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Ask Dr. Elijah | BioTE® | Frequently Asked Questions & Concerns


Q: Dr. Elijah, I’ve heard amazing reviews of BioTE® for hormone health and how life-changing it can be. But I have my concerns about the pellets and potential side effects—what can you tell me about the pelleting process and what I may experience? 


This is an excellent question and you’re not alone.


Most of my patients are highly intrigued—with caution—about BioTE® , pelleting, and what it can actually do to optimize hormones. 


I had my own curiosity and concern before I tried BioTE®. 

Had I not experienced it (and continue to reap the benefits) for myself, I’m not sure where I’d be hormonally (or where my mental health would be)! 


I’d love to go over frequently asked questions and concerns I receive from my patients to better help you understand the process and if it’s right for your hormone health.




BioTE® | Frequently Asked Questions


WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BIOTE®?

When your body displays certain signs and symptoms, it may be time to check if it’s due to a hormone imbalance.


A simple symptom checker can help you decipher if what you’re feeling is potentially related to hormones—especially if you experience fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, etc.


Lab work is required for consideration as well as a thorough assessment by me or a Certified Provider of BioTE®.



IS BIOTE® COVERED BY INSURANCE?  

In a perfect world, this service would be covered 100% by insurance and I definitely hope—one day—that’s the case. 


For now, some—not all—insurance companies will pay for the lab portion.


The good news is office visits and pelleting are only needed a couple of times a year, so the cost is minimal in the big picture of the health of your hormones.




WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE IN-OFFICE PROCEDURE? 

Considering the process it takes to get to the actual procedure and the havoc hormones can wreak, the in-office visit is pretty short with minimal pain.


The insertion site (usually made in the upper buttocks area) is numbed and a small incision is made where the pellets are then inserted. 


Minimal discomfort—if any—should be felt, other than potential pressure from the insertion of pellets.




DO I HAVE ANY LIMITATIONS POST-PROCEDURE?

While you still have a bandage on the insertion site (in females you’re looking at 3 days; males 7 days), it’s best to avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, and intense exercise (especially lower body training) during this time.


After the removal of the bandage you can resume your normal activity.




WHERE DO PELLETS GO AFTER INSERTION & HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE TO PARTAKE IN BIOTE®?

The pellets are absorbed in your body and dissolve completely. 


Due to each patient’s unique needs for hormone optimization, your treatment plan and frequency will be customized to fit you specifically.





BioTE® | Concerns


WILL TESTOSTERONE CHANGE MY MOOD?

Low testosterone can definitely alter your mood negatively (think increased irritability) but balancing your hormones should actually help your mood! 


Patients can experience an overall calm effect on their mood through hormone optimization.




WILL I GAIN WEIGHT?

Not if testosterone is working for you! 


Incorporating a healthy lifestyle of whole foods, exercise and hormone optimization can help you increase lean muscle and reduce visceral fat.




I’M A WOMAN—WILL I GROW A BEARD? 

I’d love to say no, but there’s a 2% chance you may experience increased facial hair. (I know nobody wants to hear that!). 


I wouldn’t worry too much about it though because at Renew, we offer laser hair removal for just that, as well as medications and supplements that can prevent and lessen facial hair.





I hope I answered a lot of your frequently asked questions and concerns about BioTE® and hormone optimization. 


Although this may not be for everyone, the pros definitely outweigh the cons with life changing benefits I’ve seen in my patients.

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