Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does hormone replacement therapy cost?
  • Services start at $375.
• How do I know if I’m a candidate for this treatment?
  Symptoms may vary widely from depression and anxiety to night sweats and sleeplessness to lack of energy and forgetfulness.
  • Difficulty sleeping at night
  • Lack of energy and fatigue during the day
  • Low sex drive
  • Reduced mental focus and memory
  • Feeling moody, anxious or depressed
  • Weight gain, including increased fat around the midsection
  • Inability to lose weight regardless of healthy diet and exercise
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Muscle and/or joint pain
• Do I have blood work done before each Treatment?
  • No, only initially and 4 weeks later to set your dosing and yearly. You may have it done again if there are significant changes.
• What are the pellets made from?
  • They are made from wild yams. Yams have the highest concentration of hormones of any substance. There are no known allergens associated with yams. The pellets are derived from yams and are all natural and bio-identical, meaning they are the exact replication of what the body makes.
• How long will the Treatment last?
  • Every 3-5 months depending on the person. Everyone is different, so it depends on how you feel and what the nurse practitioner is right for you. If you are extremely active, under a lot of stress, you live in a climate of extreme heat; your treatment may not last as long. The absorption rate is based on cardiac output.
• How is it administered?
  • The small hormone pellets are slipped painlessly under the skin, typically in the hip. A mild, local anesthetic is used and the procedure takes less than five minutes.
• Does it matter if I’m on birth control?
  • The specialist will determine what your hormone needs are, even if you are on birth control.
• Are there any side effects?
  • Side effects for women and men are rare. In women, transient breast tenderness lasting 7-10 days may occur with the first insertion. There may be some hair growth or acne in moderation from occurrences from testosterone therapy. Men’s side effects may include decreased sperm count, decreased testicular mass and possible prostate enlargement. These side effects occur much more frequently with the use of synthetic hormone replacement therapy.
• What if I’m already on HRT of some sort like creams, patches, pills?
  • This is an easy transition. Nurse practitioner will be able to determine your needs even though you may be currently taking these other forms of HRT.
• What if I’ve had breast cancer?
  • Breast cancer survivors and/ or those who have a history of breast cancer in their family may still be a candidate; however, this is to be determined by the physician. You should schedule a consultation with a physician.
• What brands are available?
  • SotoPelle®
  • BioTE®* Exclusively available at our New Hartford studio.