When your hormones are out of balance, your body often lets you know. Fatigue, brain fog, weight changes, and sleep disruptions can all trace back to shifts in estrogen or testosterone. These imbalances affect how you feel, think and function every day.
Hormones can change during different phases of life, like menopause, andropause, or periods of chronic stress, and those changes can come with uncomfortable symptoms. At Premiere Center for Health and Wellness, we offer hormonal pellet therapy in Cincinnati for men and women to restore a more stable rhythm. With consistent treatment, you may start to feel more like yourself again: clearer, stronger and more energized.
What is Bioequivalent Hormone Therapy?
Bioequivalent hormones are simply the exact chemical structure that our bodies naturally synthesize. Many people are more familiar with the term “Bio-identical” when referring to hormone treatments, but the FDA has requested that the term “bioequivalent” be used instead. Bioequivalent Hormone Balancing uses single or multiple bioequivalent hormones to help men and women achieve the healthy state of hormone balance that is typically present in persons in their 30s.
How Do I Know if My Hormones Are in Balance?
When your hormones are in balance, you know it. You look great, feel terrific, have plenty of energy and sleep like a baby. Your immune and digestive systems are in tiptop shape. This is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, you can relax. I’m normal.”
It’s only when you begin to age and your hormone levels take a dive that your world begins to feel less than friendly. You gain weight, lose interest in sex, can’t sleep, can’t think straight—the list goes on. You discover that getting older is not about getting better. Not only do you feel a lot less perky, but now you have health issues. Pretty soon, things like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis show up.
Didn’t someone say these are the golden years? What is it about hormonal balance that can make such a “night and day” difference in our lives?
Ask any endocrinologist, and he or she will tell you that hormonal balance equates to health. Our hormones give us life, intelligence, mood, drive, sexuality, physical and mental energy, and the desire to grow, learn and achieve. They are not in our body by mistake. They are there to allow us to function well and enjoy the world we live in.
Since our hormone-producing glands control our basic body functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual development, it is critical that the amount of hormone manufactured by each gland is carefully balanced. Too much or too little can have effects throughout the body and cause a variety of disorders.
Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Men
When testosterone levels dip, it can affect more than just energy. You might feel more tired than usual, have trouble focusing or notice a lower interest in sex. Some men also experience weight gain, mood shifts, or difficulty sleeping. These changes often show up gradually, so they can be easy to brush off at first. But if they stick around, they’re worth paying attention to.
Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Hormonal shifts in women can lead to a mix of physical and emotional changes. You might feel more irritable, experience hot flashes or find that your sleep is off. Some women also report weight gain, lower libido or more intense PMS symptoms. These changes can happen during perimenopause, menopause or even under chronic stress. If your body doesn’t feel like it used to, your hormones could be part of the reason.
What Hormones Do I Need to Stay Healthy and Feel Great? Estrogen? Progesterone? Testosterone?
There are three primary hormones that are produced by the ovaries during reproductive years. These hormones are Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. Beginning as early as the mid-thirties, the production of these hormones will decline. Just because this is a normal aging process, though, doesn’t mean it is healthy.
Testosterone
Both men and women need testosterone to function well, but the effects of low levels can show up a little differently. In men, testosterone helps support muscle mass, energy, sex drive and mental sharpness. For women, testosterone helps control mood, motivation, strength and sexual function. When it drops, you might feel weaker, more fatigued or less focused. Rebalancing testosterone can help bring back a sense of vitality that feels missing.
Estrogen
Estrogen regulates menstrual cycles, but that isn’t all that it does. It supports brain function, keeps bones strong and helps maintain healthy skin and blood vessels. When estrogen levels fall, symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness can start to show up. You might also notice mood changes or trouble concentrating. Bringing estrogen levels back into balance can help ease those symptoms and support long-term health.
Progesterone
Progesterone helps you sleep, calms the nervous system and works alongside estrogen to regulate your cycle. It also manages fluid balance and supports mood stability. When progesterone drops, you may feel anxious, have trouble sleeping or experience irregular cycles. The effects can feel subtle at first, but still make daily life harder. Reintroducing progesterone can help smooth out some of those ups and downs.
What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone pellet therapy uses small, slow-release pellets to help bring your hormone levels back to a healthy range. These pellets contain the bioequivalent hormones we talked about before that closely match what your body naturally makes. They go just under the skin, where they steadily release hormones for several months. You don’t have to think about daily pills, patches or creams. It’s a low-maintenance option for people who want more consistent relief from hormone-related symptoms.
