BioTE Hormone Replacement

BioTE® is a subcutaneous pellet therapy that delivers bio-identical hormones into the body. 

The hormones estrogen and testosterone are contained in a compact pellet shaped solid structure and are created by a compound pharmacist using strict federal guidelines. These pellets are typically less than 1cm in size (smaller than a grain of rice). Hormone pellets are placed under the skin in fat on the patient’s hip area. 90% of patients do not feel the pellet after insertion, though some may feel a small bump at the insertion site for a short time. 

Pellets are absorbed based on cardiac output, meaning that the hormones are there when you need them. When you exercise or otherwise increase your cardiac output, your body typically absorbs more hormones, which are steadily supplied by the pellet.

Bio-identical hormones are recognized by the body as being identical to the hormones it produces naturally. This makes it easier for the body to process the new hormones. Synthetic hormones have been modified, so the body has to go through an extra step of converting them for proper use, and sometimes, not all of the synthetic hormones are converted. This results in lowered effectiveness as compared to bio-identical hormones.

The different methods of hormone therapy include pills, creams, patches, subcutaneous pellets, and synthetic injections. Pellets are superior to the other methods because the only need replacement 3-4 times per year, have longer lasting effectiveness, and provide more stable hormone levels over time.

Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, or not sleeping are typically the first to improve after pellet injection.  If you notice that you have more energy, are sleeping better, or are experiencing less anxiety, irritability or depression, then that is an indication that you’re pellets are working.

The length of time between pellet insertion and symptom relief varies from person to person. On average, patients feel the effects of estrogen pellets in about 3 days after insertion, and the effects of testosterone pellets within 7-10 days. Hormone levels are typically optimized within 4-6 weeks.

It is not recommended to remove pellets after they have been inserted. Rather, it is recommended that the patient’s side effects be treated as they appear, and, on their next visit, the dosage will be adjusted or no new pellets will be inserted. It is important to give the pellet enough time to fully optimize your hormones, which may take longer than some patients expect.

Side effects are minimal, and are experienced by less than 20% of patients. Potential side effects of testosterone therapy for females include Acne, Increase in Facial and/or Body Hair, and Hair Thinning. The most common side effect for males is extrusion of the pellets, which occurs in about 5% of patients. 

Bioidentical hormones may have fewer risks compared to synthetic hormones. However, whether estradiol is synthetic or bioidentical the risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), breast tenderness and thickened endometrial lining and bleeding can be experienced.

Studies conducted by BioTe and by breast surgeon Dr. Rebecca Glaser of Dayton, OH have shown that hormone optimization through bio-identical testosterone therapy can reduce a patient’s risk of developing breast cancer. 

If you the hormone therapy you are receiving is a testosterone replacement, then it is safe to continue with the treatment, as testosterone is not excreted through breastmilk. However, patients should always consult with their doctor before starting any treatment if breastfeeding.

If you are a female trying to conceive, it is safe to continue with your pellet therapy. However, patients should not be pelleted during pregnancy.

If you are a male, testosterone pellet therapy is not recommended for use if you and your partner are trying to conceive now or in the near future. Using testosterone pellet therapy may cause the sperm count to drop to zero. This drop is reversible, but may take several months after stopping treatment to go back to the patient’s normal levels.