Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
At Maple Grove Medical Clinic, we proudly offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) pellet implants—a cutting-edge hormone therapy solution for hormonal imbalances. Our method focuses on delivering consistent, balanced hormone levels using bioidentical hormones tailored to each individual’s needs. These pellets, made from natural plant sources, contain hormones identical to those produced by the human body. They provide a steady release of hormones over several months, mimicking the body’s natural hormone production and supporting a stable hormone balance.
What is BHRT Pellet Therapy?
This therapy uses natural hormones derived from plants to help regulate your body’s normal hormone levels. Also known as bioidentical hormone therapy, it uses pellet implants placed under the skin that release physiologic doses of hormones, which has been found to be highly effective. Unlike synthetic hormones, which require alteration before processing, bioidentical hormones are quickly absorbed, providing a natural source of hormone replacement.
BioTE® pellets are made from the steroid ring of yam or soy plants, used to create estradiol and/or testosterone molecules. These do not cause cross allergies in patients allergic to soy because they differ chemically from soy allergens. The binding agent is stearic acid, rarely causing allergic reactions. If you’ve taken aspirin, you’ve likely been exposed to stearic acid.
BHRT Pellets Benefits
Discover how BHRT pellets can restore your body’s natural hormone balance, providing steady relief from common symptoms with minimal side effects and improved overall well-being.
- Pellets help restore hormonal balance by regulating hormones back to their natural state prior to imbalance.
- Within 24 hours, capillaries form around the pellets for effective hormone absorption.
- Blood continuously flows past the pellets, avoiding hormonal fluctuations or “roller-coaster effects” common with other therapies.
- Helpful for patients who struggle with daily adherence to other hormone replacement therapies.
- Improves common symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, memory loss, and lack of energy.
- Supports bone health and may reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and bone density loss.
- Enhances energy levels, sexual function, and overall quality of life.
Do BHRT Pellets Have Side Effects?
BHRT pellets can cause some side effects in both women and men. Knowing what to expect helps ensure safe, effective management throughout your treatment.
- Mild fluid retention, especially in warmer months; sometimes managed with low-dose medication.
- Post-menopausal bleeding may occur but should never be considered normal; progesterone compliance is critical.
- Acne may develop in prone patients; treatments like Spironolactone or minocycline may be prescribed.
- Some women may notice increased hair growth, which can be managed with DHT blockers.
- About 1% experience hair thinning possibly due to thyroid hormone imbalances or testosterone conversion to DHT.
- Mild fluid retention, increased hair growth, and acne can also happen in men. Testicular shrinkage can also occur.
- A healthy diet and exercise regimen are important for regulating hormones. Even with this healthy lifestyle, changes may take some time to occur.
- BioTE® pellets are released based on cardiac output and blood flow, so the more active you are, the more hormones you will receive.
- Shots can give you a “roller coaster” effect because of the surge of hormones and drop in amount when the injection is given.
- Patients report an initial stick from the needle and a burning sensation from the lidocaine/bicarbonate injection.
How Are BHRT Pellets Used by BioTE?
BioTE® pellets undergo rigorous quality control, passing eight strict quality measures and receiving E Beam sterilization, providing the highest level of safety. Hormone content varies minimally within set tolerances (3-5%).
How Often Do Patients Need BHRT Pellets?
- Women typically require pellets every 3 to 6 months, with most seeing relief in 3-4 months.
- Men usually need treatment every 6 to 8 months.
- Activity levels, metabolism, and stress impact hormone absorption and treatment intervals.
How Long Does It Take for BHRT Pellets to Enter the Bloodstream?
Pellets begin releasing hormones into the bloodstream within 24-72 hours. Symptom relief can appear as early as 24 hours but may take up to 3 weeks. Dosage adjustments may be needed for patients who start on low doses.
BHRT Pellets FAQ
Find answers to common questions about BHRT pellets, including how they work, what to expect during treatment, and important safety information.
Pellets are about the size of a large grain of rice and usually aren’t felt under the skin, especially in women’s treatment, as we insert between 1 or 2 pellets, whereas in men’s treatment we insert up to 10. Men are likely to feel the treatment a bit, but not serious pain.
Swelling at the insertion site is common and normal. Limit strenuous gluteal exercises for 72 hours (women) or 7 days (men) after insertion.
While the pellets themselves are not FDA-approved, the hormones they contain (estradiol and testosterone) are FDA-approved products. BioTE® pellets are made in a highly regulated 503B facility.
Pellets use bioidentical estrogens and testosterone, which are more easily absorbed and metabolized through the kidneys, minimizing byproducts and avoiding liver metabolism. They deliver hormones consistently via the bloodstream, providing natural hormone balance without the peaks and troughs caused by other delivery methods.
A healthy diet and exercise regimen are important for regulating hormones. Even with this healthy lifestyle, changes may take some time to occur. Typically, changes in the body are noticed 4 to 6 months after starting therapy, during the second or third insertions.
Unlike shots that cause a surge and rapid drop of hormones, pellets release hormones steadily, providing a personalized approach to maintaining hormone levels and reducing side effects.
Patients report mild discomfort from the needle and lidocaine injection, but pain is minimal. The procedure lasts 3-5 minutes for women and may be slightly longer for men.
Lab Work and Medication Guidance
- For women, recommended labs include Total Testosterone, Estradiol, TSH, FSH, Free T3, Total T4, CMP, Vitamin D, TPO, and B12.
- For men, labs include Total Testosterone, Estradiol, Free Testosterone, TSH, PSA (for ages 50-69), Free T3, Total T4, TPO, CMP, Vitamin D, CBC, and Vitamin B12.
- Patients do not need to stop medications before labs, except for injectable hormones where labs should be drawn before treatment.
- Women should stop estrogen creams 3 days after pellet insertion; men should discontinue other HRT 7 days after pellet insertion.
- Thyroid medications should be taken 4-5 hours before labs.
Important Considerations
- Premenopausal women must continue birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
- Pellets are not recommended during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.
- Saliva testing is not recommended as it inaccurately reflects whole-body hormone levels; blood tests remain the gold standard.
Why Choose Maple Grove Medical as Your Trusted Hormone Clinic in Oakville?
Our clinic provides a personalized treatment plan designed by qualified healthcare providers with extensive experience in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. We prioritize your safety by monitoring potential risks like breast cancer, blood clots, endometrial hyperplasia, cardiovascular disease, and gallbladder disease, adjusting therapy to the lowest effective dose for your individual health history.
We utilize FDA-approved products and adhere to Health Canada regulations and international standards to ensure optimal health benefits and symptom relief. Our team guides you through every step, from lab testing and personalized dosing to ongoing monitoring and lifestyle counseling.
Ready to Regain Your Hormonal Balance?
Take control of your menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalances with trusted, natural hormone therapy tailored to your unique needs. Contact Maple Grove Medical Clinic today to schedule your consultation with a licensed practitioner and start your journey to improved energy levels, sexual function, and overall well-being.
Call 905-582-0162, email info@maplegrovemc.ca, or book online now!
