The Benefits and Safety of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) with Testosterone Pellets
A Long - Term Solution for Hormonal Balance in Women and Men
Hormonal decline can lead to disruptive symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, moodswings, low libido, and sleep disturbances.Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy(BHRT)—especially withtestosterone pellets—offers a steady, safe, and evidence-backedsolution to restore your energy, clarity, and vitality
What Are Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived compounds that arechemically identical to yourbody’s own hormones, making them better tolerated and metabolized than syntheticalternatives. They support:
- Natural hormone balance
- Fewer side effects
- Long-term compatibility with your biology
Why Choose Testosterone Pellet Therapy?
Testosterone pellets aretiny, time-released implantsplaced under the skin every 3–6 months.They provide:
- Stable hormone levels(no peaks or crashes)
- Consistent symptom relief
- A low-maintenance alternative to daily creams or weekly injections
For Women:
- Improved libido and sexual function
- Enhanced energy and mental clarity
- Better muscle tone andbone strength
- Reduction in mood swings, anxiety, and sleep issues
For Men:
- Increased stamina, focus, and confidence
- Boosted libido and erectile function
- Improved metabolism and fat distribution
- Cardiovascular and cognitive health support
Backed by Science: Key Studies Supporting BHRT Safety
Testosterone Pellet Safety in Women
- Maturitas Study (2021, Glaser & Dimitrakakis)A 10-year observational study of postmenopausal women receivingtestosteronepellet therapy showed:
- No increased breast cancer risk
- Improvements in libido, mood, bone health, and quality of life
- Dayton Study (2019, BMC Cancer)
10-year prospective cohort of 1,267 women showed alower breast cancer incidence(165 vs. 271 per 100,000) compared to national averages.Read onBMC Cancer
Testosterone Therapy in Men
- T Trials (2018,JAMA)Testosterone therapy inolder men improved bone density, anemia, and sexualfunction without increasing cardiovascular risk
- Mayo Clinic Consensus Statement (2016)Testosterone therapydoes not increase prostate cancer riskand is considered safewhen monitored.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Morgentaler, A.–Eur UrolTRT is safe even in men with ahistory of prostate cancer, when appropriatelyselected and monitored.
Estrogen & Progesterone Research
- Grady et al. (1992, Ann Intern Med )
Estrogen lowers the risk of osteoporosis and possibly heart disease; adding progesteroneprotects against endometrial cancer.Read the study - French E3N Cohort Study (BMJ)
Estrogen +micronized progesteroneshowedno increased breast cancer risk, unlikesynthetic progestins. - Meta-Analysis (2016)
Estrogen + natural progesterone =lower breast cancer riskthan synthetic progestins. - Papadakis et al. (2018)
Hormone therapyreduces visceral fat, improving metabolic and cardiovascularhealth
Normal Hormone Ranges for Men & Women
| Hormone | Men – Normal Range | Women – Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | 300–1,000 ng/dL | 15–70 ng/dL (premenopause) 6–50 ng/dL (post) |
| Free Testosterone | 5–21 ng/dL (50–210 pg/mL) | 1–5 pg/mL |
| Estradiol (E2) | 10–50 pg/mL | 30–400 pg/mL (cyclic) <70 pg/mL (post) |
| Progesterone | <1 ng/mL | 5–20 ng/mL (luteal); 2–10 ng/mL (HRT range) |
Estrogen levels >70 pg/mL in men orpostmenopausal women may warrant aromatase inhibitortherapy (e.g. Anastrozole)
The Role of Anastrozole
Anastrozole prevents testosterone from converting to estradiol viaaromatase inhibition,reducing side effects like:
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Water retention
Safe and effective inlow subcutaneous doses (~0.04–0.08 mg/day)alongside testosteronepellets.
| Benefit | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Increased libido | ✅ | ✅ |
| Enhanced mood and energy | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bone density & muscle tone | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cardiometabolic improvement | ✅ | ✅ |
| Low breast cancer risk (women) | ✅ | N/A |
| Safe after prostate cancer | N/A | ✅ |
| Long-term safety confirmed | ✅ | ✅ |
Dr. Phillips Medical Wellness Center
We offer customized BHRT therapy with comprehensive lab work, dosing, and long - term monitoring for safety and success.
Call Today: 407 - 900 - 0613
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the therapeutic use of plant-based hormones that are identical on a molecular level with those created by the human body. Hormone pellets are often the preferred method of delivery and have benefits over other formulations, such as creams or orals. Sustained, consistent release of hormones from pellets over time is considered an advantage over the fluctuations that can occur with formulations.
