to a minimum.
- Improved Effectiveness: SottoPelle suggests that their method of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) might be safer and work better compared to other ways of delivering hormones, like creams or pills.
EvexiPEL: A Patented Approach
Not all hormone pellets are created equal. One brand, EvexiPEL, offers a unique, patented approach to hormone replacement therapy.
Unique Features of EvexiPEL Pellets
EvexiPEL pellets stand out for a couple of key reasons:
- Patented Formulation: EvexiPEL pellets are made with a specific, patented formulation.
- Reduced Extrusion and Inflammation: They’re designed to reduce the chance of the pellet coming out (extrusion) and to minimize inflammation after insertion.
In fact, studies have shown that EvexiPEL pellets with TCA (trichloroacetic acid) reduced post-insertion pellet extrusions by more than 50% compared to pellets without TCA. This improvement was even more noticeable in men, with a 75% reduction in pellet extrusions when using testosterone pellets formulated with trace amounts of TCA.
The EvexiPEL Method
Beyond the pellets themselves, EvexiPEL also emphasizes a specific method for hormone replacement therapy:
- Provider Technique: EvexiPEL-trained providers use specific placement techniques to optimize results.
- Comprehensive Approach: The goal is to achieve a slower, more consistent release of hormones, which can lead to less discomfort during the procedure and fewer appointments overall.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Hormone Pellets: A Balanced Perspective
It’s important to weigh the potential benefits of hormone pellets against the potential risks before deciding if they’re right for you.
Potential Benefits
Many patients report feeling better quickly after starting hormone pellet therapy, especially when it comes to libido and energy levels, while some may explore other natural options like Horny Goat Weed.
The convenience and privacy of hormone pellets are also attractive to some people. Because the pellets are implanted under the skin and release hormones slowly over time, you don’t have to remember to take a pill or apply a cream every day.
Risks and Concerns
It’s important to note that hormone pellets are not FDA-approved. This means they aren’t subject to the same regulations as other hormone therapies. Some doctors are concerned that this lack of regulation could lead to higher-than-necessary hormone doses.
Like any medical treatment, hormone pellets can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, and pellet extrusion (when the pellet comes out of the insertion site).
Other potential side effects include water retention, breast tenderness, facial hair growth, acne, hair thinning, and may require different treatments like testosterone gel.
Some doctors are also concerned about the long-term safety of hormone pellets, as there isn’t a lot of research on their long-term effects. There’s concern that pellet therapy may increase the risk of uterine cancer and precancerous conditions.
Concerns and Controversies
It’s worth noting that there are FDA-approved hormone replacement therapies that offer more controlled dosing and have well-established safety records. These are something to consider when weighing options.
BioTE pellets are often made by compounding pharmacies, which custom-mix hormones. While this allows for personalized formulations, it can also raise quality control concerns. Not all compounding pharmacies follow the same rigorous standards.
Finally, it’s important to know that saliva hormone testing is not a reliable way to measure hormone levels or guide treatment. Hormone levels in saliva don’t accurately reflect blood levels or menopause symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hormones does Angelina Jolie take?
Angelina Jolie has publicly discussed undergoing a preventative double mastectomy and oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes) to reduce her cancer risk due to a BRCA1 gene mutation. She has not publicly disclosed specific details about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but it’s common for women who undergo oophorectomy to consider HRT to manage symptoms of surgical menopause. This is a personal decision made in consultation with her healthcare provider.
Who is not a candidate for Biote?
Biote, like any hormone replacement therapy, isn’t for everyone. Generally, individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (like certain breast or uterine cancers), unexplained vaginal bleeding, active blood clots, or pregnancy are not suitable candidates. A thorough medical evaluation is crucial to determine candidacy.
Which hormone pellet is the best?
The “best” hormone pellet is subjective and depends on individual needs and factors. Biote is a well-known brand, but other compounded hormone pellet options exist. The most important factor is working with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your hormone levels, medical history, and symptoms to determine the most appropriate type and dosage for you.
What is the downside of hormone pellets?
Potential downsides of hormone pellets can include inconsistent hormone release (though this is less common with newer formulations), pellet extrusion (the pellet coming out of the insertion site), infection at the insertion site, and the general risks associated with hormone therapy, such as potential cardiovascular or cancer risks (though studies are ongoing and results vary). It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor.
Can you take bioidentical hormones for life?
The duration of bioidentical hormone therapy is a decision made in consultation with your healthcare provider. There’s no set limit, but it’s essential to regularly reassess the benefits and risks of continued therapy. Some individuals may choose to take them long-term, while others may opt to discontinue after a certain period. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are key.
Conclusion
BioTE, SottoPelle, and EvexiPEL are all hormone pellet brands available today. Each has its own formulation. The brand your provider uses might depend on their experience or training. It’s important to consider the pellet formulation, the provider’s technique, and, most importantly, your own needs.
Hormone pellet therapy may have benefits, but it also carries risks. It’s important to weigh these carefully before deciding whether it’s right for you.
Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about all your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options. The best treatment plan depends on your health history, symptoms, and preferences. Look for a clinician who will consider your well-being today and your well-being many years from now.