Tuesday, May 06, 2025
41.0°F

What are bioidentical hormone pellets?

by Jan NelsonNp-C
| July 15, 2015 9:00 PM

Pellets were developed in 1939 for women who had undergone radical hysterectomies and later discussion was introduced for the use of pellets in menopausal women. Most of the clinical studies come from Europe and Australia, where pellet therapy has been widely used.

Estradiol and testosterone pellets are derived from soy and yams. The biochemical structure of these hormones are perfectly matched to the hormones produced in a man or woman's body by the endocrine system. Pellets are formed by compression using thousands of pounds of pressure and autoclaved for sterility.

They are absorbed based on cardiac output, not time released, resulting in a more steady state of hormones without a roller coaster effect. Pellet therapy does not pass through the liver and therefore does not interfere with the clotting mechanism. There is no increase in blood clots, heart attack or stroke.

Clinical studies have demonstrated a marked increase in bone density of 8.3 percent per year with hormone optimization using pellet therapy, while patches revealed a 3.5 percent and oral 1-2 percent per year (Am Journal OB/GYN 1990). Approximately four percent of muscle mass is lost during the first three years after menopause. Postmenopausal androgen therapy increases lean tissue mass and decreases fat mass.

According to the European Journal of Endocrinology, 2006; testosterone reduces insulin resistance, cholesterol, visceral fat and coronary artery disease. Both estrogen and testosterone have a neuroprotective role. Women with lower estradiol levels have a greater risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Neuroendocrinology, 2009, reports estrogen and testosterone have a protective effect by decreasing the beta amyloid deposition which is associated with Alzheimer's disease.

"There is no magic hormone or combination of hormones that can be indiscriminately used by all women. Each woman is an individual and hormone balance must be the ultimate goal for all women." - Joseph Collins, ND.

Are you a candidate for pellet therapy? Call (509) 919-4575 at Balanced Wellness Medical Clinic.