FAQ About Hormone Pellet Therapy

Bio-identical hormone pellets are a very effective way to optimize hormone levels in the body. Most of our patients find this to be a preferred method of delivery due to ease and effectiveness. The hormone pellet is placed just under the skin and releases a physiological dose of bio-identical hormones that is relatively consistent. With all hormone deliveries, there are ups and downs in levels. In some cases, pellets can cause a transient surge in hormone levels post-insertion that levels off within a few weeks. If this form of hormone delivery is not optimal for you, we will begin to explore other options such as orals, sublinguals, transdermal patches, injectables, and topical preparations.

Hormone pellet therapy has been used in medicine since the 1930s. In the past 2 decades, it has made a strong resurgence in the medical world due to its safety and efficacy.

A reputable compounding pharmacy makes the bio-identical hormone pellets with strict control of dosage and sterile procedures. The size of the pellet is similar to a grain of rice. After a local anesthetic, the procedure is virtually painless and takes only a few minutes.  We do a full intake at each office visit to assure you are using the best method and dosing of hormones for you!

Some patients prefer hormone pellets over hormone injections, creams & oral preparations because they last for several months and the hormone delivery is relatively consistent.  All hormone deliveries will offer ups and downs with hormone levels. With hormone pellets, there can be a transient initial surge of hormone post insertion, and in some levels may drop @ weeks 9-16.

Most love the convenience of hormone pellets and for some other delivery methods may be more suitable.

During a comprehensive initial consultation, Dr. Madda or Dr. Phillipo will review your health history, current symptoms, and request an extensive blood work panel. With this information, the doctors will help to identify the root cause of any imbalance and effectively address concerns through a customized treatment plan that may include hormone pellet therapy.

The dosage of the testosterone and/or estradiol pellet is based on lab results and symptoms – the goal is to use only what is needed to restore hormone balance in the most safe and effective way possible.

In most cases, it has been shown that peri-menopausal symptoms are relieved with a low dose of testosterone alone. Bio-identical testosterone delivered by hormone pellet therapy is a highly effective therapy for peri-menopausal symptoms without the side effects of estrogen.  In some cases, estradiol is clearly needed based on lab work and symptoms. In these cases, estradiol is added to the pellet prescription or can be used in a topical cream or a transdermal patch. If estradiol is used and you have a uterus, progesterone will be added to your hormone protocol.

Many oncologists and breast cancer surgeons advocate testosterone pellet therapy as a safe method of hormone replacement. It is known that estrogen can be a cell proliferator and is not necessary in all female hormone replacement protocols. The female body can convert testosterone into estrogen as needed. For some women, estrogen does provide added benefit. In these cases, we compound bio-identical estrogen into our hormone pellet Rx or use it in a topical cream, injectable, or transdermal patch.

This form of hormone replacement is quite safe.  Even with a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer or prostate cancer, studies show that testosterone can be used safely and effectively.  In some cases, there can be a transient surge of hormone after insertion. Within a couple of weeks, this levels off and the hormone release is relatively consistent. There can be a drop of hormone levels @ weeks 9-16.  We monitor hormone levels to be sure this form is the most appropriate for you.