Hormones are ‘chemical messengers’ that transport information between cells and facilitate communication among different body organs, regulating various functions in the body. As we age, our own natural hormonal levels decline which can cause a variety of unpleasant and even debilitating symptoms. For over 20 years, Dr. Mirabile has treated women’s health, including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Most recently, he incorporated pellet therapy as a safe and effective hormone replacement therapy for both men and women.
Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers, from Dr. Mirabile, regarding bio-identical hormone replacement pellet therapy.
Q: What is bio-identical hormone replacement pellet therapy?
A: Bio-identical hormones are identical to those hormones created by the human body. They are used to replenish what the body has lost as part of the natural aging process. Pellets, a type of bio-identical hormone replacement, are made from botanicals and compounded to precisely match the molecular structure of human hormone. Our office uses SottoPelle® because of its pure and superior quality. SottoPelle pellets contain pure hormone (99.89%) and a human fatty acid (0.2%) to bind them together (unlike other pellets that use synthetic fillers). The hormones are individually pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders or “pellets” and possess the exact hormonal structure of the human hormones estradiol (estrogen) and testosterone.
Q: How does pellet therapy vary from other hormone therapy methods such as testosterone shots, pills and creams?
A: Pellet therapy is the only method of hormone therapy that gives sustained and consistent testosterone or estradiol levels throughout the day without any ‘roller coaster’ effects. Other forms of therapy simply cannot deliver such a steady state of hormone levels. When you are under stress or exercise heavily, your body requires a higher level of estrogen or testosterone to function optimally. Simply put – your body has a built-in regulation system that calls for just the right amount to be released. Pellets are released through the capillaries, to match up with your hormone levels in your brain and are released as needed. SottoPelle pellets are slightly larger than a grain of rice and inserted into the subcutaneous fat of the buttocks area. Women typically require pellet re-insertion after 3 – 4 months while men require re-insertion after 6 – 7 months, on average. As with any hormone replacement, it is absolutely critical to get blood work prior to treatment and 4 weeks following pellet insertion. This tells us how much of the hormone you need and allows us to accurately replace what your body is no longer making on its own.
Q: Why SottoPelle®?
A: SottoPelle founder, Dr. Gino Tutera, is recognized worldwide as a pioneer and leader in the field of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. He has practiced medicine for over thirty years and specializes in natural hormone therapy. In 2002, Dr. Tutera founded SottoPelle Therapy, but he has been an industry leader in performing pellet therapy since 1992. Made by a highly-respected pharmacy, the precision process used results in superior quality pellets every time; pellets that can perform reliably week after week, month after month. This ensures that each and every patient receives the full benefit of a steady, accurate hormone dose for 3 to 6 months or longer.
If you have a question regarding pellet hormone therapy, send us an email: sottopelle@mirabilemd.com.
James Mirabile, MD, FACOG
