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Use of Soto-Pelle bio-identical hormones and progesterone

by Sandi
(Midwestern USA)

I am 44 and I have a regular 25-day cycle.

Blood tests show that I am not peri-menopausal. Blood tests also showed that I was very low in testosterone and my estrogen levels were within the range of "normal".

I investigated and started receiving bio-identical estrogren and testosterone via the soto pelle method because I was suffering from extreme fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and migraine-like headaches. I had also started experiencing dizzy spells that a neurologist could not chart as anything being neurologically evident.

The first injections of pellets (estogen and testosterone) went well and my headaches disappeared almost immediately. I was able to sleep through the night (a good thing), but my anxiety increased ten-fold. After about 5 weeks, my libido increased (another good thing), I was a bit more even keeled mood-wise, but the anxiety was still with me.

I attributed the anxiety to the small amount of estrogen they gave me and the increase in libido and mood stability to the testosterone.

I started to do some research on progesterone when I went back in for a second set of injections (~six months after the first), I was armed with questions and got very strange answers contradicting everything I had read about hormone levels during a "Normal" cycle.

The doctor and his nurse countered my comments that the anxiety was not from estrogen, but progesterone. That the estrogen relieved me of my headaches and allowed me to sleep and that if I increased my progesterone that I would be more anxious, more irritable, have more severe headaches because progesterone responds that way. They were even throwing out diuretics to me saying that I might need them since I was refusing the estrogen pellets.

I refused any more estrogen because my blood tests showed my estrogen to be quite high. I only took the testosterone. I started a bio-identical progesterone cream shortly after my second round of pellets (Renaissance brand).

WHAT A ROLLER COASTER RIDE during that first two weeks! I can only assume it was the estrogen and the progesterone fighting for "control". I resumed sleeping through the night, headaches went away, my mood was a wreck, and libido was so-so.

I leveled out after about two weeks and stopped the progesterone when I got my period. A day later, I started having horrible migraine-like headaches that have continued for the past two weeks despite my resuming the progesterone cream. I've increased, decreased and nothing seems to help.

I hope I level out again by taking the progesterone daily (despite the point in my cycle and have this feeling that I need to "pop" an egg).

So, after my background and the fact that I don't trust these docs administering the hormones via soto pelle (and it is not covered by insurance and is expensive):

Is it necessary to have testosterone? although I did get more energy and could stay up past 8 p.m. and wake up in the morning.

Can I get increased libido and energy from progesterone?

Do you agree with continuing the progesterone despite the point in my cycle to alleviate the headaches?

Can I also add, I have a very stressful life, working fulltime, four young children and one who has autism and my own struggles with a perfectionist personality... so, I can guarantee that my progesterone is out of whack and my adreneal gland is on overdrive... I see its results in my belly fat. lol

Thank you.

Comments for Use of Soto-Pelle bio-identical hormones and progesterone

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Sep 15, 2010
 Use of Sotto Pelle
by: Anonymous

Wow! I wonder if you live in Arizona and visited the same doc I saw back in 2008. When my hormones started to go crazy due to excessive stress in my life (I was still on birth control pill) the first doctor I saw used the Sotto Pelle hormones estrogen and testosterone (never even mentioned progesterone to me - which I din't know what it was at that time anyway).Some of the symptoms diminished and then I gained about 20 pounds in 30 days. I DO NOT RECOMMEND using the pellet system ever!! You can't adjust the levels or remove it if you don't feel well. Also, so many of those docs don't even look at you progesterone levels which is likely the only one that needs supplementation. It is sad they are even allowed to practice considering they are clueless in the matter - obviously by the conversation you had when you brought progesterone up. Your headaches reoccuring could actually be from left over estrogen from the pellet. I am not sure that it is really clear how long that will take to get out of your system. You are experiencing estrogen dominance and the way to tame it is with natural progesterone. You may have not used a high enough dose to combat all the extra estrogen from the pelle and also to consider excess testosterone can convert to estrogen as well...you might have hit a double whammy with the sotto pelle just as I did....Good Luck!!
Sep 19, 2010
 Use of Soto-Pelle bio-identical hormones and progesterone
by: Wray