Some healthcare providers prescribe a combination of pellets, creams and/or orals to optimize their patients’ hormones.
Every patient and their hormone optimization journey are unique. Within 7-10 days after your pellet insertion, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) begins to work. Once the pellets are inserted in the gluteal area, a consistent dose of Bio-Identical hormones enter the bloodstream.
Most patients report some symptom relief in as little as 2-4 weeks, but full optimization may take up to 6 months. Your healthcare provider will customize your particular hormone optimization for you.
Pellet therapy is simple and easy! Pellets are inserted into patients 3-4 times per year. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes.
Patients don’t have to worry about applying creams or taking orals daily so compliance is not an issue.
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment for many common and debilitating symptoms associated with aging, which are not traditionally addressed by healthcare providers. Symptoms such as fatigue, stress, foggy thinking, weight gain, loss of sex drive and sleep disturbances are some of the most common complaints. The goal of BHRT is to address the root cause of symptoms by optimizing hormone levels. BHRT is a natural and simple method for addressing hormone imbalance in Men and Women.
Data have shown that Bio-Identical hormone pellet therapy can be successful in treating Men and Women with hormone imbalance.
Schedule an appointment with our MD -Dr.Maryam Phillips to discuss whether it is an appropriate option for you. If you and your HCP decide that BHRT is a viable option for you, blood work should be done to test your current hormone levels. Based on your comprehensive consultation and thorough blood work panel, your provider will determine if you are a candidate for BHRT. A follow up appointment will be scheduled for your unique customized pellet therapy insertion based on symptoms and lab values.
Most patients report some symptom relief in as little as 2-4 weeks, but full optimization may take up to 6 months. Your healthcare provider will customize your hormone optimization treatment for you based on your symptoms and blood work.
For Women, many physicians require that you have a current Mammogram and Pap Smear.
One week before the procedure, stop taking all blood thinners such as NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, etc. If you are required to take any of these on a daily basis, you should consult with your physician. No fasting in advance of the procedure is required.
Take a good shower the morning of the procedure and avoid heavy sweating.
Estrogen and Testosterone are two main hormones linked to gut health.
Estrogen levels begin to become uneven during perimenopause, and this can start to influence the health of a woman’s gut. One of the many things that estrogen does is assist with digestion. That means that as estrogen starts to decline, you may need to work a little harder to keep your gut in good working order. BHRT can help balance the levels of estrogen in a woman’s body and overall improve gut health as they age.
BHRT is not typically covered by insurance. It is bio-identical which means its a vitamin (from plants) like what's in our body. Brand name (synthetic hormones ) may be covered , these are made from horses (equine- based) and have different side-effects depending on the source.
Insurance generally covers the consultation and discussion of options incluidng copy/deductible apply.; however, the actual pellet and procedure is billed separately.
Low testosterone can cause irregular sleep patterns, insomnia, and changes in your sleep pattern.
New studies have shown that consistent BHRT over time has improved the quality of sleep in men and women. These benefits include, falling asleep faster, more REM sleep, less waking during the night, and improved motor function and energy during the day.
Over time the body can become resistant which can cause a higher production of insulin. Higher levels of insulin over time can cause significant weight gain.
Estrogen hormone therapy in women is linked to a higher metobolic rate. A lack of estrogen in the body can cause higher blood sugar levels and overall weight gain.
Since the pellets are Bio-Identical and contain nothing other than the hormone your body naturally produces, the pellets are completely dissolved and absorbed, leaving nothing behind
Hormones released by the adrenals, such as cortisol and DHEA, help support the body’s response to stress. Extended periods of stress not only burden the body but also create an imbalance in hormone production which can result in mental and physical fatigue, nervous tension, irritability, and poor memory. BHRT provides the body with a unique set of nutrients that help balance the body’s DHEA and cortisol levels, effectively reducing stress.
Key Differences: Synthetic Brands vs. Compounded Bioidentical (Yam-Based)
1. Source & Chemical Structure
- Compounded Bioidenticals (Yam-Based)
- Derived from plants like soy and yams. The active compounds are processed into molecules that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body.
- The term bioidentical refers to this molecular match—
- Synthetic (Brand-Name Hormones)
- These may have a structure that is similar, but not identical to human hormones. Examples include conjugated equine estrogens (like Premarin), derived from horse urine, or synthetic derivatives used in many birth control pills.
- They’re designed to produce “hormone-like” effects rather than match the body’s natural hormones exactly.