What Is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) aims to restore physiological hormone levels in hormone-deficient patients through individualized treatment. BHRT uses customized doses of bio-identical hormones, which are chemically identical to the body’s naturally-occurring hormones, to improve hormone imbalance.

What are Pellets?
A fused pellet is a small cylindrical form of drug delivery that, when implanted under the skin by a physician, dissolves and steadily releases physiological doses of biological hormones over a period of several months.¹J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1990 Jul; 71(1):216-22. Hormone replacement therapy by pellet implantation has shown to be superior to other methods of hormone delivery because it supplies hormone blood levels that more closely resemble the body’s natural hormone cycle.²Am J of OB/GYN. 1949 Feb; 57(1):294-301. Fused pellets do not need to be removed as they dissolve under the skin. Pellets only need to be replaced every 3-5 months for women or every 4-6 months for men, depending on patient-specific factors.

All pellets that are compounded at Innovation Compounding are made under aseptic conditions in our sterile clean rooms which are PCAB-Accredited and exceed USP <797> guidelines for sterile compounding. Each batch is tested for quality and accuracy in terms of potency and pellet integrity. The batch is then Gamma-radiated via E-Beam technology to ensure sterility. Once the batch has passed all potency and sterility testing, it is available to dispense to clinics and patients.

Innovation Compounding implantable pellets are available in the following medications: Estradiol and Testosterone.

Who Can Benefit From Using bHRT Fused Pellets?
Both women and men can benefit from hormone replacement therapy with implantable pellets. Signs of hormone imbalance in women may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, irregular or heavy periods, mood changes, anxiety and depression, low energy, or changes in skin, hair and nails. In men, a hormone deficiency can cause fatigue, decreased muscle tone, erectile dysfunction, bladder changes, hair loss, or weight gain.³Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1978; 57(3):281-5

Topical or injectable hormone replacement therapy is not for everyone. Following through on daily doses amidst our busy schedules can be cumbersome, and these dosage forms are not always tolerated well by patients. Pellet therapy helps to achieve optimal hormone balance while ensuring patient compliance, avoidance of peaks and troughs found in injectable and topical treatments, and lower risk of drug transfer from patient to others.

If you think you may have issues with hormone imbalance, connect with one of our pharmacists to learn more about pellets and bHRT.

References:

1. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1990 Jul; 71(1):216-22.
2. Am J of OB/GYN. 1949 Feb; 57(1):294-301.
3. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1978; 57(3):281-5