Hi Sandi I don't believe any woman needs extra oestrogen or testosterone, whether it's bio-identical or synthetic, the affect is the same. For more info please see our page on HRT. The jury is still out about testosterone increasing libido, as the evidence points to progesterone being responsible, please see here. The roller coaster you've experienced by adding progesterone to the protocol is due to the initial stimulating affect progesterone has on oestrogen. For more info please see this page on Oestrogen Dominance. Progesterone is excellent for migraines, whereas oestrogen is a known initiator of inflammation, please see here, here and here. As for needing diuretics, oestrogen causes water retention! Progesterone is such an excellent diuretic it's now being given via IV transfusion to brain trauma victims to prevent the oedema and inflammation that occurs after the injury. Please see here. Where do they get their info from? Another error, progesterone has potent anxiolytic properties, please see here and here. Stress drops progesterone levels sharply. The adrenals make progesterone before converting it into cortisol, but if stress levels are high it will rob other sources, notably ovarian. So your symptoms don't surprise me as you say your stress is high, together with your age. P-M can start 5-10 years before menopause, it's essential to check progesterone levels too, I see you don't mention this. For more info please see our page on Peri-menopause. You don't mention how much you are using, but it should be between 100-200mg/day. I suggest you use the higher amount initially, and using it daily is safe, it's easy enough to reduce once symptoms abate and return to following your cycle. Please have a vitamin D test done, your autistic child too. There is strong evidence autism is caused by a lack of vitamin D. Please see here. A lack also reduces the benefits of progesterone. Take care Wray
Oct 06, 2010
 Use of Sotto Pelle
by: Wray

Hi there It's most interesting you also used this system but have nothing good to say about it. I can find little to recommend it. Oestrogen is oestrogen, it matters not which form it comes in, synthetic, endogenous, oestrogen mimics, bio-identical, or even the soy isoflavones genistein and diadzein. They all stimulate mitosis, including that in the fat cells, which incidentally are also a non-ovarian source of oestrogen. Take care Wray
Jan 02, 2011
 Sottopelle rollercoaster ride to hell!
by: B.B.

It is has been one month since I had the sottopelle pellets inserted. I am 50 and had a super flat belly December 4th. The first week I had lots of energy, a bit too much. I was very happy and positive. However after 10 days on progesterone my belly began to swell. I do not use salt and eat mostly protein and low carb, so I know for sure its not what I eat. I began to drink more hoping it was water and I could just flush my system. NO! I can't fit into any of my clothes and I look like I ate a watermelon. I feel great except for this huge belly? Dr. said it's water from the testosterone, but it's just my belly. My rings fit and my eyes never swell. She gave me mild water pills that do nothing. The fact that I have one kidney is an issue with taking a stronger water pill. I'm depresssed because I feel so fat. I have lots of energy but the belly bloat is so heavy I can't have a good workout? Could this be estrogen? Although I want to have sex, I DONT feel sexy with a belly???? Help does this go away? I have read every post and have not seen or read of any other person growing a BELLY???? Dr. said it SHOULD go away in 8 to 12 weeks? I don't know if I do another round if this will continue to happen? It stinks especially if you were thin and now while on the pellets you actually get fat????
Jun 21, 2011
 buddha belly
by: Anonymous

I was also on soto-pelle for one year. Initially I felt I was on top of the world. Then this awful "belly" started. I eat very, very healthy. Organic, no preservatives etc. I could not figure out why I gained 15 lbs. around my middle. It was very difficult as I have weighed the same since high school. I am now 62! Yes, my skin was horribly greasy,I had pubescent breakouts. Which, by the way I never had as an adolescent. My hair got thicker, yes, but the facial hair was a nightmare! I did have more energy, my libido did increase. The down side was I did not feel good about my appearance, so.... I have stopped the soto-pelle now. My last injection was last November. Suddenly a month ago I started bleeding vaginally with cramps. Was like a period, and lasted for 10 days. Low and behold, 30 days later, it has started again. The weight came off very easily. But, now this. I must say, my Dr. did seem very complacent in November when I mentioned the weight gain. His answer was, "well, some women gain and some lose". Really not what I thought was a good medical answer. I plan to stay off the soto-pelle, but obviously will need to address the bleeding. Does anyone know anything about this? A side note, when I asked my husband about being moody on the soto-pelle, he said I was awful. He has noticed a considerable difference in me.
Dec 20, 2011
 Love my Soto-Pelle
by: Anonymous

