Pellet Therapy vs. Creams – What’s the Difference?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can aid in optimal restoration of normal biochemical balance in the human body, without aggravating the risk of any therapy-associated side effects or long-term complications (as seen with synthetic hormonal formulations). However, the efficacy and therapeutic benefits of BHRT is largely defined by the mode of administration.
There are four key hormonal delivery systems that are frequently used to address hormonal imbalance in individuals; these are; pellets, hormonal creams, pills and patches.
Experts believe that the most effective delivery mechanism for bioidentical hormones is pellets that are prepared from the plant of wild yam and are implanted via a minuscule incision under the skin of buttocks. The key benefit of using pellet therapy is the sustained and steady release of hormone over an extended period of time (usually 3-4 months)
Unlike pellets, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy via creams requires topical application over the skin at least once or twice daily. In other words, the hormones penetrate the skin to enter the blood stream; which makes it difficult to actually gauge the amount of drug/ hormone entering the biological system.
The Evidence is Stacked in Favor of Pellet Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy via pellets is generally considered superior over hormonal creams for a variety of reasons:
Various clinical and research studies suggest that pellet therapy is more effective at maintaining steady hormone levels in the body. On the contrary, the potency and efficacy of hormonal creams vary from person to person based on the absorption rate / penetration rate. Several personal, climatic and metabolic factors may also influence serum levels, thereby aggravating the risk of hormonal imbalance.
The hormonal creams require periodic application by the individual, so the compliance rate may vary from person to person. The pellets on the other hand are implanted at a doctor’s office and are usually effective for up to 3 months. Thus the compliance rate is much higher with minimal patient effort.
The secretion of hormone from the pellet is responsive to physical activity or exercise. In other words, pellet therapy is smarter at delivering higher quantity to active hormones after exercise to meet the natural demands of the body. The cream therapy on the other hand is less responsive to physical exercise/ workouts.
The hormonal gel/ creams may take up to 15 minutes for complete absorption into the blood stream. In other words, individuals may have to wait for at least 15 minutes after application of cream to resume their regular activities, in order to minimize the risk of drug transfer to clothes/ other articles with which the individual comes in contact with.
Simply put, creams can never achieve the levels, efficacy and convenience of pellets.