Hormone pellet therapy is one option for hormone replacement in appropriately selected patients. At Pensacola Wellness Solutions, pellet therapy is offered as part of a comprehensive, individualized approach to hormone optimization, with a preference for bioidentical hormones when clinically appropriate.
What Are Hormone Pellets?
Hormone pellets are small, sterile implants containing bioidentical hormones that are structurally identical to those produced naturally by the human body. Pellets are placed subcutaneously, typically in the upper gluteal region, where they deliver a steady, physiologic release of hormone over time.
Clinical Indications
Hormone pellet therapy may be considered for women and men with clinically significant hormone deficiencies or imbalances confirmed by symptoms, laboratory testing, and medical evaluation. Common indications include:
- Menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms in women
- Testosterone deficiency in men
- Persistent symptoms despite other hormone delivery methods
- Patients seeking consistent hormone delivery with reduced daily dosing variability
Pellet therapy is not appropriate for all patients and is offered only after careful clinical assessment.
Benefits of Pellet Therapy
Potential advantages of hormone pellet therapy include:
- Continuous, steady hormone delivery
- Avoidance of daily or weekly dosing
- Reduced peaks and troughs seen with some other delivery methods
- Improved adherence for select patients
Clinical response and benefit vary among individuals, and outcomes depend on appropriate dosing, monitoring, and follow-up.
The Procedure
Pellet insertion is a brief, in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made, and the pellet is inserted beneath the skin using a sterile technique. The incision is then closed with adhesive strips or sutures as appropriate. Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours, with temporary activity restrictions discussed at the time of the procedure.
Duration and Monitoring
Hormone pellets typically provide therapeutic hormone levels for approximately:
- Women: 3–4 months
- Men: 4–6 months
Ongoing care includes scheduled follow-up visits, symptom assessment, and periodic laboratory testing to evaluate hormone levels, clinical response, and safety parameters. Dosage and timing of re-insertion are adjusted based on objective data and clinical response.
Safety and Considerations
As with all forms of hormone replacement therapy, pellet therapy carries potential risks and benefits. These are reviewed in detail prior to treatment and may include, but are not limited to, changes in blood counts, lipid levels, breast or prostate-related considerations, and local procedural risks such as bruising or infection.
Hormone pellet therapy is prescribed only after a thorough review of medical history, risk factors, and alternative treatment options.