I have been on the Soto Pelle bio-identical hormones for almost a year now and would not be without them! I started with progeterone only for the first two rounds. Approaching 50 my period became very irregular. I first tried to go back on the pill to regulate but that resulted in raising my Blood Preasure. I have never felt better! I started loosing weight, no more headaches, hot flashes or night sweets. Libdo is through the roof....no they are not covered by insurance but worth every penny!
Dec 27, 2011
 Wow what is wrong with this Picture
by: Rose

Everyboby on this topic has complaints about the Soto Pellet therapy. I started out on the Bio Identicals in Jacksonville Fl with a renowned OBGYN and was on Progesterone, Estrogen and a Testosteron injection once a month. I live in TX but had blood work and phone consults and yearly visit.
I saw improvement almost overnight. My libido went from zero to outstaning and my energy was great. However I got tired of the trips to Fl so I investigated the Soto Pellet and Six Moths ago I had my first Soto Pellet implant. My Doctor told me that there is no Progesterone in The Sotto Pellets. I do not have a Uterus so I don't really need the Progestrone as it only helps if you have periods. I am 73 and have never felt better in my life. I am due to get my 2nd implant in a few weeks and will ask again about the Progesterone. I will say the Pellet is not as effective as the pills and Testosteron Shot, But the difference is not enough to stop the Pellets. I do not understand those writing that the Soto Pellets contain Progesterone when I was told by my GYN that they don't have Progestrone in them. But I could take pill by mouth if I wanted. I will say I have the belly thing going on too but as I understand it is the Progesterone that causes that to occur? I also have had 4 episodes that may or may not be related-- 4 times in the last three and a half months I have gone to the ER because my tongue would swell threatening to cut off my airway. There doesn't appear to be any reasons that we can come up with as the cause and the episodes are random. I can't associate any food, drink or anything else that could be causing it. Someone did mention it could be Hormonal? If anyone here knows anything about the tongue swelling from Hormones or other things I sure would appreciate any feed back.
For the record Some one needs to make sure about the Soto Pellets containing Progesterone. Either my Doctor is misinformed or their Doctors are.
I am going to try the next implant because I think it has improved my overall health well being. The belly gain I think is my fault I don't get enough exercise and don't count calories. BUT I will ask about this complaint too.
And by the way Estrogen is not all the same. Synthetic Estrogen is made from Mare Hores Urine. I do not want Horses Tee Tee in my system since the last time I checked I only have two legs, not four.
Oct 10, 2012
 Never again...
by: Anonymous

Like so many comments, the soto pelle resulted in a huge belly and 25 pound weight gain. It is taking forever to get the weight off...I was a size 0 now a size 6. I always had a flat stomach and eat super healthy, work out 4 times a week. I was in the hospital a couple weeks ago with an alergic reaction to Predizone and when the doctors found out I was on Soto-Pelle, they went through the roof. It isn't approved and we still don't know the long term effects.

Oct 13, 2012
 Wow what is wrong with this Picture
by: Wray

Hi Rose I'm glad you're happy with the pellets, as many are not. You've probably seen my comments about oestrogen and testosterone, I don't think we need these. Unfortunately progesterone is only regarded as a pregnancy hormone, and has a small part to play in our monthly cycle, but far from it. I feel this is a minor role it plays, as progesterone is a transcriptional factor, it influences our genes and guides them in the right direction. A lack of can lead to many epigenetic changes and adverse symptoms. The pellets don't have any progesterone, they are just oestrogen and testosterone, see here. The belly thing is caused by excess testosterone, as it increases visceral fat. In fact testosterone will ensure a middle aged woman will get a middle aged spread, see here and here. It also has a dark side, see here, here, here, here here, here, here, and here. Progesterone can't cause an increase in weight, as it inhibits mitosis, plus it's an excellent diuretic, water retention being another cause of weight gain. Please see our page on Traumatic Brain Injury and how it's used to prevent any oedema forming. Continued below.
Oct 13, 2012
 Wow what is wrong with this Picture part 2
by: wray

