Understanding the Risks of BioTE Hormone Replacement Therapy

At Family Medicine Institute, we believe in providing our patients with comprehensive information about their treatment options, including potential risks. BioTE hormone replacement therapy, while offering numerous benefits, is no exception. It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with any medical procedure, and we want to ensure you are well-informed before making any decisions about your health.

Potential Risks of BioTE Hormone Replacement Therapy

While generally considered safe and effective, BioTE® therapy, like any hormone replacement therapy, carries some potential risks. These risks can vary depending on individual factors, medical history, and the specific hormones being used. Some potential risks include:

• Bleeding or Infection: Any procedure that involves inserting something under the skin, like the BioTE pellet insertion, carries a small risk of bleeding or infection at the insertion site.
• Pellet Extrusion: In rare cases, the hormone pellet may be extruded or pushed out of the insertion site.
• Hormone Imbalance Symptoms: While the goal is to balance hormones, some individuals may experience temporary fluctuations in hormone levels, leading to a recurrence of symptoms or new symptoms.
• Changes in Cholesterol Levels: Hormone therapy can sometimes affect cholesterol levels, requiring monitoring.
• Fluid Retention: Some individuals may experience mild fluid retention.
• Breast Cancer Risk (Women): Estrogen therapy, particularly when combined with progesterone, can potentially increase the risk of breast cancer in some women. This risk is a subject of ongoing research and should be thoroughly discussed with your healthcare provider.
• Endometrial Cancer Risk (Women): Estrogen therapy can also increase the risk of endometrial cancer if not properly balanced with progesterone in women with a uterus.
• Cardiovascular Risks: While some studies suggest a potential link between hormone therapy and cardiovascular risks, such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, other studies have shown no increased risk, particularly with bioidentical hormones. The individual risk profile should be assessed.

Minimizing Risks

At Family Medicine Institute, we take precautions to minimize the risks associated with BioTE® therapy. These precautions include:

• Thorough Medical Evaluation: We conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history, current health status, and hormone levels to determine if BioTE® is appropriate for you.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor treatment plans to your individual needs and monitor your progress closely.
• Careful Hormone Level Monitoring: Regular blood tests help us track your hormone levels and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
• Open Communication: We encourage open communication and are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Making Informed Decisions

We believe that informed patients make the best decisions about their health. We encourage you to discuss the risks and benefits of BioTE® therapy with our experienced healthcare providers.

If you are considering BioTE® hormone replacement therapy, schedule a consultation with us at Family Medicine Institute. We can provide you with personalized information about the procedure, including the risks and benefits, and help you determine if it is the right choice for you. Call us today at 321-221-0801 to schedule your appointment.