Hormone Implants Can Give Relief From Persistent Menopausal Symptoms

I have tried several types of hormone replacement therapy and I still have severe menopausal symptoms. Is this just me, or do other women have this problem?

It's not just you. Most menopausal women do well while using the routine methods of hormone replacement, but unfortunately 10% to 20% experience persistent life-altering menopausal symptoms unresponsive to the more commonly prescribed therapies. This occurs with greater frequency and severity in those women who have had a hysterectomy irrespective whether the ovaries have been removed, however it can and does occur following a natural menopause. While some women who are hormonally deficient at least on the surface seem to have few symptoms, others may suffer from chronic sleep deprivation, depressed mood, severe hot flashes and sweats, body aches, irritability, loss of libido, decreased quality of sex and memory problems.

My desire for sex is completely gone and this is causing problems in my relationship with my partner. Is this because I am menopausal, or is it a normal part of aging?

Loss of sexual interest following a natural or surgical menopause is an under appreciated problem. The hormonal basis for the decrease in sexuality is often incorrectly attributed to the aging process by affected women and their partners. Unfortunately, in the context of an ongoing relationship even a subtle decline in the level of sexual intimacy may cause considerable distress for both parties and weaken the existing emotional bond. Typically the cause of the problem is not recognized as being hormonally related and is attributed to aging, or a problem in the relationship. The problem is often compounded when the treating physician mistakenly assumes the problem is due to an emotional, or relationship disorder and suggests a referral to a therapist.

I would really like to feel like myself again. Is there anything that can help?

Subcutaneous implantation of hormone pellets is the treatment of choice in this group of menopausal women. This hormone replacement option is almost always successful in relieving persistent menopausal symptoms and restoring, libido, sexuality, quality of life and sense of well being. The pellets used are derived from plant source and contain estradiol. This form of estrogen is biologically identical to the natural estrogen produced by the ovary. If the patient is testosterone deficient, a pellet containing testosterone can be implanted as well. Testosterone is a naturally occurring female hormone and is the hormone most closely related to sex drive, energy levels and the maintenance of muscle mass. This rarely fails to relieve even longstanding menopausal symptoms, or restore sexuality.

How is this done?

The procedure is performed in the physician's office with a minimum of discomfort and takes only a few minutes. A small amount of local anesthesia is injected into the area where the hormone pellets are to be placed, usually the buttock. The hormone pellets are then inserted into the subcutaneous tissue through an instrument designed for this purpose. Pressure is applied to the site for 5-10 minutes. No sutures are required as the actual incision is very small. As with any other surgical procedure, postoperative infection, or bleeding is possible but uncommon. The pellets, which contain the biologically identical form of natural estrogen produced by the ovary are absorbed into the blood stream producing hormone levels that are physiologic and remain relatively constant day-to-day. As the hormones bypass the gastrointestinal tract and are absorbed slowly it mimics natural ovarian secretion. Depending on the metabolism of the individual and the number of pellets implanted they last from 3-6 months and the procedure is repeated at that time.

I have never heard of this method of hormone replacement, is it something new?

Actually, it has been available in the United States and other countries for over 50 years. In general, it is offered by physicians who specialize in menopausal issues. This method of hormone replacement was developed by Dr. Robert B. Greenblatt, of the Medical College of Georgia, a pioneer in menopausal medicine and a founder of the International Menopause Society.

Have you used this method in your patients?

I have offered this method of hormone replacement to my patients for almost 20 years. I believe it is the most successful treatment for persistent menopausal symptoms and decreased sexuality even when the problems have existed for several years. It has been a wonderful hormone replacement option for my patients, capable of restoring them to a previous quality of life, sexuality and intimacy that they had given up hope of ever regaining.

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