Hi Rose Oestrogen does cause water retention, the cause of immediate weight gain in many women who are given it. We do have a page on HRT, with many papers showing the adverse effects it can have. Oestrogen can also sensitise us to allergens, as it increases mast cell secretions, whereas progesterone inhibits them, see here, here and here. So it could be the oestrogen in the pellets causing your tongue to swell. If you'd like more info on progesterone, please see our pages on How to use progesterone cream and Menopause. Take care Wray
Oct 13, 2012
 Never again...
by: wray

Hi there I'm glad you've made this comment. The weight gain is caused partly by excess oestrogen, which increases subcutaneous adipose tissue or SAT. While testosterone causes an increase in visceral adipose tissue or VAT. Besides which testosterone has a dark side, I've given papers to Rose above. Oestrogen can also have a dark side too, there's a list on the HRT page with them. Interesting you say you had an allergic reaction, as oestrogen does sensitise us to allergens, as I pointed out to Rose. You only have to look at the adverse side effects on the HRT page, and the papers I gave on testosterone, to see the long term effects are known. Take care Wray
Dec 17, 2012
 Love Sotopelle
by: TX Tumbles

I am 50 and will be going for my 3rd injection next week. The pelles only contain Estrogen and Testosterone. I was still having a period, so I do take Progesterone in pill form prescribed by the same doctor. If you still have a period, you take the Progesterone to prevent having a period. I was having the worst cold sweats and hot flashes of any near my age. I thought I had the flu, I was miserable in my own skin, I hadn't slept through the night in 2-3 months, I was exhausted, my BP was high every time I went to the doctor and had no desire to be w/my husband and I like sex. I might as well be put down. lol Anyway, a customer was at my desk one day when I had a HF and she told me about SP, it was a miracle for her and then I heard from another friend, they both felt 20-30 again, so I knew I had to try it, so I did and love it. I already had the fat belly from peri-menopause and haven't been able to exercise from a bad knee, so I just live with that, but my sex life is amazing, no more waking up 20 times a night, much better mood and I haven't gained or lost weight. Before I did sotopelle, I did start HRT from my GYNO that did absolutely nothing for me, dr's visit, $50.00 a month, 2 prescriptions $35 or so a month, so almost the same cost as the injections. I did discuss the injections with my GYNO and all of them will be against it because it is taking away from their business. A woman's testosterone level is suppose to be between 80-90, mine was 17. All I know is I feel better, I am getting sleep and my husband absolutely loves SP. lol When I think of how miserable I was 8 months ago, I'll take any side effects!
Dec 20, 2012
 Love Sotopelle
by: Wray

Hi TX Tumbles I'm pleased it's helping you, just be aware of those adverse side effects. Depending on the test, if saliva, the range for testosterone is 16-47 pg/ml and that for serum is 30-95 ng/dL, see Medline Testosterone. Although total testosterone means nothing, it's the free testosterone which has an affect on us. Take care Wray
Jan 25, 2013
 Comments from a doctor
by: anonymous.

I hope my thoughts help but if not keep researching and looking for your answers. I am 56 and have been menopausal for 4 years. I have done soto pellets a little over a year now. Like ALL medication, they have side effects. Like all medication, you have to weigh their benefit with their detriment. My experience has been more positive than negative, but I may try pills, or may go back to DAILY topical creams. The last month when they are wearing off I go back to being a crying machine. Never the less.. here is my experience.

The first 2 weeks were tough causing breast tenderness, bloating and severe cramps (I have fibroids and these usually grow with estrogen.) By 4-5 weeks I noticed much improvement of these symptoms. Largely the benefits were great.. lots of energy, EMOTIONALLY STABLE, better sleep and finally the testosterone was helping improve my muscle mass and thus I started losing weight gradually.. 10 lbs over 3 months. I never had hot flashes but my 2 girlfriends who did said it fixed that problem immediately.

The libido was too good for me... It might have been more appreciated had I just met a new younger man with a hot bod.. but that wasn't the case. My girlfriend who had recently divorced, found a new younger husband , was thrilled.

This form of hormone replacement should NOT be used for anyone still having menses. This is adequate for woman whose hormones are in the gutter (menopausal).

