Pellet Hormone Therapy (for Men and Women)
Pellet Hormone Therapy: A Steady BHRT Option
One innovative BHRT delivery method we offer is pellet hormone therapy. This method involves a cylinder or “pellet” (about the size of a grain of rice) that contains a compressed dose of bioidentical hormone – either estrogen, testosterone, or a tailored mix. The pellet is implanted just beneath the skin (typically in the fatty tissue of the hip/buttock) during a quick, simple office procedure. We use local anesthetic to numb a small area, make a tiny incision, and insert the pellet with a specialized device. The incision is so small it usually doesn’t even require stitches (just a piece of sterile tape or bandage). Once placed, the pellet slowly dissolves and releases hormone continuously into your bloodstream, providing a steady, 24/7 hormone supply that mimics how your ovaries or testes would naturally deliver hormones.
Long-Lasting, Low-Maintenance Pellet BHRT
Pellet therapy has actually been used in medicine for decades (over 50 years worldwide) as a convenient and effective HRT option – so it’s a well-established approach, not a new experiment. In recent years, it’s gained popularity as patients seek “no fuss” alternatives to daily pills or frequent shots. Both men and women can benefit from pellet implants. Depending on your metabolism and the dose in each pellet, women typically get 3–6 months of continuous therapy from one insertion, and men get about 3-4 months before the pellet is fully absorbed. That means only a few visits a year (about 2–4) for maintenance! We custom-select the number and strength of pellets for each patient based on your lab results and symptoms – truly individualizing the dosing to your needs (our clinic often uses the BioTe® method for pellet therapy, which is a widely respected protocol in this field).
Why Choose Pellet Therapy? Key Benefits Explained
Advantages of Pellet Therapy: There are several key benefits that make this form of HRT especially attractive:
- Steady Hormone Levels – No Roller Coaster: Pellets deliver a consistent physiological dose of hormone each day, avoiding the spikes and drops that can occur with oral medication or shorter-acting modalities . Many patients report more even symptom relief and mood when on pellets – no forgetting a pill and crashing, and no weekly peaks/troughs as with certain injections. Your body draws what it needs as the hormone is released from the pellet’s depot in real-time.
- Convenience & Compliance: Once your pellet is inserted, you’re set for months. There’s no need to remember a daily pill or apply creams/patches regularly . For busy individuals or those who travel, this “insert and forget” aspect is a huge plus – it ensures compliance because the therapy is always on board. You can go about life without the frequent reminder of treatment.
- Direct Absorption (Bypasses Liver): Pellet-delivered hormones enter the capillary blood supply directly from the fat tissue, which means they bypass the liver and digestive system . This avoids the liver metabolism that oral hormones go through, thereby reducing certain risks. For example, oral estrogen can increase clotting factors via the liver, but transdermal or pellet estrogen does not have that same effect . Pellets thus eliminate the variation in absorption or liver strain that can happen with pills.
- Natural Body Feedback: Because the hormone is released gradually and is bioidentical, your body can modulate absorption to some degree. During times of higher cardiac output (exercise, stress), slightly more hormone may circulate, and during rest, a bit less – somewhat like the body’s own rhythm. This contributes to the natural feel of pellet therapy.
- High Effectiveness and Satisfaction: Pellet therapy has one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction in hormone treatments. Many people trying HRT for the first time with pellets report that after a few weeks, they just “feel normal” again – with excellent symptom control – and they love not having to do anything daily. Clinical studies have shown pellet HRT can improve sexual function, mood, and even bone density. In men, testosterone pellets can be a great alternative to weekly injections, providing more stable levels and often better symptomatic improvement in areas like libido and energy.
Pellet Insertion: Simple, Safe & Efficient Procedure
Pellet insertions are performed by our certified medical provider who has specialized training in this technique, so rest assured you’re in skilled hands. The procedure is quick (usually under 15 minutes) and virtually painless aside from the initial numbing injection – many patients compare it to getting a dental numbing shot in terms of sensation. After insertion, we’ll place a small bandage and give you a few aftercare instructions (like avoiding heavy lower-body exercise for a couple of days). There’s minimal downtime – you can resume most normal activities right away. Over the next 7-10 days, the pellet forms a little capillary network around it and begins fully releasing hormone. We’ll schedule a follow-up blood level check around 4-6 weeks after insertion to ensure we hit the target range and adjust future dosing if needed. Then you get to enjoy months of consistent therapy. When the hormone is nearly used up, your symptoms might slowly start creeping back – that’s our cue to schedule your next pellet.
