Hormone pellets are small, cylindrical pellets that contain hormones such as testosterone or estrogen. First time patients should speak with an ABQ healthcare provider to learn if they are a candidate for hormone replacement and hormone pellets.
Hormone pellets are inserted just under the skin and release a consistent dose of hormones into the body over a period of several months.
Hormone pellets are available in testosterone,estrogen, progesterone and anastrozole.
Hormone pellets typically last for 3-4 months in women and 4-5 months in men.
Some potential benefits of hormone pellet therapy include improved energy and libido, better mood and mental clarity, and improved sleep and bone density. The benefits of pellets in comparison to other hormone replacement routes is bypassing the first-pass effect and consistent levels with less peaks and valleys of hormone levels. .
The hormone pellet insertion procedure is performed in our office. Our specially trained nurse practitioner will numb the injection site which will often be the hip area or in the lower abdomen. A small incision is made and a special device is inserted to insert the pellets. The small incision is then closed with steri-strips.
The number of pellets are based on your recommended dose. The dose is based on gender, symptoms, and baseline and peak levels. The number of hormone pellets ranges between 1-8.
The hormone pellet insertion procedure typically takes just a few minutes to complete.
Hormone testosterone pellets can be used to treat low testosterone in men and pellets are a popular route for testosterone replacement therapy.
Hormone pellets typically need to be replaced every 3-4 months in women and every 4-5 months in men. Patients will often notice themselves when it’s time to have a pellet replacement because their symptoms will start to return.
Although some forms of the hormones estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are FDA approved and covered by insurance in some doses, forms, and circumstances, pellets are not covered by insurance.