Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: How are they Administered?

Several ways are available to administer bio-identical hormones, including injections, pellets, creams, and troches. Our team of hormone specialists in Sugar Land, TX, works with our patients to determine the best solution for their needs.

Pellets
Pellets comprise of bio-identical hormones compressed into tiny solid cylinders about the size of a grain of rice. This method eliminates fluctuations that can occur with other delivery methods by providing sustained hormone levels throughout the day, and they last for three to six months. Your body absorbs pellets based on actual needs rather than their time release.

A pellet delivery system mimics the natural release of hormones by the body. It’s easy to use and is virtually painless to insert. Pellets have been used since the 1930s and have more data to support their use than any other method.

Local anesthetic is injected just under the skin between the hip and buttock. A tiny nick is made in the fatty part of the hip, and the pellets are inserted under the skin. The incision is so tiny that there is no need for any sutures.
Injections
An injection is usually administered in our office every week, or it can be self-administered by the patient at home if the patient prefers. Generally, injections can lead to a peak right after the shot, followed by a gradual decline towards the end; they have a “roller coaster effect.” For some, the end of their cycle may cause them to feel run down, while for others it doesn’t.
Creams
Creams can include several bio-identical hormones and are very customizable. When applied on a regular basis, creams provide a fairly consistent release of hormones. However, you do need to remember to do this every day to maintain consistency.

Accidental transference is the biggest drawback of creams. To prevent unintentional transference, apply the cream to areas of the body that will not come into contact with others and wash your hands properly.
Troches
A troche is a small, soft lozenge that dissolves between the cheek and gum within 30 minutes. As they dissolve, hormones are gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. Troches are usually taken once or twice daily.