We all have hormones, and at some point in our lives, our hormones will naturally experience fluctuations and cause us to endure hormonal imbalance.
While it is both natural and to be expected, how we treat hormones should be unique, because we all have unique bodies, health conditions, and needs.
Although hormone health is most notably associated with the aging process, it can occur at any time, and you may not even have symptoms to show for it.
As an experienced Nurse Practitioner who has dealt with hormonal imbalance and menopause, I can offer my patients a real perspective on treatment plans, as well as professional advice thanks to my training under the top hormone specialists in the world through EvexiPEL.
Hormonal imbalance can come from various sources and strike at any time. Read on to learn more about why a blanket approach to treatment won’t do you any good as well as the importance of recognizing hormonal imbalance and treating accordingly.
Today, I’ll break down BHRT (Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy) with pellets and how it can help you restore health and feel your best!
What Do Our Hormones Do?
My goal at Silhouette Health and Wellness is to give my patients a balance of my personal experience with hormone optimization, and helpful information based on my years of training and specialization.
So, before focusing on BHRT with pellets and the benefits specifically, I want to be sure you are clear on hormones and their functions.
Chemical Messengers
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through our blood and enter cells, tissues, and organs, telling them what to do and when to do it.
They can regulate everything from our emotions to reproductive functions to our general wellbeing—they have a big job, to say the least.
These tiny chemical messengers control and dictate different activities throughout our body, and if there’s even a slight imbalance, it could throw our whole system off kilter.
- Hormones carry messages between cells and organs.
- Hormone levels will naturally decline with age. However, when left untreated, you could have health issues.
- Hormonal imbalance can impact both men and women of any age.
Regular check-ups and monitoring are crucial to keeping your body in balance because hormonal imbalance can happen at any time, but especially as we age. When left unchecked, serious health problems could arise.
How Can I Tell If My Hormones Are out of Balance?
When we have too little or too much of a hormone in our bloodstream, we are experiencing hormonal imbalance.
You’ve probably gathered by now just how vital hormones are and how the smallest change could lead to a domino effect of issues throughout our body.
But in case you’re still unsure, here’s a short list of some of the biggest processes and bodily functions our hormones regulate:
- Heart rate
- Sleep cycles
- Reproductive cycles and sexual function
- Metabolism and appetite
- General growth and development
- Mood and stress
Men and women can both experience hormonal imbalance, and while symptoms do vary from person to person, some general symptoms are often reported by both men and women.
The following are a few examples of common symptoms experts agree are good indicators of hormonal imbalance, check the list below to see if anything sounds familiar:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Poor sleep
- Brittle or weak bones
- Irritability and anxiety
- Long-term fatigue without reason
- Headaches
- Lowered sex drive
- Dehydrated skin or skin rashes
- Unexplained or excessive sweating
- Changes in sensitivity to cold and heat
The potential symptoms and side effects could go on and on which is why I encourage you to bring up any of the following symptoms during an appointment or to schedule your one-on-one consultation at Silhouette Health and Wellness today!
If you are dealing with hormonal imbalance, we can get to the bottom of it together and create the best plan of action to help you regain your energy and live your life.
Women
A few more specific symptoms often experienced by women include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness
- Deepening of the voice
- Irregular/heavy/painful periods
- Infertility
- Thinning or brittle hair
Men
Some common red flags for men dealing with hormonal issues include:
- The inability to achieve and maintain an erection
- Changes in blood pressure
- Memory loss
- Gynecomastia (the development of breasts)
- Aches
- Longer recovery times from injuries
The symptoms listed above, for both men and women, can certainly be red flags, but it’s worth noting that hormonal imbalance doesn’t always present symptoms. Often, patients come to me saying they have felt “off” for a while and couldn’t quite identify what was making them feel different.
If you notice issues with libido, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, or you feel that your body is revolting against you, pay attention. Take note of the changes and symptoms and track any significant lifestyle changes you may have made at the time—this info will be helpful at your initial consultation.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalances are just a fact of life, they typically occur naturally as we age, but some other possibilities and triggers may cause fluctuations, such as:
- Extreme stress
- Thyroid issues
- Poor nutrition
- Abuse of certain medications
- Environmental factors
At Silhouette Health and Wellness, we will review your health history and concerns together to pinpoint the cause for your symptoms. This jumpstarts our customized treatment plan to help you restore balance.
Symptoms often affect everyone differently and can closely resemble other health conditions meaning you should seek professional advisement to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for optimizing hormones.
Restoring Balance
When it comes to hormone therapy, there are tons of options. Some of the most commonly recognized are pills, patches, and creams.
However, BHRT with pellets is a natural alternative to synthetic hormone treatments and allow for a more individualized approach to answering your unique needs and health concerns.
Hormone pellets have been around for decades and are starting to be used more and more frequently by providers.
At Silhouette Health and Wellness, we are fans of BHRT with pellets because of the customization that can be adapted to each patient’s individual needs.
Which Method Is Best for Me?
If you’re not sure which hormone optimization method is best for you, our team can help! Schedule your consultation today so we can discuss your symptoms, your health goals, and if BHRT with pellets may be a good fit.
