Hormone Pellet Therapy in Phoenix

What Is BHRT?

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an individualized, naturopathic approach that uses biologically identical hormones to correct deficiencies based on your exact hormone levels.
• Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure and function as the hormones your body makes, unlike synthetic hormones. Learn more on our bioidentical hormones page.

What Are BHRT Pellets?

• Fused pellet implants are compounded using bioidentical hormones, most often estradiol or testosterone.
• The hormones are pressed into tiny cylinders, with stearic acid as the inactive ingredient.

A Long History of Use

Pellet implants have been used successfully in the U.S., Europe, and Australia since 1938. They were popular in the U.S. until the 1970s, when oral and topical products became widespread, but remained common in Europe and Australia. Over the last decade, advances in processes and better understanding of their benefits have made pellets increasingly popular in the U.S. again.

What 70+ Years of Research Shows

• Pellets deliver consistent, physiologic hormone levels.
• Consistent dosing has been shown to maintain and improve bone density.
• Each insertion is a simple procedure, with no daily creams, injections, or capsules to remember.
• Steady absorption means less fluctuation of symptoms.
• Hormones are released in a way that mimics your natural rhythm.
• Consistent dosing reduces the chance of adverse side effects.
• Pellets bypass the liver and don’t negatively affect clotting factors, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, or liver function.

Pellets Have Been Shown to Improve:

Cardiovascular health and protection, sex drive and libido, headaches and migraines, insomnia, hot flashes and menopausal symptoms, mood and depression, joint aches and pains, diabetes, muscle mass, cellulite, motivation, fatigue, memory, and mental clarity.

The Pellet Insertion Procedure

• Insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia.
• Pellets are placed just under the skin of the lower abdomen or upper buttocks through a tiny incision, which is closed with surgical glue or sterile tape strips.
• When inserted correctly, you cannot feel the pellets under your skin.

How Long Do Pellets Last?

• Pellets typically last 3–5 months, depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the hormones.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity for 2–3 days after insertion, or as directed by your physician.
• Some patients feel relief within 48 hours; others notice a marked difference within two weeks.
• Pellets dissolve completely and do not need to be removed.

How Do I Know Which Hormones I Need?

Before starting, you will work with a naturopathic doctor to complete hormone testing. Based on your levels and health history, your physician will recommend a personalized plan. Levels are rechecked before each new round of pellets, and after the first year, testing may become less frequent based on your symptoms and prior results.

Estrogen Pellets for Women

Estrogen is one of a woman’s most important hormones. Without it, women face increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, tooth loss, impaired vision, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Estrogen receptors exist throughout the body and brain, which is why imbalance causes symptoms such as loss of skin elasticity, bone loss, moodiness, and cognitive decline.

Testosterone Pellets for Women

Testosterone pellets can improve mental clarity, libido, and muscle tone in women. Low testosterone often causes mental fog, weight gain, and poor muscle tone even with regular exercise, and the brain needs testosterone in balance with estrogen to produce serotonin for emotional balance. Deficiency can also contribute to muscle loss, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and muscle and joint pain. Typical U.S. doses for women range from 50 to 150 mg, with minimal side effects (a slight increase in facial hair in about 20% and mild acne in about 5%), which can be reduced by lowering the dose.

Testosterone Pellets for Men

Typical testosterone pellet doses for men range from 500 to 1200 mg and reliably deliver physiologic testosterone levels for 4–6 months. Release is nearly linear, with peak levels usually around month one. By months four to five, levels decline and symptoms return, signaling time for reinsertion. Learn more about andropause.

How Hormones Are Monitored

• Hormone levels are measured before therapy begins.
• Women’s labs may include FSH, estradiol, testosterone, and free testosterone.
• Men’s labs may include PSA, sensitive estradiol, testosterone, a liver profile, and a blood count.
• Thyroid levels may also be evaluated.
• Levels are rechecked every 4–5 months, usually before the next insertion, and less often after the first year.
• Men should have an annual digital rectal exam, and women should continue monthly self-breast exams and recommended mammograms and Pap smears.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects from the insertion procedure are generally minimal. Possible complications include minor bleeding, bruising, infection, and pellet extrusion, all of which except slight bruising are very rare. Rarely, a patient may develop a local area of redness and itching at a testosterone pellet site, sometimes a reaction to the PVP (povidone) in some formulations; many of these patients have low cortisol, so cortisol testing may be recommended. Research indicates pellets do not carry the same breast cancer risk as synthetic progestins or methyltestosterone, and studies have found a reduced incidence of breast cancer with testosterone pellets. Pellet therapy has a very low incidence of side effects, high compliance, and has been effective for migraine headaches. A patented testosterone pellet, Testopel, has been FDA approved since before 1982.

Sources: cited with permission from College Pharmacy and Wells Pharmacy Network. Pellets are often prepared through custom compounding.

Hormone Pellet Therapy FAQs

Find Out If Hormone Pellets Are Right for You

Enjoy steady, balanced hormones without daily dosing. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule your hormone pellet consultation.

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