HRT restores hormones the body no longer makes enough of, for both men and women. Pellet therapy delivers it through tiny, rice-sized bioidentical pellets placed under the skin that release hormones steadily for 3 to 4 months in women and 5 to 6 months in men. After blood testing, a provider numbs the site, inserts the pellet, and personalizes dosing to your labs and symptoms.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment that restores hormones the body has stopped making in adequate amounts, and it can be used for both men and women. For women, HRT often uses hormones derived from natural plant sources, like yams. These hormones are compounded to mimic the molecular structure of the hormones your body produces on its own, which is why they are called bioidentical. According to the Cleveland Clinic's overview of bioidentical hormones, these lab-made hormones are chemically identical to the ones your body already makes, so they fit the same receptors.
Replacing missing hormones can ease pre-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms in women. A medically supervised hormone replacement therapy program for women can address the fatigue, mood swings, and low energy that often accompany shifting hormone levels. For men, HRT is a way to balance testosterone and other hormones that affect the adrenals and thyroid. Because these symptoms frequently overlap, the first step is always testing to confirm what your body actually needs.
What is Pellet Therapy?
Pellet therapy is the process of re-establishing hormones that have been lost in your body while reducing the negative symptoms of hormone imbalances. The treatment is called pellet therapy because the hormones come in the form of tiny pellets placed under the skin. This lets the body absorb trace amounts of vital hormones steadily over time, lasting 5 to 6 months for men and 3 to 4 months for women per insertion. The Mayo Clinic notes that hormone therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal discomfort, and it has also been shown to help prevent bone loss after menopause.
How Does Pellet Therapy Work?
Pellet therapy works to balance hormone levels, support metabolism, and help you feel more like yourself. By restoring steady hormone levels, it can also relieve the symptoms tied to a broader hormone imbalance, from low energy to disrupted sleep. The bioidentical hormones used in pellets are designed to copy the natural molecular structure of hormones already in your body, such as testosterone and estradiol.
When you come in for your pellet therapy treatment, an AgeRejuvenation medical professional first takes a sample of your blood to determine your current hormone levels, which are then interpreted by our medical providers. Treatment is personalized to each individual and analyzes the following factors:
Hormone Levels
Adrenals
Thyroid
Nutrition
Performance
Medical History
Once we determine the right amount of hormone pellets for your body's needs, we use lidocaine to numb the incision site and then carefully place the pellet in your body. Pellets are very small, about the size of a grain of rice. For men, the pellet is placed in the flank or glute, under the fat. Depending on the hormone levels your body needs, this treatment will steadily release hormones for a 5 to 6 month period. Once the pellets are inserted, steri-strips are applied to close the site. We recommend you leave the bandage on for 5 to 6 days, or until it falls off on its own.
Why do many people choose pellets over pills and patches?
Pellets release a small, steady dose of hormones, so there are no daily pills to remember, no creams to apply, and no patches to change. Because the pellet dissolves gradually beneath the skin, many patients find this consistency more convenient than methods that can cause peaks and dips in hormone levels throughout the day.
How Painful is Pellet Insertion?
The insertion itself is quick and is done under local anesthesia. The provider numbs the area with lidocaine, makes a small incision, and places the pellet just under the skin in a procedure that usually takes only a few minutes. Most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Mild soreness, bruising, or tenderness at the site for a few days afterward is normal as the area heals.
Are Hormone Pellets Bioidentical and FDA Approved?
The hormones inside pellets are bioidentical, meaning their structure matches the hormones your body naturally produces. It is worth understanding the regulatory picture, though. Most hormone pellets are custom-compounded for the individual patient, and the FDA explains that compounded drugs are not reviewed for safety and effectiveness the way mass-manufactured medications are. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises careful monitoring with compounded hormone formulations. This is exactly why pellet therapy belongs in the hands of a qualified medical team that tests your levels first, which is the foundation of every personalized plan in our women's health clinic.
Who is a Good Candidate for Pellet Therapy?
Adults experiencing symptoms of declining or imbalanced hormones are often good candidates for pellet therapy. Common signs include fatigue, low libido, weight changes, brain fog, hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping. The only way to know for certain is through lab testing and a conversation with a provider, since these symptoms can also stem from thyroid issues, stress, or other conditions that deserve their own evaluation.
A thoughtful provider will also review your medical history before recommending treatment. An individualized HRT consultation helps confirm whether pellets, or another delivery method, are the safest fit for you. A peer-reviewed critical review of compounded hormonal pellets emphasizes that careful patient selection and follow-up testing matter, which is why a free initial consultation is such a valuable starting point.
Ready to Balance Your Hormones?
You do not have to live with unwanted hormone imbalance symptoms. By restoring hormone levels, you can work toward regaining your energy, metabolism, and a greater sense of vitality.
Our AgeRejuvenation Hormone Replacement Therapy is designed to rebalance the body and bring hormone levels back toward their optimal range. Contact an AgeRejuvenation clinic near you to learn whether pellet therapy is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of hormone pellets?
The main limitation is that once a pellet is placed, the dose cannot be easily adjusted or removed. If side effects occur, you generally wait for the pellet to dissolve. Because pellets are compounded, exact dosing can also vary between pharmacies, which is why ongoing monitoring with your provider is important.
How much does hormone pellet therapy cost?
Cost varies based on your location, the hormones prescribed, the dosing your labs call for, and how often you need re-insertion. Since women typically need pellets replaced every 3 to 4 months and men every 5 to 6 months, the yearly total depends on your individual plan. A consultation is the best way to get an accurate estimate for your situation.
How painful is hormone pellet insertion?
Insertion is generally well tolerated. The area is numbed with lidocaine before a small incision is made, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the few-minute procedure. Mild tenderness or bruising at the site for several days afterward is common and usually fades on its own.
How long do hormone pellets last?
Hormone pellets release hormones steadily as they slowly dissolve under the skin. In general, pellets last about 5 to 6 months for men and 3 to 4 months for women. Your provider tracks your symptoms and labs to determine when re-insertion is appropriate.
What is the difference between HRT and pellet therapy?
HRT is the broad treatment of replacing missing hormones, while pellet therapy is one specific way to deliver that treatment. Other HRT methods include pills, patches, gels, and creams. Pellets stand out because they provide a continuous release of bioidentical hormones without daily maintenance.
Ready to take the next step?
Talk with the AgeRejuvenation team about a Hormone Replacement Therapy plan built around your labs and goals.