Those of you taking progesterone pills are NOT taking the bioidentical version but are taking the manufactured chemical kind.. this is a cheaper version, and is covered by insurance.. it is not necessarily bad (that I can tell) but it is not the NATURAL bioidentical version.. I take the version that the compound pharmacy makes up in little troches that melt in your mouth.. there are also drops absorbed under your tongue. I'm afraid I have been falling asleep forgetting them lately and now I had a menstral cycle.. progesterone helps prevent this.. I concur.. progesterone CALMS you.. a potential side effect is sleepiness so I take it at bedtime.

Everyone is different, and you should try different things and check out what others say just as you are.

I hope this was helpful in some way. Good Luck to us all!!
Jan 27, 2013
 Use of Soto-Pelle bio-identical hormones and progesterone
by: Wray

Hi there Thank you for your comments. It seems the camp is very divided on the use of Soto Pelle, some in favour, some vehemently against! I can't agree with the principle, as both those hormones increase the risk of insulin resistance, heart disease and cancer. But each to their own. Take care Wray
Feb 19, 2014
 From SottoPelle's website
by: Anonymous

Did you know that hormone replacement using pellet implants has been around for more than 70 years? In fact, scientists have published positive research on the benefits of this therapy in authoritative international journals for decades.

Bioidentical pellet therapy was originally developed in Europe during the 1930s. It proved an excellent treatment for hormone deficiencies, especially in menopause. The highly-respected pioneer of endocrinology, Dr. Robert B. Greenblatt, learned about this method and introduced it to his U.S. colleagues in 1939. Today, practitioners on five continents use pellet implants to restore hormonal balance in men and women of all ages.
May 07, 2014
 not sure now
by: hopless

I have an appointment for my first treatment on the 21st of May 2014.... Now after reading all this I'm not sure if I want to go through with it. First of all, I take good care of my body I'm 57 yrs old and a size 6 no belly fat at all. I don't want to gain weight especially in the belly area. I will read some more on it before my 1st treatment. I am bi-polar and already taking meds for ani-depression and mood stableizers and I don't want to go crazy over this... Something to think about here now...
May 10, 2014
 Don't use Soto-Pellets if you have a uterus
by: J

for "hopeless" after my experience with Soto-pellets and progesterone, I recommend that if you have a uterus, don't go on it. The constant periods, or as I was told "break through bleeding", is none stop and ridiculous, especially for a woman who has gone through menopause. (I'm 62). I went on Soto-Pellets when I was 60 years old, after going through menopause at 53, because I was brainwashed into thinking that produce would help with osteoporosis and other aging aliments. I gained weight,my breasts and nipples burned and hurt all the time and then the periods started. That was back in 2012. I had two pellets injected one in Oct 2012 and one in Jan 2013 and have not had any more treatments since then. I'm still getting periods. I've changed OB-GYNs and this doc agrees that Sotto-pellets is not good for women with a uterus. Now at age 62 I have to have a hysterectomy because the periods won't stop. My body is so confused from just those two pellets. I'm thoroughly convinced that that doctor's office who convinced me that Soto-pellets would be good for me was only out for the money. Not only did my insurance pay but I also had to pay $100 per injection.
May 27, 2014
 new person
by: 3tsmom

I have had two pellet treatments.. I feel so much better being on these hormones..I sleep better, have so much more energy, like my husband again..Libido is back..I noticed with the second treatment libido did not last as long, but compared to before it is a miracle..after 28 years of marriage my husband and I are like honeymooners..as far as the weight gain, I had gained 15 pounds after hysterectomy and have gained about 5 since starting the pellets..but gain all over not just in the belly..a little weight gain is worth it to feel like I do . Just going to try a new eating routine..going to give up sweets and white breads..hope this helps.
Sep 05, 2014
 Wish I could take the pellets out
by: Bianca1

