hormone pellet therapy

Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The hormones, estradiol or testosterone, are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘Tic Tac’. In the United States, pellets are made by a licensed compounding pharmacist and delivered in sterile glass vials.

Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-6 months, depending on the dosage. They avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. It is the fluctuation in hormones that causes many of the unwanted side effects and symptoms a patient experiences. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance. Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. In addition, there is no other method of hormone delivery that is as convenient for the patient as pellets.

Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s. In fact, there is more data to support the use of pellets than any other method of delivery of hormones. Pellets are not patented and not marketed in the United States. They are frequently used in Europe and Australia where pharmaceutical companies produce pellets. Most of the research on pellets is out of England and Australia with some from Germany and the Netherlands. Pellets were frequently used in the United States from about 1940 through the late 70’s, and early ’80s when patented estrogens were marketed to the public. In fact, some of the most exciting data on hormone implants in breast cancer patients is out of the United States. Even in the United States, there are clinics that specialize in the use of pellets for hormone therapy.

The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anaesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the lower abdominal wall or hip through a small incision which is taped closed.

Complications from the insertion of pellets include minor bleeding, bruising, discolouration of the skin, infection, and possible extrusion of the pellet. Other than slight bruising, or discoloration of the skin these complications are very rare. Extended exposure to moisture (swimming, hot tubs, and bathtubs) is avoided for 4 to 5 days, and vigorous physical activity is avoided for 48 hours in women and up to 5 to 7 days in men. Antibiotics may be given if a patient is diabetic or has recently had a joint replaced.

After pellets are inserted, patients may notice that they have more energy, sleep better and feel happier. Muscle mass and bone density will increase while fatty tissue decreases. Patients may notice increased strength, coordination and physical performance. They may see an improvement in skin tone and hair texture. Concentration and memory may improve as will overall physical and sexual health.

When a patient first starts hormone therapy there may be mild, temporary breast tenderness; which gets better on its own. Hormone receptors may be very sensitive and take time to adjust. There may be a temporary water weight gain which will also resolve on its own. The body will tone up, as bone density and muscle mass increase and fatty tissue decrease. Patients may experience a mild form of “puberty” as their hormonal levels come up into normal ranges.

Some patients begin to “feel better” within 24-48 hours while others may take a week or two to notice a difference.

The pellets usually last between 3 and 5 months in women and 5-6 months in men. High levels of stress, physical activity, some medications and lack of sleep may increase the rate at which the pellet absorbs and may require that pellets be inserted sooner in some patients.

The pellets do not need to be removed. They completely dissolve on their own.

Testosterone levels begin to decline in men beginning in their 30s. Most men maintain adequate levels of testosterone into their mid-40s to mid-50s, some into their late 70s or early 80’s. Men should be tested when they begin to show signs of testosterone deficiency. Even men in their 30s can be testosterone deficient and show signs of bone loss. Most men need to be tested around 50 years of age. It is never too late to benefit from hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy with pellets is not just used for menopause. Women at any age may experience hormone imbalance. Levels decline or fluctuate contributing to debilitating symptoms. Pellets are useful in severe PMS, post-partum depression, menstrual or migraine headaches, and sleeping disorders. Pellets may also be used to treat hormone deficiencies caused by the birth control pill.

Safety – Because the hormone pellet provides a steady dose of hormones, there are little or no fluctuations when they are administered. Pellets are all-natural hormone that is placed just below the surface of a patient’s skin to be absorbed.

Unlike traditional hormone gel, injections, and creams that must be applied or consumed one or more times on a daily basis, hormone pellet therapy lasts between 3-6 months depending on several different factors.

It is possible to make adjustments by supplementing with additional pellets or a different kind of bio-identical hormone replacement. Booster dosage can be adjusted according to the response of the patient.

As compared to traditional hormone replacement approaches, hormone pellet therapy is efficient.

The process is fast & does not take much longer than having blood drawn.

Because the implanting of the hormone pellet under the skin requires a small incision, infection or nerve injury may occur. However, such side effects are not common.

• Redness, itching, swelling, or pain at the injection site

• Enlarged and tender breasts

• Headaches

• Acne

• Muscle Cramps

• Hair loss or male pattern baldness

• Changes in body hair

• Nausea or Vomiting

• Tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin

The Procedure – Subcutaneous pellet therapy involves a minor procedure usually performed under local anaesthesia. The doctor makes a small incision, and then a hormone pellet about the size of a grain of rice is implanted under the skin. Wound healing takes between three to five days, during which time period of time the patient is advised to avoid tub bathing and swimming.