How Hormone Pellet Therapy Works
During a quick in-office visit, we place the pellet under the skin, usually near the hip. Once it’s in place, your body absorbs the hormone gradually, based on your circulation and other factors. The steady release helps avoid the ups and downs that can come with other hormone therapies. Because the hormones used are plant-based and chemically similar to your own, this BHRT treatment can feel more natural to your system.
How Pellets Differ From Other Hormone Delivery Methods
Pills or creams require daily effort, and patches can come loose, but pellets stay in place and work around the clock. They release hormones steadily, which helps avoid the spikes and crashes that can happen with short-acting methods. You won’t have to track a schedule or remember to apply anything each day. Pellets also bypass the digestive system, so they don’t get broken down by the liver before reaching your bloodstream. That can make the delivery more direct and reliable.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Hormone Pellets?
- Longer-lasting effects: Pellets typically last around three to four months for women and four to six months for men. That means fewer appointments and less time thinking about your hormone care.
- Dosed based on your individual needs: You will never get a one-size-fits-all dose. We calculate your dosage using lab work and symptoms, then fine-tune the amount in each pellet to match what your body needs.
- No daily upkeep: Once the pellet is placed, you can go about your routine without worrying about remembering pills or refilling prescriptions. There’s nothing to apply, swallow or switch out.
- Fewer mood swings and hormone crashes: The slow and steady release helps reduce the rollercoaster of hormone highs and lows. Many people feel more stable throughout the day and sleep more soundly at night.
- Suitable for both men and women: Pellet therapy works well for people of different ages and stages of life. Whether you’re in menopause, andropause, or managing hormone loss from another cause, the therapy can support a more balanced system.
What Can Hormone Pellet Therapy Treat?
Menopause and Perimenopause
As estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline, you may notice hot flashes, sleep problems, mood shifts or vaginal dryness. Hormone pellet therapy can support more stable hormone levels, which may help reduce the intensity and frequency of those symptoms.
Andropause
Testosterone levels in men tend to drop more gradually, but the effects can still be frustrating. Fatigue, reduced muscle strength, irritability and low libido are all possible signs. Pellet therapy gives your body a consistent supply of testosterone, helping you feel more focused, physically capable and balanced.
PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual symptoms may be tied to shifting progesterone levels. In these cases, hormone pellets can make a difference. Some experience fewer mood swings, less bloating and better sleep. The steady hormone release can help stabilize your cycle and ease the physical and emotional strain.
Postpartum Hormone Shifts
After childbirth, your hormone levels change quickly, which can affect your energy, mood and ability to cope with stress. If those symptoms linger longer than expected, hormone therapy will support a smoother recovery. Pellet therapy can gently rebalance estrogen, progesterone or testosterone as your body adjusts.
What Is SottoPelle and Why Do We Use It?
Dr. Linda Evans is proud to be a SottoPelle provider. SottoPelle is a method of BHRT treatment developed by Dr. Gino Tutera, who believed strongly in using hormones that mirror what the body naturally produces. He started working with bioequivalent hormones decades ago and helped move the conversation forward when the therapy was still new to most doctors. The SottoPelle approach uses precise lab testing and individualized dosing to support long-term hormone balance through pellet therapy. We choose SottoPelle because it combines years of research and clinical experience with a clear focus on safety and consistency. It gives us a trusted framework for helping patients feel better without synthetic hormone substitutes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Hormone Pellet Therapy?
If you’re in generally good health and want a steady, low-maintenance option for hormone support, BHRT pellet therapy may be a good fit. It works well for both men and women who prefer not to deal with the hassle of daily pills, patches or creams. You’ll need lab work to assess your hormone levels and rule out any conditions that might interfere with treatment.
People with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, active liver disease or certain clotting disorders might need to consider other options. We review your medical history carefully to make sure pellet therapy is appropriate. If it’s not the right match, we can walk you through other options that may work better for your situation.
What Can I Expect From an Initial Hormonal Consultation?
Your initial hormonal consultation will be a professional, yet personal look at your overall health and will provide specific options to improve your quality of life. Sally Lake, RN, BSN has extensive experience in hormone replacement therapy in Cincinnati, specifically hormonal health and will prepare you for your office visit with Dr. Evans.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
- Clean and numb the skin: We start by cleaning the skin around your upper hip to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Then we use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you stay comfortable throughout the process.
