Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading time: three minutes.
Hormone pellet therapy is gaining attention for its ability to offer steady, long-term hormone balance with minimal hassle.
If you are exploring options for hormone replacement, this blog explains what hormone pellet therapy is, how it works, and what benefits and side effects to expect.
You will learn:
- What hormone pellet therapy involves
- How the pellets are placed and work in the body
- Benefits for both men and women
- Potential risks and side effects
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone pellet therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) that uses small, plant-derived bioidentical hormone pellets.
These custom-compounded pellets contain either estradiol (a form of estrogen) or testosterone and are designed to match the molecular structure of natural hormones produced by the human body. The therapy is commonly used to address symptoms of hormone imbalances, especially during menopause or andropause.
Pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and are inserted just beneath the skin, where they deliver a steady dose of hormones over a period of 3 to 6 months.
This consistent hormone delivery helps maintain stable hormone levels and provides effective symptom relief without the daily fluctuation often seen with other forms of hormone therapy like creams or pills.
How Does It Work?
The hormone pellet insertion process is a quick, in-office procedure:
- A small area near the upper hip is numbed using local anesthetic.
- A small incision is made, and the pellet is inserted under the skin.
- No stitches are required, and the area is covered with a bandage.
Once inserted, the pellet dissolves gradually, allowing for the slow absorption of hormones into the bloodstream. This method offers a steady release of hormones, mimicking natural hormone levels and ensuring consistent symptom control.
Hormone Pellet Therapy Benefits
Hormone pellet therapy offers consistent, long-lasting relief from the symptoms of hormone imbalance. Here are some of the key benefits patients often experience:
- Consistent hormone levels: Avoids the ups and downs associated with synthetic hormone treatments.
- Improved energy and cognitive function: Supports mental clarity and better performance of bodily functions.
- Improved sexual function and libido: Helps improve sex drive and relieve vaginal symptoms like dryness or painful intercourse.
- Better sleep and mood stability: Supports mental health and emotional regulation.
- Increased muscle mass and bone density: Prevents bone loss and supports strong bones, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Weight management: Helps reduce excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
- Improved quality of life: Provides relief from symptoms of menopause and andropause.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While pellet hormone therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to consider potential side effects and health risks:
- Bruising, redness, or discomfort at the insertion site
- Hormone-related effects like acne, breast tenderness, facial hair, or mood swings
- Negative side effects if the dose of hormones is not appropriately adjusted
- Additional risk factors for individuals with a history of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, or uterine cancer
Other considerations include the cost of hormone pellet therapy, the need for hormone level testing, and regular monitoring through blood tests to ensure optimal hormone levels are maintained.
Is It Right for You?
Hormone pellet therapy may be a good fit if you are looking for a personalized approach to hormone replacement that offers long-term symptom relief with minimal maintenance.
It is especially helpful for managing bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, low energy, poor sleep, and sexual dysfunction.
At the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD, personally evaluates your medical history, health conditions, and baseline hormone levels to determine the right hormone dosage for your body. He has extensive experience using hormone pellet therapy for both menopausal hormone treatment and testosterone therapy in men.
Learn more about pellet therapy here:
- What is BHRT Pellet Therapy? 10 FAQs Answered!
- Testosterone Pellet Therapy: What’s All The Fuss About?
Hormone Pellet Therapy in Denver, CO
To find out if hormone pellet therapy is the right form of hormone replacement for you, contact Kenton Bruice, M.D. to discuss your symptoms, hormone level testing, and treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
To book an appointment at the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 55 Madison Street, Suite 575 Denver, CO.
📍Other locations:
St.Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri
9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225 , St. Louis, MO.
📞(314) 222-7567