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Hormone Pellet Therapy: Benefits and Risks

Hormone-Pellet-Therapy-Benefits-and-Risks

Hormone pellet therapy is a form of hormone optimization treatment that involves inserting small pellets containing hormones under the skin. The hormones usually inserted through the pellets include estrogen, testosterone, or a combination of hormones. 

Hormone pellet therapy is not limited to males or females only. Transgenders can also benefit from it. 

This article will cover all aspects of hormone pellet therapy, including its benefits and risks, the procedure involved, and some alternatives to this treatment.

Things to know about Hormone Pellets

Hormone pellets are implants that a healthcare professional places under the skin. These pellets release bioidentical hormones derived from plants. These hormones are almost similar to those produced by the human body. 

They are small, rice-sized cylinders made of estrogen, testosterone, or a combination of these hormones. These hormones are identical in structure to the ones naturally produced by the body.

It should be noted that compounded hormone pellet therapy is not approved by the FDA for any type of treatment. 

Who should take Hormone Pellet Therapy? 

Hormone pellet therapy helps improve estrogen levels in the body. Women who have reached their menopause or at perimenopause can benefit from hormone pellet therapy.

Similarly, men facing testosterone deficiency can also benefit from hormone pellet therapy. 

Who is not a candidate for hormone pellets? 

Generally, pellet hormone replacement therapy is safe and effective. However, in certain conditions, it is better to avoid it. These conditions include: 

  • Women with bleeding disorder
  • Having breast cancer
  • Blood clot issues
  • Danger of stroke or heart failure
  • History of hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Having allergic reactions to hormone medicines

The procedure of hormone pellet therapy

The general procedure of hormone pellet therapy consists of the following steps: 

1. In the first step your healthcare professional will examine your hormone levels and your weight (BMI).  These are done to prepare a specialized dose for every individual. 

2. The next step is the insertion step. Hormone pellets are usually inserted in the lower abdominal area or upper buttock. The insertion site is first cleaned and then numbed using anesthesia. After this, your doctor will insert one or more hormone pellets under your skin. 

3. Once the hormones are placed, the incision area is then closed with stitches. Which is then covered by a small bandage. 

What are the benefits of Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy? 

Hormone pellet therapy offers multiple health benefits. Some of them are listed below: 

1. Help Maintain Hormone Levels

Unlike creams or injections, which can cause fluctuations in hormone levels, hormone pellet therapy offers a steady release of hormones that mimics the body’s natural rhythms. 

This consistent delivery helps to prevent the rollercoaster effects associated with fluctuating hormone levels, such as mood swings and energy dips. 

2. Improve Sex Drive

Hormone pellet therapy also helps improve sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. These hormones aid in improving your sex drive and give you more satisfaction. 

3. Easy to use

Unlike other forms of hormones, where you need to frequently inject or take hormones, you only inject it once. Then it will continuously release hormones for the next 3 or 6 months. 

4. Improve mood and energy

Hormone pellet therapy improves the overall hormone levels in the body and helps in improving mood and energy. 

Moreover, hormone pellet therapy also aids in reducing body fat and protects the body against heart diseases and osteoporosis. 

Risks associated with hormone pellet therapy

Generally, hormone pellet therapy is considered safe; however, there are certain side effects associated with it. Side effects are uncommon and vary depending on the individual’s health condition and the specific type of hormone therapy used.

  • Weight change
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Chorea
  • Irritation
  • Anxiety
  • Mood Swing
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Redness or swelling at the implantation site

A study mentioned by Medical News suggests that the most common side effects of hormone pellet therapy are associated with the long-term use of high dosages of testosterone. 

How to minimize the risk after taking hormone pellet therapy?

Once you are done with bioidentical hormone therapy, you should speak to your doctor about minimizing the risks. Your doctor may give you some anti-inflammatory products, medication that can reduce swelling, and some pain-relieving medicines. 

How painful are hormone pellets?

Hormone pellets are tiny implants inserted under the skin to deliver continuous hormone therapy. The procedure is usually done in a doctor’s office and only takes a few minutes. Patients usually experience mild discomfort, similar to a quick pinch, during the insertion. 

What are some of the alternative to hormone pellet therapy? 

Here are some alternatives to pellet hormone therapy:

  • Hormone Patches
  • Hormone Gels
  • Hormone Creams
  • Hormone Pills
  • Hormone Injections
  • Hormone Sprays
  • Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Comparison Chart: Hormone Pellets vs. Other HRT Methods

FeaturesHormone PelletsPatchesGelsInjection
Hormone’s consistencyHighModerateModerateLow
Frequency of ApplicationEvery 3-6 monthsDailyDailyWeekly/Bi-weekly
Ease of UseHighModerateModerateLow

Will I gain weight on hormone pellets?

No, hormone pellet therapy has no direct association with any substantial weight gain. If you are gaining weight after starting hormone pellet therapy, consult your HRT provider. 

How quickly do hormone pellets work?

The time it takes for hormone pellet therapy to take effect varies for each individual. Generally, changes can be noticed within two to four weeks. However, some anecdotal reports show that a person can feel the benefits only after three months.

The bottom line

Hormone pellet therapy, a type of hormone replacement therapy, is beneficial for people suffering from low hormone levels. 

It helps improve low hormone levels such as testosterone and estrogen etc. Also, it enhances energy and improves mood. 

Some risks associated with pellet therapy include weight change, headache, and mood swings.  

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