Breast Cancer Research
At Full Life, we are conducting IRB approved research using testosterone pellet implant therapy for women with a history of successfully treated breast cancer.
While most everyone has been taught that Testosterone (T) is the male hormone and Estrogen (E) is the female hormone that is not actually true. A normal healthy woman will have, on average ten times more T in her blood than E. (Don't be fooled by you blood test results. T is higher than E although the absolute number of E is higher because it is measured in different units: pg/dL vs. ng/dL). The only time E is as abundant as T is during pregnancy. From the perspective of biology, E is the reproductive hormone and T is the primary human hormone, both male and female. When T was discovered in 1935 it was quickly realized that T could kill breast cancer cells in the lab. During the 1940's and 50's T was a primary treatment for breast cancer. Today T is FDA approved for palliative care of metastatic breast cancer. Testosterone pellets have been used for over 80 years to treat hormone deficiency.
Study Of Adjunct Testosterone Implant Therapy In Breast Cancer Patients
Our study is a prospective observational study of two cohorts of breast cancer patients who want to increase their Quality of Life!
Cohort 1: Breast Cancer (BC) patients who have completed initial breast cancer treatment (surgery/chemo/radiation) and were prescribed endocrine therapy (Tamoxifen or an Aromatase inhibitor (AI)) but have difficulty staying on their prescribed endocrine therapy due to the side effects.
Cohort 2: Breast Cancer patients who have completed the standard-of-care breast cancer treatment, with or without endocrine based therapy, and are no longer recommended any current treatment. They have poor Quality of Life due to symptoms related to breast cancer treatment and/or menopause.
Research has shown that subcutaneous Testosterone pellet therapy relieves symptoms of hormone deficiency in women with and without breast cancer, improves their quality of life, and maintains overall health and well-being. Testosterone does not increase and may lower the risk of breast cancer. The combination of Testosterone with an aromatase inhibitor prevents the conversion of androgens to estrogens, limiting their stimulatory effect in estrogen-sensitive diseases, including breast cancer.
What Is Testosterone Pellet Therapy?
We use bio-identical, also know as human-identical testosterone pellets. These are made from plant based compounds and are formulated to match the molecular structure of human hormones. Pellets are implanted under the skin into the subcutaneous fat layer. The pellets slowly dissolve releasing the human identical hormone directly into the blood stream. This provides the hormone to the cells and allows for easy monitoring with blood testing.
The pellets are manufactured at a 503B, FDA licensed and regulated compounding manufacturer. Your provider will determine the appropriate dose for you based on blood work, symptoms, and response to therapy.
Full Life Therapy
Thousands of women across the U.S. and internationally prefer using pellet therapy to achieve a natural, healthy balance of hormones. Our patients report that they feel fabulous again! Some of the many benefits* they report include:
- Enhanced libido and/or increased sexual desire
- Decreased body fat and greater capacity to get in shape
- Reduced fatigue and increased energy levels
- Increased mental focus, clarity and concentration
- Improved memory
- Consistency in moods – reduction in feelings of anger, nervousness and irritability
- Relief from anxiety and depression
- Increased sense of overall well-being
- Protection from bone and muscle loss
What Is The Procedure Like?
Pellets are typically implanted in the hip. Your provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Each human identical hormone pellet is inserted painlessly under the skin. The procedure takes less than five minutes. Afterwards, we ask you avoid lower body exercise, swimming, or tub baths for 3 days. Repeat pellet insertions are typically done every 3-4 months. That’s it!
To participate in our breast cancer patient research, you must have approval from your oncologist if you are still actively followed. We will initiate this process for you. Proper informed consent is also required.