I am 51 and had my first pellet insertion 10 weeks ago. At age 47 I had my uterus taken out. I still have my ovaries but I went right into menopause. A friend sold me on the advantages of Sottopelle. I visited a clinic in MN. The best thing that happened is that my brain fog cleared over night. But at the same time, I noticed that my stomach felt weird and day by day it became more bloated. I am up to 8 pounds heavier. Weight gain is in Breast, stomach, back, hips and butt. I feel so fat and uncomfortable. At my highest My total testosterone was 340 and my estradial was 159. The first week I slept well and felt very calm. Starting week two and until week 9 I felt extremely revved up. I was very much on edge and if someone irritated me, I let them know it. I am usually pretty laid back. I can not lose weight no matter what I do. I am a very athletic person and no matter how hard I try, I am gaining. I was told by another Doctor when I shared my concerns, that the reason the brain fog lifted is because My brain has been super charged with hormones. She said that never in a woman's life would her body produce as much Testosterone as I now had in my body.My libido has not changed. A couple weeks ago a friend stopped by and she was too kind to comment on my weight gain but asked me if I had a breast enhancement. My massage therapist jokingly told me that the "upper deck" looked very full!
So, I obviously won't be getting a second insertion. When I asked the Doctor who did the insertion about the extremely high levels he said that most Doctors are way to conservative when it comes to hormones and when I asked about the weight gain he told me to exercise more and that testosterone leads to more muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. He was lucky I had enough restraint not to slap him! With all the testosterone raging thru my body, I really could have slapped him.
Bottom line...I don't recommend Sottopelle.
Dec 11, 2014
 Can you help me ??
by: Anonymous

I was 240 pounds. I lost more than 120 pounds,10 years ago. I excerized every day was on a very Healthy Diet. I was very happy. Kept my weight off. I was told sotto pellets would enhance my life. It would energize me. I was 56 years old. Married 38 years. My husband and I went in at the same time for our pellets. It was great slept well. Honeymoon effect ! Libido great , The Nightnere began!!! 2nd week gained 3 pounds the Third week I was at 12 pounds gained. I was in HELL , HELL ! I tried every thing. Exercising more. At 3 months I GAINED 20 pounds. Felling bad. I am 57 years old now. I feel dizzy!!!!!! I have managed to loose 11pounds. I have been to many specialists the top doctors. They have all said I SHOULD HAVE NEVER NEVER TAKEN SOTTO PELLETS. PLEASE WHAT EVER YOU DO LISTEN TO ME !! Do not take this not in any form. I am still feeling side affects. My husband has no side effects. So he says. Is there any one out there that has found relief ??
Apr 21, 2015
 Don't do it!
by: Anonymous

I am 55 and also gained weight from the pellet! I am waiting for all that was inserted to get out of my body so I can resume normal life. I, too, eat very healthfully and exercise - this weight gain is so depressing!
Jun 29, 2015
 3rd time not the charm
by: Dinkycat

I am 53 and on my 3rd round of SottoPelle. The first was sheer hell. I did not sleep more than 2 hours at a time for a whole month. After that I felt great but did gain LOTS of water weight. I was put on a water pill. The second time (4months later) I experienced none of the anxiety but I did gain more weight. I waited 5 months to go again and did so a few weeks ago. Now I cannot sleep, my colon is in pain again (didn't have that for 2 months) and I feel like my throat is closing due to an allergy or something. I believe the dr gave me way too much estrogen again (like the first time). For a month now I am sugar-free and eating paleo. I dropped 20 pounds in the last 2 months so I hope I am not gaining it back. I do feel though that they should list ALL ingredients so that I can determine what is causing the allergy feeling and asthma. Does anyone have the ingredient list that they can share? I cannot find it anywhere.
Thanks in advance.
Jun 29, 2015
 3rd time not the charm
by: Wray

Hi Dinkycat Their website gives nothing away, but a pdf I have says......
"The hormone pellets we use are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. Both estradiol and testosterone have been regulated by the e FDA for human use. Each lot of hormone pellets contains 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." Estradiol pellets are a little bigger than a grain of rice—approximately 3 millimeters in diameter. Testosterone pellets are larger than estradiol pellets.", see here. Take care Wray
Jul 06, 2015
 infection
by: sheila

I have been doing pellets for 5 years and have never had one problem. I went last week and got them inserted and 3 days later the area (not the insertion spot) got red, swollen and hot. Felt like a grapefruit under my skin, we are now down to a pin pong ball. So that is better!!!
The incision spot looks fine. I have started antibiotics and benedryl and it looks and feels better. I dont ususally do testosterone but I did this time as they said it was low.
Has anyone else had this type of reaction.
Aug 28, 2015
 reaction to pellets?
by: Anonymous

