Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy

Pellet hormone replacement therapy is a new treatment method used to treat male and female hormone deficiencies. This method provides an alternate approach to hormone replacement therapy for patients who choose to forego injections, topicals, or oral administration of hormones. Pellet implants have been shown to be an effective method to administer hormones in both men and women undergoing HRT. Since the inception of this method of treating hormone related issues, studies have pointed to the efficacy and rise in popularity with this therapy that we now offer here at Defy Medical.1

What are pellets?

Hormone pellets are implantable capsules that contain testosterone or estradiol. These capsules are inserted under the skin in order to provide consistent and physiologic doses of these essential hormones. Our preferred FDA-registered compounding pharmacy is recognized throughout the industry for their outstanding quality of implantable, sterile pellets. These pellets are sterilized using gamma radiation and every batch is tested by a third-party analytical lab for sterility, potency, and endotoxins before being dispensed. They are also designed to be resistant to breakage and are capsule-shaped for easier insertion. All hormone pellets are manufactured with cGMP quality and compounded PVP (povidone) free for patients sensitive to these binders.

Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy

• Supports stable and healthy hormone levels
• Improves sex drive and libido
• Increases energy and sense of well-being
• Restores regular sleep patterns
• Improves mood, memory, and concentration
• Aids in relieving anxiety and depression
• Helps to maintain bone density
• Increases lean body mass/decreases fat mass
• Lessens menopausal symptoms (i.e. hot flashes)
• Convenient dosing schedule for those who prefer less frequent administration
• Minimal side effects

Where are hormone pellets inserted?

The insertion of pellets is a relatively simple in-office procedure done under local anesthesia and performed by a trained medical doctor or mid-level practitioner. The pellets are implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the hip and buttock area under sterile conditions. By making a small incision, the pellet is inserted beneath the fatty lining of the skin. Once the pellet has been properly encapsulated in the body, it is then closed with surgical glue or sterile medical tape strips. Implants placed under the skin provide the consistent release of small, physiologic hormone doses that have been shown to provide the benefits listed above.

How long do the hormone pellets last?

Depending on the rate at which the hormones are metabolized, hormone pellet implants will typically last for about 3-4 months in women and 4-5 months in men. Patients usually experience symptom relief within the first 48 hours, although some take up to two weeks before noticing a difference. The pellets do not require removal as they are dissolved completely by the body.2

Are there side effects?

There are generally minimal side effects associated with pellet implant procedures. Complications are very rare, although side effects may include bleeding, bruising, infection, swelling, pain, lack of effect (typically a result from lack of absorption), sensitivity at the insertion site, and pellet extrusion.3,4

How do I get started?

Prior to commencing any form of HRT with our clinic, our physicians require that all patients have comprehensive hormone lab testing completed in order to better evaluate each patient’s overall health and individual hormone levels. This blood work is then assessed in conjunction with symptoms, medical history, and a recent physical examination to customize an individualized treatment plan for the patient based.

If pellets are the desired approach to HRT, the prescribed dosage and follow-up schedule will be determined during the initial evaluation with one of our practitioners. Thereafter, the pellet insertion procedure will be performed by a trained medical provider.

How are hormones monitored after insertion?

Follow-up blood testing, physician lab review, and pellet reinsertion are required every 3-4 months for all patients undergoing hormone pellet therapy. In some instances, the medical provider may want to see specific lab tests more frequently or request additional lab tests if there is a need for closer monitoring of certain symptoms. Each patient’s subjective response to pellet therapy may differ, therefore follow-up blood work may be required earlier than 3-4 months.

It’s important to stay compliant with blood work and pellet reinsertion so there is no lapse in treatment. We utilize an automated reminder system that will send a notification by phone and email to each patient notifying them of when they are due for follow-up lab work, consultation, and pellet reinsertion. This gives the patient an abundance of time to order lab work and have it completed.

What is the cost of pellet hormone replacement therapy?

Please click here to view all pricing associated with Pellet HRT in our Prescription Portal.  

Please contact us directly to get started today!

References

1. Greenblatt, Robert B., and JA Cantrill. “DATA: Hormone Therapy with Pellet Implants.” Hormonebalance.org, 2011, hormonebalance.org/userfiles/file/DATA%20Pellet%20implants%206%2011%5B2%5D.pdf
2. Greenblatt, Robert B., and Roland R. Suran. “Indications for Hormonal Pellets in the Therapy of Endocrine and Gynecic Disorders.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 57, no. 2, 1949, pp. 294–301., doi:10.1016/0002-9378(49)90429-9.
3. Davis, Susan R., et al. “Effects of Estradiol with and without Testosterone on Body Composition and Relationships with Lipids in Postmenopausal Women.” Menopause, vol. 7, no. 6, 2000, pp. 395–401., doi:10.1097/00042192-200011000-00005.
4. Handelsman, David J., et al. “An Analysis of Testosterone Implants for Androgen Replacement Therapy.” Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 47, no. 3, 1997, pp. 311–316., doi:10.1046/j.1365-2265.1997.2521050.x.