Hormone Replacement Therapy
In terms of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and the link to breast cancer, there have been no major studies done in the United States to validate that bio-familiar hormone replacement therapy is safer than the use of synthetic hormones and will not lead to breast cancer or heart disease. Those studies cost millions of dollars and thus far have not been funded in the U.S. However, our friends in Europe have done many large studies and multiple smaller studies have been done in the United States showing that women have a decreased incidence of breast cancer, and a decreased incidence of recurrence of breast cancer when using bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This goes against most of what main stream doctors are doing for patients whom have a diagnosis of breast cancer. They are putting them on estrogen receptor blockers! I can tell you that most of those women feel miserable. Our bodies were designed to use estrogen and progesterone, particularly in the breast tissue.
These studies have also shown that there is a decreased risk of heart disease, Alzheimers dementia , and osteoporosis (up to 8.6% increase in bone density per year) with the use of bio-familiar hormone replacement pellet therapy.
Why have I never heard of Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone Pellet Therapy has been available in the United States and other countries for well over 50 years. It is usually only offered by physicians who specilize in menopausal or hormonal issues. Pellet Therapy was originally developed by Dr. Robert B. Greenblatt from the Medical College of Georgia, and is the founder of the International Menopause Society. It was actually available before the synthetic hormones were available.
Physicians and Pharmacists are trained by the Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives, so they are not informed about the options for (formerly known as Bio-identical) Hormone Replacement Therapy. Only those physicians who have been trained in the use of pellets should be prescribing and dispensing this treatment. Most women who have heard about BHRT have been exposed to the use of creams and gels and even drops. These have been effective for many women and men over the years, but not everyone absorbs these creams as well as others. These women have responded better to pellets due to being absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Hormone Pellet Therapy is a procedure performed in the physician's office with minimal discomfort and takes only a few minutes. A small amount of local anesthesia is injected into the subcutaneous fat located near the hip on the buttocks. The hormone pellets which are no larger then a grain of rice are then inserted into the subcutaneous tissue through an instrument designed for this purpose. Pressure is applied to the site for 5-10 minutes. No sutures are required as the actual incision is very small. As with any other surgical procedure, postoperative infection, or bleeding is possible but uncommon. The pellets, which contain the biologically identical form of natural estrogen or testosterone produced by the ovary are absorbed into the blood stream producing hormone levels that are physiologic and remain relatively constant day-to-day. As the hormones bypass the gastrointestinal tract and are absorbed slowly, it mimics natural ovarian secretion.
Depending on the metabolism of the individual and the number of pellets implanted, they last from 3-6 months and the procedure is then repeated at that time. Lab tests are performed 3 weeks after the initial implant to evaluate whether or not enough pellets were given. Our goal is not to “over treat” or give an excess amount of hormones. We do not treat athletes who just want an added edge. We only treat those whom have true hormonal deficiencies and bring their hormones back to optimal levels rather than excessive levels.
