An Overview
Hormone replacement pellets are small (rice sized) and are placed under the skin to release a specific, measured amount of hormones. Pellet therapy delivers consistent and physiologic (meaning what your body would make) levels of hormones and can last for several months. Both estradiol and testosterone are available in pellet form.
Pellet Protocol
During your initial consultation Dr. Howard will take a detailed history. He will discuss nutrition and fitness.
Then, he will order baseline tests. These tests may include blood, saliva, and urine samples. This testing helps to determine which method of hormone regulation may be best for you.
Dr. Howard places the pellets in the upper buttocks after numbing the area with a local anesthetic. The procedure takes only 10-15 minutes. The pellets dissolve over time and can last 3-6 months typically.
For women, Dr. Howard strongly recommends balancing estrogens and add progesterone and usually testosterone based on your individual tests.
Dr. Howard may suggest extra creams. He will talk with you about this and answer your questions about hormone therapy.
Pellet Therapy: An Overview
Pellet therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
In this method, Dr. Howard will place small pellets under the skin to deliver hormones. These pellets contain Estradiol and often Testosterone. They gradually release hormones into the bloodstream, mimicking the body’s natural hormone production.
Benefits of Pellet Therapy for Men and Women
Men:
- Testosterone Regulation: Pellet therapy is primarily used in men to regulate testosterone levels. Low testosterone can cause many problems. These include low energy, a decrease in sex drive, depression, and less muscle mass.
- Steady Hormone Levels: Unlike injections that can cause hormone levels to change, pellets release hormones steadily. This leads to more consistent symptom relief.
- Convenience: With pellets, men avoid the need for frequent injections, which can be painful and inconvenient.
Women
- Hormonal Balance: Pellet therapy is used to balance hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This can help alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
- Improved Libido and Energy: Many women report improved libido, energy levels, and mental clarity with pellet therapy.
- Bone Health: Estrogen is crucial for maintaining bone density. Pellet therapy can help reduce the risk of thinning of your bones and fractures.
How is Pellet Therapy Performed?
Consultation: The process starts with a detailed consultation and lab tests. These tests check hormone levels and find the patient’s specific needs.
During the procedure, Dr. Howard numbs the skin with a local anesthetic.
Dr. Howrad makes a small cut in the hip or buttocks area. Then, a special device designed specifically for pellet insertion inserts the pellet. The small cut is then closed with adhesive tape. You do not need sutures.
Post-Procedure Care: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow proper healing. The pellets typically last 3-5 months.
Benefits Over Traditional Treatments
Women
- Consistency: Unlike patches and creams that need daily or twice a week use, pellets offer a steady release of hormones. This helps avoid fluctuating hormone levels.
- Convenience: Pellets remove the daily hassle of using creams or changing patches. They make it easier for each person to go about their normal daily activities without worrying about if a patch will stay on or if the cream will rub off.
- Skin Reactions: Patches and creams can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some women. Pellets bypass these issues entirely.
Men:
- Steady Hormone Levels: Injections often cause highs and lows in testosterone levels, leading to mood swings and varying energy levels. Pellets offer a more stable release, enhancing overall well-being.
- Reduced Frequency: Testosterone injections usually need to be administered weekly or bi-weekly. Pellets, however, last for several months, reducing the frequency of medical visits and improving compliance.
- Natural Delivery: Pellets mimic the body’s natural hormone secretion more closely than injections, leading to better symptom management and fewer side effects.
Conclusion
Pellet therapy is a convenient, consistent, and effective option for hormone replacement in both men and women. It offers key advantages over traditional treatments like patches, creams, and injections, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more natural, hassle-free solution.
By providing steady hormone levels and improving quality of life, pellet therapy is a valuable option for addressing hormonal imbalances. Dr. Howard recommends this approach for its ability to maintain balanced hormone levels over a 3-4 month period, allowing patients to experience more consistent benefits.