Sheilah,
I had pellets inserted in July. Last week I also got a red swollen hot area around the insertion site. Taking antibiotics and Benydryl to reduce the welling. The DR. swears that they have never had anyone react this way. A little wary.
Aug 29, 2015
 Nightmare with Biote Pellets
by: deb

If it can be inserted , can someone tell me why they cant be removed especially if someone is having an allergic reaction to it, if your allergic to peanuts or strawberries you get rid of it or stay away from them, the same principal applies or should apply with the pellets , I'm 52 yrs old , still with a uterus and menopause. I had my first and my only insertion on Aug.4,2015. I truly regret having this done I WILL NEVER HAVE MORE PUT IN !!! I am having problems with energy and everything, I am raising a 2 yr.old and a 4 yr. old grandchildren , I have high blood pressure rods and screws in my back and now a thyroid problem. This was supposed to help me not hurt me. PLEASE TAKE SOME ADVICE ALWAYS BE INFORMED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING IN YOUR BODY. ITS YOUR BODY AND YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOWLEDGE !! Doctors are not Gods they are human just like the rest of us and they don't always have all their information correct. Plus it is their job for the most part to push Medicines. The more they sell the more they can say , Oh look its good for you , if it wasn't good people wouldn't be buying it. Not always but with the way the world has become and doctors being overbooked with patients , no one has the time to slow down and really get to know their patients anymore. Its sad to see.to do an indepth exam, like breast exam, and pap smear making sure everything is okay . (which I didn't get ). Told the doc I was there for a well woman and she did the blood work, but told me my hormone levels were down and that I have Hashimoto Thyroiditis (underactive thyroid). That I needed the Biote Hormone Pellets so I could get well and then she could do a well woman exam. which made me say HUH ? Everyone is different if there is EVER and part of you that is scared, uncertain, or leery about something go with it, its usually your inner voice saying don't do it ! I'm happy for those it works for but its not for me Personally. I really hope someone can tell me if they can be taken out. I'm showing up at the doctors on Monday and telling them I want them out. PLZ !!!!!!!
Dec 10, 2015
 Love them
by: Vanessa Florida

I started with the creams which helped as I was going thru a rough menopause. Allowed me to sleep and think again. Those who are thinking about pellets might want to start with creams 3 hormones if they are concerned. I have been using the pellets got 4 years and would not give them up. However, I had break thru bleeding related to the hormones and had an ablation. No other symptoms. I take progesterone capsules at night which helps me sleep well. My doctor in Dallas was wonderful but getting the pellets in Florida is a racket by wellness Doctors - very expensive! Will be flying back to Dallas next time!
Feb 01, 2016
 Love Them Too
by: Linda

Vanessa, I live in Dallas and have been doing the pellet thing for a while now and love it. I have been going to my GYN doc for years and love her dearly. Unfortunately for me she has changed her practice to a concierge format which is not an affordable option for me.

So, I am on a search for a GYN MD (not a physicians assistant) who supports and understands the benefits of HRT and pellet implants.
I am 58 and have tried everything there is to offer a woman throughout the menopause stages of life. The estradiol & testosterone pellets along with compounded progesterone pills and Armour thyroid have been the only thing that has worked for me.

I would love to know the name of your doctor in Dallas, TX. I am in the process of researching doctors but haven't landed on the right one yet. Linda
Mar 01, 2016
 Love Sotto Pelle
by: Anonymous

I have been on the Sotto Pelle Therapy for several years now.
I totally love it.
How long can I continue being on this Therapy???

