Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (BHRT) / Pellet Therapy

Sex hormones are signaling molecules secreted into the blood by various glands including the ovaries, adrenals and testes. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is used to treat men and women when their hormone levels drop or become imbalanced. Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment. The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones. The non-bioidentical sex hormone replacement therapy appears to have some drawbacks that may not apply to BHRT.

While sometimes considered inevitable consequences of aging, these symptoms can often be managed effectively with hormone replacement therapy or non-hormonal interventions such as herbs and nutrients. When hormone therapy is necessary, the Sound Clinic generally favors the use of hormones that are identical to those produced in the body - BHRT. These are administered in the form of creams, sublingual tablets, injections, patches and pellet therapy - most of which come from compounding pharmacies.

There are hundreds of symptoms that can be connected to hormone imbalance. For some people, it is a gradual transition. In others, drastic changes suddenly present. And for others, articulation of the symptoms is best described as "my body feels like it is falling apart."

In an attempt to put words to symptoms, below is a list of common symptoms relating to hormone imbalance.

• Hot flashes/night sweats

• Decreased muscle mass

• Insomnia

• Decreased memory

• Headaches

• Low libido

• Anxiety

• Weight gain

• Mood swings

• Vaginal dryness

• Depression

• Fatigue / Loss of energy

There are times that it is difficult to reach therapeutic goals with oral, sublingual or cream hormone preparations. Some patients may prefer to have a hormone form that does not have to be administered on a daily basis. In these cases, implantable hormones (pellets) are the best option. Implantable testosterone and estradiol pellets have been used for this reason since 1940. Current implants are well standardized and release testosterone and estradiol at a very consistent rate.

Testosterone and estradiol pellets are placed under the skin of the upper buttocks. This is performed by a practitioner as an outpatient office procedure under local anesthesia. In an effort to minimize out-of-pocket cost to the patient, the medical management and office visit is billed to insurance. The remaining supplies and medication is out of pocket to the patient.

Pellet therapy is not usually covered by insurance. The total cost for women ranges from $399-$429. The total cost for men ranges from $625-$736. The difference in cost is dependent on dosage, complexity of the visit and insurance coverage. Insurance may cover a portion of the visit and the out of pocket expense would be less in that situation. Please contact our office or billing service for more information.

Location: Pellet Placement is offered in Denver and Louisville.