Read through the following FAQs to get a better idea of what pellet therapy is and how it could help you.
1. What are hormone pellets?
Hormone pellets are close to the size of a grain of rice and are made up of estrogen and testosterone hormones.
They come from organic plant material that mimics the molecular structure of the hormones naturally occurring in your body. These tiny pellets were designed for men and women and are inserted under the skin in a simple and painless in-office procedure.
2. How do BHRT pellets work?
The pellets release hormones, in response to physical activity or emotional stress (good and bad), directly into the bloodstream just as your body naturally should.
This method allows for a steady stream of hormones when your body needs it and can help keep symptoms and side effects at bay.
3. What are the pros of hormone pellets?
Many patients love BHRT with pellets because it is convenient. You don’t have to remember to take daily pills or pack your creams with you—rather, you just need to come in a few times a year for pellet implantation and follow-up.
Women should come in 3-4 times a year, while men should visit 2-3 times per year. Pellets may allow you to restore balance without having your treatment take over your life!
4. What are the cons of hormone pellets?
The idea of a procedure is stressful for some patients, even though pellet implantation is straightforward and generally pain-free, there is always a possibility for discomfort.
There is also a little downtime required post-insertion; you should hold off on strenuous physical activity or prolonged water exposure for a few days after your procedure.
Finally, BHRT with pellets can be a little more expensive than other forms of hormone therapy, but we feel that the value is well worth the cost.
5. Is the cost of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy worth it?
BHRT with pellets can be extremely beneficial, but it requires various steps to personalize the treatment. For example, you’ll need:
- A consultation
- Testing
- An insertion procedure
- Follow-up monitoring
Prices vary depending on location and practitioner, but it should go without saying, we believe BHRT with pellets is a smart investment in your health.
6. Is hormone pellet insertion painful?
A local anesthetic is applied to the insertion site before the procedure, but most patients experience no pain at all. We will do our best to minimize discomfort during your appointment!
Tenderness, redness, and a little bruising is normal up to 3-4 days after insertion, but the entire process is quick and painless typically.
7. How long does it take for hormone pellets to work?
Every patient experience is unique, but many report symptom relief within 2-4 weeks, but full hormone optimization could take closer to 6 months.
Because results can vary, it is important to have regular follow-up and contact with your BHRT pellet provider following the procedure. We will have a better opportunity to monitor and customize your hormone optimization based on your symptoms and bloodwork.
8. Can hormone pellets help me lose weight?
Fluctuation in weight and unexplained weight gain is a common sign of hormonal imbalance. BHRT with pellets may help you manage your weight by restoring hormonal balance, which gives you more energy and regulates your metabolism.
9. What happens to the pellets after insertion?
BHRT pellets are natural and will completely dissolve and be absorbed by your body over time, leaving nothing behind. This is why you’ll need to come in for new implants a few times a year.
10. Why should I choose hormone pellets over conventional hormone therapies?
The process is less of a hassle, results can last longer, you’ll need fewer doctor visits, and you won’t have to remember daily medications. BHRT with pellets can deliver consistent levels of hormones into your bloodstream and can help you avoid the pitfalls that come with fluctuations in hormones.
Maintaining Balance
Going through your daily life, carrying a heavy load of symptoms can make things more complicated, but even if you’re symptom-free, keeping hormones balanced is crucial for good health.
When our hormones are out of whack, our bodies are more susceptible to disease. Hormonal imbalance has been linked to different illnesses such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain cancers
Testing Your Hormones
Imbalanced hormones don’t always produce symptoms, which is why regular check-ups and testing your hormones is an important step to take. Your specific symptom set and other factors (age, stress levels, weight, etc.) will influence when to have your hormones tested.
The timing of when you’re able to have your hormones tested will play a significant role as well. Typically, women under the age of 40 will need to schedule hormone testing around their menstrual cycle. However, to achieve best results and optimal efficiency, it’s always best to discuss with your doctor.
Apart from BHRT with pellets, there are other natural steps you can take to promote hormone balance. The following tips are helpful, even if you are currently using BHRT with pellets.
1. Get Regular Exercise
Routine exercise can help support physical and mental health. Commit to implementing exercise into daily life whether it’s through:
- Strength training
- Aerobics
- Endurance training
- Walks around your neighborhood
2. Make Sleep a Priority
We know it’s easier said than done, but you have to make sleep a priority! If you have irregular sleep patterns, you can interrupt your circadian rhythm and its ability to release certain hormones.
Work on establishing a sleep schedule and nighty routines that support better sleep habits.
3. Learn How to Manage Stress
Stress can alter our hormonal balance and have negative impacts on our physical and mental wellbeing. What areas of your life are causing you stress?
Be mindful of triggers and work to reduce them or create coping mechanisms. Even setting aside 10 minutes of quiet time for yourself throughout the day is a great stress management tool.
Get Help Today!
Finding the best treatment path to achieve hormonal balance requires time and collaboration. Our hormones are just as unique as we are, after all.
Schedule your consultation today at Silhouette Health and Wellness and take the first step toward finding balance!