Hormone Pellet Therapy

What are hormone pellets?

Hormone pellets are bio identical forms of estrogen and testosterone that are compounded into tiny pellets. These pellets are made by a compounding pharmacist under sterile conditions. These pellets, which are the size of a grain of rice, are placed under the skin. The hormones that are contained in the pellets are released into the blood over the next several months. This method of release maintains a more constant physiologic level of hormones in your body.

How are hormone pellets made?

The hormones and pellets are derived from soybeans, and are biologically identical to human forms of estradiol and testosterone. The pellets are manufactured using strict guidelines to ensure proper dosage and sterility. The pellets dissolve completely and do not have to be removed.

How is pellet therapy different from other hormone therapy?

Hormones can be administered using pills, patches, injections, and creams. The goal of all therapy is to maintain a constant physiologic level. Changes in the level, whether too high or too low, causes undesirable side effects. Side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, low libido, acne, trouble sleeping, tiredness and weight gain. A constant hormone level from the pellets avoids many of these side effects.

Pellet therapy also addresses the issue of low testosterone in women. Prior testosterone treatments for women have been less than satisfactory due to the multiple side effects. Side effects such as acne, hair loss, deepening of the voice, hair growth, and loss of breast tissue are uncommon with the use of pellets.

What changes will I notice with pellet therapy?

Depending on your starting symptoms most people will notice an improvement in the following symptoms.

When will I notice a change in my symptoms?

After insertion, most patients start to notice changes within 72 hours. Maximum benefit is noticed three weeks after insertion.

How long do the pellets last?

Most patients have steady levels of hormones for 3 to 6 months after insertion. If symptoms return prior to three months, your dosage may need to be adjusted or you may need a booster dose.

Why do I need estrogen?

In spite of the negative publicity regarding hormone therapy, I still feel long-term estrogen therapy provides numerous benefits for patients in menopause. More recent studies have also, confirmed the positive benefits of hormone therapy. Estrogen protects a woman against bone loss, heart disease, memory loss, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc. Estrogen keeps you looking young and healthy.

Why do I need testosterone?

The importance of testosterone is frequently ignored. Testosterone levels peak in the mid-20s and then continue to decline. This decline in testosterone can result in low energy, low sex drive, hair loss, weight gain, loss of motivation, and a decrease in muscle mass and tone. Testosterone replacement can greatly improve these symptoms as well as your sleep.

Do I need testosterone if I am not in menopause?

Maybe. Since testosterone level starts dropping the in the mid-20s, many patients experience the above symptoms long before menopause. Patients that are symptomatic and have low levels of testosterone can consider treatment.

Will I grow unwanted hair from testosterone?

Natural testosterone given to your body through the pellets at physiologic doses is unlikely to cause excessive hair growth. Other treatments using synthetic testosterone through injections or creams are much more likely to cause excessive hair growth as well as the other symptoms of too much testosterone.

How is my treatment determined?

Treatment is based upon your symptoms and your hormone levels. Baseline hormone levels are required by blood or saliva to determine your starting dose. Dosage may be increased or decreased based upon your symptoms and your body's response to the hormones. Once the proper dosage has been determined, additional testing may not be necessary.

Is pellet therapy expensive?

Office visits and hormone testing to start and follow your treatment is usually covered by your insurance. We are in network with most insurance companies. The cost of the pellets and the insertion is not a covered benefit. The price of the insertion, including the pellets is $275.00. For some patients, pellet therapy can cost less than traditional hormones due to the ever increasing cost of medications and co-pays.

How do I get started?

Call the office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Syal to discuss your concerns and the potential benefits of treatment with hormone pellets.

Raj Syal MD, FACOG

For additional information see: WWW.Hormonebalance.org