What is BioTE?
BioTE Medical was founded by Dr. Gary Donovitz, MD. He has created the gold standard for providers for hormone replacement therapy, insertion technique and his drive to change the way we approach healthcare. His goal, along with ours here at SNC, is for a more natural approach, avoiding over-medication that is so prevalent. Our doctors have attended and completed his lectures, courses and testing to become BioTE certified practitioners. Our partnership with BioTE Medical, allows us to offer the best Bio-identical pellets to our patients, along with personalized dosing system that helps us evaluate and treat each patient uniquely.
What is Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Pellet therapy is used to treat hormone imbalances in both men and women. It is the insertion of a very small pellet placed in the gluteal area, providing a consistent dose of bio-identical hormone into the bloodstream that is regulated by a persons activity. This therapy keeps hormone levels optimal and avoids the roller coaster-like effects from orally administered or topically administered hormones. These pellets, about the size of a grain of rice, are derived from plants, not animals, and are identical to the hormones naturally present in your body.
What Are The Signs of Hormone Imbalance in Women?
There are a variety of symptoms that can be present. Symptoms may include...
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cold hands and feet
What Are The Signs of Hormone Imbalance in Men?
- Low sex drive
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat, particularly around the waist area
- Decreased bone mass
- Mood changes
- Lower mental capacity
- Depression
- Irritability
- Brain fog
What Are The Benefits of Bio-Identical Pellets Over Others?
There are many benefits. The first is that they are Bio-Identical, meaning that they are structurally the same as our naturally occurring human hormones. The second is that these hormones are found in nature and are plant derived, rather than from equine sources. This means that the hormones are more natural and have little to no negative interactions within the body. Another benefit of pellet therapy is that the pellets remain in the body and consistently provide the dosing the body requires based on cardiac output, such as exercising, stress or just relaxing. This contrasts with other hormone replacement administrations in which the hormone is provided in spurts, such as pills or cream. Additionally, pellets last longer than all other administrations. For woman, insertions are done every 3-4 months and for men every 4-6 months. This allows you to go several months with out worrying about your hormones!
What Are The Drawbacks of Pellet Therapy?
Anytime your are working with hormone adjustment, there is the potential to have some spotting, breast tenderness or acne, but these symptoms can easily be addressed.
What Are The Long Term Affects of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Decreased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, dementia, some forms of cancer, premature aging, bone loss and muscle loss.
How Can I get started with Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Our doctors are BioTE Certified providers. Call to schedule an office visit to have one of our wonderful doctors test your current hormone levels. A comprehensive and thorough consultation, along with blood work, will determine if you are a candidate for BioTE hormone replacement pellet therapy. Then a follow up procedure appointment will be scheduled for your pellets to be inserted.
What is The Cost of Pellet Therapy?
The cost of appointments and blood work is billable to insurance if naturopathic benefits are available on your insurance plan. The insertion procedure, however, is not billable to insurance, it will be an out of pocket expense.
The following prices are for the insertion procedure:
- Women $375 every 3-4 months
- Men $700 every 4-6 months
What Happens At My Insertion Appointment?
You will be brought back to an exam room, the insertion site will be numbed and then a very small incision made to place the pellets. No stitches are needed, just a small piece of medical tape is placed along with a bandage to protect the incision site. For men, you will also have a cold pack placed on the site. Aftercare instructions will be discussed and some modification of activity is needed for 3-7 days after the pellets are placed.
What Can I Expect Following My Pellet Insertion?
Most people experience some symptom resolution within 2-4 weeks but full hormone optimization can take up to 6 months. Most people report a soreness for a couple of days at the procedure site. It is important to limit lower body exercise following the procedure for a few days, giving the incision time to heal. Follow up blood work is needed after 4-6 weeks for a woman and 6 weeks for a man, to determine your hormone levels. If needed, a hormone boost can be given at this time.