- Make a small incision: Once the area is numb, we make a small incision that’s just large enough for the pellet. The incision is typically only a few millimeters long, and you likely won’t feel much beyond light pressure.
- Insert the pellet: Using a trocar, we gently insert the pellet under the skin. The process takes just a few moments, and the pellet immediately begins to release hormones slowly into your bloodstream.
- Close the incision: After placing the pellet, we seal the incision with sterile adhesive strips instead of stitches. The area is then covered with a small bandage to keep it clean while it starts to heal.
- Go over care instructions: Before you head out, we’ll go over a few simple care steps. You can return to most normal activities, but you’ll want to avoid vigorous workouts, baths, hot tubs and swimming for a few days to give the site time to heal.
How Long Does Pellet Insertion Take?
The actual insertion part of hormone pellet therapy usually takes less than 15 minutes. Most of your appointment will focus on getting you settled, numbing the area and reviewing what to expect afterward. The process is quick and straightforward, and once the pellet is in place, you can get back to your day with minimal interruption. There’s no downtime required beyond a few short-term activity restrictions.
How Often Will I Need to Replace Hormone Pellets?
Most people return for new pellets every three to six months, depending on how your body absorbs the hormones. Women typically need a fresh pellet every three to four months, while men may go four to six months between visits. We track your symptoms and lab work to help time your next appointment. Regular follow-ups help keep your hormone levels steady.
What to Expect After Your Treatment
After your pellet is placed, the area might feel a little sore or tender for a few days. You’ll want to skip workouts, baths and swimming for a short period to give the site time to heal. Most people go right back to work or other activities without any issues. As the hormones begin to absorb, you may notice gradual improvements in your energy, sleep, or focus. Follow-up lab work helps us make sure your levels are staying where they should be.
How Do I Know That Your Practice Has Experience with Hormonal Health?
Don’t take our word for it. View testimonials from our patients who have achieved hormonal health with our help. Dr. Linda Evans is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been trained by Dr. Gino Tutera on SottoPelle hormone therapy.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Hormone Pellet Therapy
Can Pellet Therapy Help With Hair Loss or Skin Aging?
Hormone changes can affect hair texture, growth and skin elasticity, so bringing your levels back into balance may help in those areas. As your hormones stabilize, some people notice thicker hair or healthier-looking skin. While pellets aren’t a cosmetic treatment, they can support systems that affect how your body repairs and maintains itself.
Will I Still Need Other Medications?
BHRT therapy focuses on restoring natural hormone levels, but it doesn’t replace all other medications. Some people still need thyroid medication, blood pressure support or other treatments unrelated to hormones. We review your health as a whole to see what makes sense to keep, adjust or stop.
How Is Dosing Customized?
We start by reviewing your lab results and symptoms, then choose a dose based on what your body needs. We also factor in your age, weight, activity level and overall health. After your first pellet cycle, we fine-tune your dosing if needed. The goal is to keep your hormone levels in a steady, healthy range.
How Much Does Hormone Pellet Therapy Cost?
Pricing depends on your hormone needs and how often you receive pellets. Women usually require treatment more frequently than men, which can affect the cost. We go over your exact pricing before your first insertion, so you know what to expect. Lab testing and follow-up visits are often part of the overall plan.
Why Choose Our Practice?
At Premiere Center for Health and Wellness, we focus on care that goes beyond what you might expect from a typical gynecology or hormone therapy office. Dr. Linda Evans MD, and Sally Lake, RN SN offer experience in both traditional and non-traditional hormone replacement approaches, with a personal style that makes patients feel heard. We keep our practice intentionally small so we can take the time to know you instead of just your symptoms. That connection helps us recommend treatments that fit your needs. Whether you’re visiting for hormone pellet therapy or another service, you’ll never feel like just a number.
Balance Your Hormones and Feel Better With Pellet Therapy in Cincinnati, OH
Hormone imbalances can affect sleep, energy, focus and overall quality of life, and BHRT offers a steady way to bring those levels back into balance. Pellet therapy provides consistent hormone delivery without the need for daily upkeep, helping your body function more smoothly through different stages of life. At the Premiere Center for Health and Wellness, we offer individualized care in a private setting right here in Cincinnati, OH. To learn more or schedule a consultation, reach out or call (513) 985-0950.