Hormone Therapy Designed Around Your Health

Hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply live with symptoms that affect how you feel and function.

At The Family Practice, we take a personalized approach to hormone therapy. We look at your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, health goals, and laboratory results when appropriate to help determine whether hormone therapy may be right for you.

For some patients, hormone therapy—including pellet therapy—may be one option to consider as part of a broader plan for managing hormone-related symptoms.

Our goal is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your health.

What Is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy replaces or supplements hormones that the body is producing at lower levels.

Hormone therapy may be considered for certain symptoms associated with menopause, perimenopause, or other hormonal changes. Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may involve estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or another hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. The appropriate hormone, dose, and method of delivery depend on the individual patient and the reason for treatment.

What Are Hormone Pellets?

Hormone pellets are small implants placed beneath the skin, typically in the hip area. They gradually release hormone into the body over time.

Pellets can provide a convenient method of hormone delivery because they do not require daily application or dosing.

Depending on the treatment plan, pellets may contain testosterone or other hormones.

Because a pellet remains in the body and releases hormone over time, choosing this method requires careful consideration of the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and your individual health history.

Who May Consider Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy may be discussed with patients experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal changes, including:

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Changes in sleep

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Changes in sexual function or desire

• Mood changes

• Changes in energy or overall well-being

• Changes in body composition

• Other symptoms associated with menopause or hormonal changes

These symptoms can have many possible causes, so an evaluation is important before determining whether hormones are an appropriate treatment.

Your Health Comes First

Hormone therapy isn’t simply about treating a lab value.

At The Family Practice, we consider the bigger picture—including your symptoms, medical history, medications, health conditions, and personal goals.

Your appointment may include:

A Review of Your Symptoms

We’ll discuss what you’re experiencing, when your symptoms started, and how they are affecting your daily life.

A Review of Your Medical History

Certain medical conditions and medications can affect whether hormone therapy is appropriate for you.

Laboratory Testing When Appropriate

Your provider may recommend laboratory testing based on your symptoms and medical history. Testing is not a substitute for evaluating your symptoms and overall health.

A Discussion of Your Options

Hormone therapy can be delivered in several ways, including oral medications, topical preparations, patches, injections, vaginal therapies, and implants. Your provider can explain the options that may be appropriate for you.

Ongoing Monitoring

If you begin hormone therapy, your treatment should be monitored over time. Your symptoms, response to treatment, and overall health help guide ongoing care. 

Hormone therapy can also have some side effects that we can help with- namely, an increase in hair growth. For some patients, this side effect may become frustrating. If you find yourself loving hormone therapy but hating excess hair, our Aesthetics clinic can help!

Why Choose The Family Practice?

Hormone therapy is part of your overall healthcare—not something that should be considered in isolation.

As a family practice, we can look at hormone-related concerns within the context of your broader health. That means considering factors such as cardiovascular health, metabolic health, medications, preventive care, and other medical conditions alongside your hormone-related symptoms.

We treat the patient as a whole—not just a symptom.

Are Hormone Pellets Right for You?

Pellet therapy is one method of hormone delivery, but it isn’t appropriate for everyone.

Because pellets release hormone over an extended period and cannot simply be removed like a medication that is stopped, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives with your provider before treatment.

There are also FDA-approved hormone therapies available in forms other than pellets. Your provider can help you understand the differences between treatment options and determine which approach is most appropriate for your individual situation.

Understanding “Bioidentical” Hormones

You may have heard the term bioidentical hormone therapy used to describe hormone treatments.

“Bioidentical” generally refers to hormones that are chemically identical or similar to hormones produced by the body. Importantly, some bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved medications, while others are compounded specifically for an individual patient.

Compounded hormone products are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed. ACOG recommends FDA-approved hormone therapy over compounded hormone therapy when an FDA-approved option is available.

Your provider can explain the specific medication or treatment being considered, including whether it is FDA-approved or compounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do hormone pellets last?

Pellets are designed to release hormone gradually over time. The duration varies depending on the hormone, dose, and individual patient. Your provider will discuss the expected treatment interval during your consultation.

Will I need hormone testing?

Not necessarily. Hormone testing is only one part of evaluating hormone-related symptoms, and the usefulness of testing depends on the individual and the treatment being considered. Your provider will determine whether laboratory testing is appropriate for you.

Are hormone pellets safe?

Every medical treatment has potential benefits and risks. The safety of hormone therapy depends on the hormone being used, the dose, the method of delivery, your health history, and other factors.

Pellets also have unique considerations because they cannot simply be removed once implanted. Your provider will review these considerations with you before treatment.

Can hormone therapy help with menopause symptoms?

Hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for certain menopause-related symptoms, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual health history and symptoms.

Do I have to use pellets?

No. Pellets are one method of hormone delivery. Other options may include pills, patches, creams, gels, vaginal therapies, or other medications. Your provider can discuss the available options with you.

Start With a Conversation

You don’t have to figure out your hormone-related symptoms on your own.

If you’re experiencing changes that you think may be related to hormones, schedule a consultation with The Family Practice. We’ll take the time to understand what you’re experiencing, review your health history, discuss your options, and develop a plan based on your individual needs.

Your hormones are part of your health. Let’s look at the whole picture. Call us to set up an appointment at 719-266-5244.