I have heard that you should take a break from HRT after 10 years???
Mar 11, 2016
 I love my pellets
by: Anonymous

I am heading in this next week to get my next pellet insertion. For me it is testosterone only. My estrogen levels are good. Not only has my libido gone through the roof, I am in control of my emotions, have no more foggy head, and sleep well. I did take progesterone initially and that is what made me gain weight & made me feel strange. I stopped taking progesterone in Jan and have dropped 10 pounds - without other changes. And now I feel great! I am late 40s and been dealing with menopause symptoms for years already - I am not having any weird periods either -in fact instead of one every 2 weeks or whenever Aunt Flo wanted to show up - shes limited to one time a month now! For me, I will continue to use them. Every woman is different - each with a different set of circumstances & health history. What may work for one may not for the other. For me, I am loving my pellets.
Apr 06, 2016
 Terry
by: Anonymous

All I can say is most of the stuff I am reading on here is soooo much MIS-information its not even funny. As a matter of fact its down right a shame that many Women will continue to suffer and be misled and misinformed out of FEAR , while they continue to have to live with it ! To each his own ! but do your self a favor look up what " Bio-Identical Means " ? Your Own Body's Balanced natural Hormones are not going to cause a person to have Heart Disease or Insulin Resistance , or give you Cancer? Most Bio Identical Pellets are plant based and NOT Conjugated(Pregnant Mare Urine )Estrogen or Testosterone Cypionate - Pharmaceutical. Not every one is the same , no two people are going to react the same . Thats why so many things go into arriving at the correct dosage. Its just like any other medication , not a one size fits all, its not a quick fix ! but it does help to have the right Dr that knows what hes doing ! I am blissfully Happy with my Sottopelle ( Which is a trade name) , I have been for 11 years, I am an EMT, MOA and work for a Dr Who Does Bio-Identical Pellets and have for 11 years.
Apr 13, 2016
 Bio-Identicals are not without risk!
by: Anonymous

Please be careful with any form of hormone therapy, bio-identical or not! I had a stroke while using sottopelle. Testing after my stroke pointed to the hormone pellets I had been using for over a year. People think bio identical are totally safe. I am here to say they are still risky. I felt amazing on it too. Living with the lifelong complications of stroke doesn't feel amazing. PLEASE talk to your doctors about what you can do to minimize the risk of stroke while using any hormone, bio-identical or not. Ask about aspirin therapy or other blood thinners. Ask about lower doses. Please be careful!! Be informed! Constant high doses of hormones are not natural. There is nothing bio-identical about static high doses of estrogen. Our bodies do not work that way in our 20s and 30s. Hormone levels change throughout the month. I hope someday they can come up with a way to cycle the levels , maybe it will truly be safe then. Please be safe!
Aug 18, 2016
 Bleeding
by: Anonymous

I am 59 and have not had a period in over 9 years. I still have my ovaries. Started the SP in April. The first few weeks on the pellets felt great. High energy, sex drive increased(which is one of the main reason I went on them. I had no sex drive), and sleeping thru the night. About 3 weeks into this I started break thru bleeding. I personally would not call it that. I would call it a period. Cramping, clotting. Dr. told me to stop taking the progesterone until my period stopped. It stopped within a few days. Dr. At this time wanted me to start taking progesterone at night along with my morning pill.( 100 mg. in morning and at night ) The bleeding stopped for about 5 days and now has come back. The Dr. said I have to continue on the progesterone because of the estrogen in the pellets for 6 mos. Was wondering if anyone has had this experience? Wish I never would of done the SP Therapy. 😩😩
Jan 19, 2017
 Break through bleeding
by: Anonymous

After my third round of pellets, I began having break through bleeding. I had been taking 100mg progesterone every night from beginning pellet therapy. I called doctor to see if I should double up on my progesterone (which I had done on my own already waiting for Monday). This seemed to make it worse and had more cramping.

The doctor was emphatic about not taking more progesterone. I got the feeling that they can't really tell you to stop taking the progesterone. I read extensively on women's experiences and that women in Europe are to take the progesterone 10 days at a time as to have "period" when you come off. So I stopped progesterone and about 5 or 6 days later the heavy spotting stopped. I now gauge my need for progesterone with sleep quality. I feel so much better. I usually have a mini spotty period about two or three weeks after new pellets. As soon as I start spotting I stop progesterone and let it finish. I don't take it again until 3 weeks or if sleep isn't as good for 10 days at a time. I get three pellets 8.5 mg estradiol, 65mg testosterone, and a 60/4 mg testosterone/ anastrozole. The anastrozole blocks the testosterone from converting into estradiol. I love the pellets and am not scared of the spotting anymore. It has gotten so much less every time I get pellets and only that once after new pellets

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