As we age our hormone levels shift, creating an imbalance and ushering in a host of not-so-pleasant symptoms. Navigating this change can take an emotional and physical toll, particularly for women during perimenopause and menopause. Learn how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help — what it is, how it works, and why it’s a powerful tool for managing menopausal symptoms.
Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
Like the name suggests, hormone replacement therapy replaces hormones that are at a lower level when menopause begins: estrogen, progesterone, or both. Because hormones control anxiety, appetite, body temperature, brain activity, heart rate, metabolism, mood, sleep patterns, sexual health, stress response, urination, and really everything, imbalances (too low or too high) can lead to uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
While these symptoms and others like them are quite common, you shouldn’t have to put up with them.
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Weight gain
- Poor sleep
- Decreased libido
- Brain fog
- Feeling low in energy
- Irritability
- Having joint, muscle, and/or body aches
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
To restore balance, there are different forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy, with some options containing a single hormone and others combining two. While many treatments are available as daily pills, HRT also includes skin patches, vaginal creams, gels, rings, and pellets.
Pellet Therapy HRT
Hormone pellets are implants inserted under the skin that release hormones called bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones come from plants and are similar to the hormones that the human body produces. The pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and are usually inserted in the hip area, then closed with Steri-Strips, a stitch, or both. Over the next three to six months, the pellets steadily release hormones (such as estradiol or testosterone) into the bloodstream as they dissolve.
Benefits of Pellet Delivery
- Consistent dosage: Pellets release a steady, low dose of hormones over several months (3–5 for women, 4–6 for men), avoiding the “peaks and troughs” that can occur with daily pills, creams, or patches. This can lead to fewer side effects.
- Low maintenance: Once the rice-sized pellets are inserted under the skin in a simple office procedure, patients do not need to remember daily medication routines.
- Avoids liver metabolism: Unlike oral hormone therapies, pellets deliver hormones directly into the bloodstream. This bypasses the liver and gastrointestinal system, avoiding liver-related side effects.
- Symptom relief: A wide range of symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances—such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and brain fog—can be significantly reduced or eliminated.
- Sexual health: For both men and women, hormone pellet therapy can increase libido, improve sexual satisfaction, and help resolve issues like vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction.
- Bone health: Pellets can help increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis, a crucial benefit, especially for postmenopausal women.
- Mental clarity: Many patients experience improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and better concentration and memory.
- Body composition: Pellet therapy can support weight management by addressing imbalances that affect metabolism. Patients may see an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in fatty tissue.
Greenwich Medical Spa’s ReBalance HRT Program
At GMS we’re happy to offer our clinically-proven ReBalance HRT program which includes HRT Pellet Therapy. Made of yams, the pellets are vegan, natural, safe, and more effective than some pellets on the market. In addition to discussing estrogen pellet therapy or testosterone pellet therapy, your practitioner will review other treatment modalities in ReBalance, including patches, TRT injections (including for men), and nutraceutical support. Tailored to your needs, ReBalance relies on precision diagnostics to monitor your health and expert practitioners to provide the highest standard of care.
Ready to ReBalance Your Life?
If menopause symptoms are affecting your quality of life, hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate for you. Book your personalized consultation today and discover how GMS Hormone Replacement Therapy can help you feel like yourself again.
