Q. What is HRT?
A. It is a Bio-Identical form of Hormone Replacement Therapy that seeks to return the hormone balance to their optimum levels for men and women.
Q. How do I know if I’m a candidate for HRT pellets?
A. Symptoms may vary widely from depression and anxiety to night sweats and sleeplessness for example. You will be given a lab slip to have blood work done which will determine your hormone levels. Once the doctor reviews and determines you are a candidate we will schedule an appointment for insertion.
Q. Do I have blood work done before each treatment?
A. No, only initially and 4-8 weeks later to set your dosing. You may have it done again if there are significant changes.
Q. What are the pellets made from?
A. They are made from wild yams and soy. Wild yams and soy have the highest concentration of hormones of any substance. There are no known allergens associated with wild yams and soy, because once the hormone is made it is no longer yam or soy.
Q. How long will the treatment last?
A. Every 3-6 months depending on the person. Everyone is different so it depends on how you feel and what the doctor determines is right for you. If you are really active, you are under a lot of stress or it is extremely hot your treatment may not last as long. Absorption rate is based on cardiac output.
Q. Is the therapy FDA approved?
A. What the pellets are made of is FDA approved and regulated, the process of making pellets is regulated by the State Pharmacy Board, and the distribution is regulated by the DEA and Respective State Pharmacy Boards. The PROCEDURE of placing pellets is NOT an FDA approved procedure. The pellets are derived from wild yams and soy, and are all natural and bio-identical. Meaning they are the exact replication of what the body makes.
Q. How are they administered?
A. Your practitioner will implant the pellets in the fat under the skin of the hip. A small incision is made in the hip. The pellets are inserted. No stitch is required.
Q. Does it matter if I’m on birth control?
A. No, the doctor can determine what your hormone needs are even if you are on birth control.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. The majority of side effects is temporary and typically only happens on the first dose. All are very treatable. There are no serious side effects.
Q. What if I’m already on HRT of some sort like creams, patches, pills?
A. This is an easy transition. The doctor will be able to determine your needs even though you may be currently taking these other forms of HRT.
Q. What if I’ve had breast cancer?
A. Breast cancer survivors and/or those who have a history of breast cancer in their family may still be a candidate; however, this is to be determined by the physician. You should schedule a consultation with the Doctor.
Q. What is the cost?
A. 1. The first Q & A visit to learn more about HRT, is absolutely FREE. We are here to answer all of your questions! At this visit, we will make an appointment for your Pre-Pellet Blood Draw.
2. Pre-Pellet Blood Draw: $150
This Blood Draw will provide us with the Lab Results we will need to accurately dose you, should you be a good candidate for HRT. This is a full metabolic panel, with a CBC, and will reveal your current Hormone Levels. When your Lab Results come back, we will call you to set-up your Post-Blood Draw Hormone Consult.
3. Post-Blood Draw Hormone Consult: $125
This appointment is all about YOU. During this appointment, we will take time to discuss your Lab Results with you and the possible ways HRT may benefit you. You will also be given other options for hormone therapy as well so you can make the best choice for YOU. Some patients choose to begin their therapy during this appointment and receive their first pellet injection. For this reason, we build time into each Post-Blood Draw Hormone Consult, should you decide you would like to begin HRT right away.
4. Pellet Cost:
This includes your individualized dosage cost, your office visit cost, and the appointment insertion technician cost.
Women – $400 (to be inserted approximately every 4 months)
Men – $700 (to be inserted approximately every 6 months)
Men – High Dose – $800 (to be inserted approximately every 6 months)
5. Post-Pellet Lab Draw:
Six weeks after your initial pellet insertion, you will have a follow-up Blood Draw, so we can re-check your hormone levels to determine if the dose is appropriate for you and your lifestyle. This cost varies, depending on your unique needs:
Post-Pellet Labs Women – $60
Post-Pellet Labs Women (w/Thyroid Panel)- $94
Post-Pellet Labs Men- $60
Post-Pellet Labs Men (w/Thyroid Panel)- $70
Once you are on a regular HRT routine, you will have a yearly Blood Draw to check your hormone levels to see if your current dose is still working for you. This cost will vary depending on your unique needs:
Yearly Pellet Labs Women – $60
Yearly Pellet Labs Women (w/Thyroid Panel)- $94
Yearly Pellet Labs Men- $60
Yearly Pellet Labs Men (w/Thyroid Panel)- $70
