Bioidentical Hormone Pellets: All Your Questions Answered

Hormone imbalances are common, especially as we age. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy can help, and with pellets, therapy is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you should know about this state-of-the-art therapy.

Your body produces hundreds of hormones, chemical messengers that regulate many processes, including metabolism, sleep, mood, and some aspects of sexual health. While hormone levels fluctuate to some extent, when levels are persistently or unusually low, you can wind up with lots of unpleasant symptoms (and a lower quality of life).

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment designed to replace hormones that are in short supply, supporting normal function and better health. Today, there are several methods of HRT, including pills, injections, and pellets. While pills and injections are relatively well known, many people don’t know about pellets or the benefits they can offer.

At beYOU bioidenticals, our team offers HRT for women and for men, including hormone pellet therapy for optimal convenience. Here, learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about pellet HRT so you can decide if it’s a good choice for you.

What are bioidentical hormone pellets?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones created to be chemically identical to the hormones your body produces. These hormone replacement products are “recognized” and used just like natural hormones for fewer side effects and risks.

Bioidentical hormone pellets are rice-sized cylinders that are implanted under your skin. These cylinders release tiny amounts of hormones over time to optimize and stabilize your hormone levels — typically levels of testosterone or estrogen.

How do hormone pellets work?

Pellets are inserted under the skin in your hip. Once in place, the pellets release a steady stream of hormones over the next several months. Just like other types of HRT, pellets can be dosed based on your needs.

What issues can hormone pellets treat?

Bioidentical hormone pellets are used to treat an array of hormone-related issues, including:

Menopause-related symptoms
Symptoms associated with low testosterone
Moodiness or irritability
Weight gain
Fatigue or low energy levels
Decreased libido

Many people benefit from hormone pellet therapy as they age and their natural levels of hormones decline.

How are the pellets inserted?

Hormone pellets are inserted through a tiny puncture wound on your skin. Your provider uses a special instrument to make the puncture wound and insert the pellet. Before pellet insertion, we numb your skin so the insertion itself is painless. Afterward, you might have some mild and temporary soreness at the insertion site, an effect that goes away shortly afterward.

How often do pellets need to be replaced?

Typically, pellets need to be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on factors like your gender, your weight, and how quickly your body absorbs and metabolizes hormones. On average, men need to have pellets replaced every 5-6 months, while women need pellet replacement every 3-4 months. We test your hormone levels prior to initial pellet placement and during therapy to make sure your hormone levels remain optimized.

How are old pellets removed?

Pellets are designed to dissolve over time, so they do not need to be removed when new pellets are inserted.

Are pellets visible under my skin?

No. Even though the pellets are inserted under your skin, they’re not visible to you or to anyone else.

Do hormone pellets cause side effects?

Aside from minor and temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising around the insertion site, you may experience hormone-related effects, like irritability, weight changes, or period irregularities, until the pellets reach their full effect — similar to the side effects of other HRT methods.

How do pellets compare to other methods of HRT?

Pellets are a very convenient type of HRT, requiring no interaction other than occasional visits to have the pellets replaced. Because they release a steady supply of hormones over time, you won’t experience the peaks and lows that can be associated with other forms of dosing, like injections or pills. And of course, like other types of HRT, pellet therapy can be customized based on your needs.

How can I tell if pellets are right for me?

The best way to tell if pellet HRT is right for you is to schedule a consultation with our team. We review your symptoms and your medical history, perform blood tests or other lab work, and talk about your concerns and goals, so we can tailor an HRT plan that’s right for you.

To learn more about HRT pellets and other methods of HRT, like injections, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at beYOU bioidenticals in Leawood, Kansas, today.