ARE HORMONE PELLETS SAFE? AND OTHER FAQS

If you’re considering hormone pellets, you probably have many questions. Hormone pellets are small discs or cylinders containing compressed hormones. They are designed to mimic the body’s natural processes by releasing hormones at a steady rate that maintains predictable hormone levels.

Whether you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the first time or thinking about switching from a different administration method, one of your most pressing questions may be are hormone pellets safe? Taking a closer look at the benefits and the risks of this innovative treatment can give you the answers you need.

WHAT ARE HORMONE PELLETS MADE OF?
Bioidentical hormone pellets are custom-made by a pharmacist according to your doctor’s instructions. They will typically contain plant-based hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA, that have been engineered to match your body’s own hormones. They will also contain inert ingredients, including binders and lubricating agents such as stearic acid or cholesterol. The exact formulation and dosage will depend on your needs.

HOW ARE PELLETS IMPLANTED?

Hormone pellets are implanted during a 30-minute procedure in your doctor’s office. A small area on the hip or buttock is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the site. Through a small incision, the prescribed number of pellets are implanted in the fatty tissue just below the skin. A sterile dressing is then applied, and you leave the office with instructions to ice the implantation site and keep it dry for a few days. Most people find the procedure to be quick, easy, and pain-free.

HOW OFTEN IS IMPLANTATION REQUIRED?

Insertion schedules vary by individual. Various factors impact the rate at which the pellets dissolve. For most women, pellets will last 3 to 5 months, requiring approximately three to four visits per year. For most men, pellets will last 5 to 7 months, requiring two to three visits per year.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HORMONE PELLETS?

The primary benefit of hormone pellet therapy is that it effectively relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of hormonal fluctuation or decline. While many forms of HRT can do this, pellets are unique.

Convenience: Because hormone pellets last for 3-6 months, patients typically find them very convenient. When you’re able to set it and forget it, it’s easy to adhere to treatment. This is very different from oral or topical therapies that must be taken or applied daily or injections that require visits to your doctor’s office every few weeks.

Predictability: The steady rate of hormone release helps you avoid the hormonal fluctuations that often occur with other delivery methods. These benefits help explain why more and more patients are choosing pellet therapy.

ARE HORMONE PELLETS SAFE?

Hormone pellets have been in use for many years and are generally considered a very safe delivery method. Complications are usually mild and temporary. These may include redness, bleeding, dermatitis, and scarring at the implantation site. More serious complications from hormone pellets are rare. The most common is pellet extrusion, which happens in less than 1% of cases, and over 90% of patients continue to use hormone pellets after their first treatment. As with any procedure, aftercare instructions should be followed carefully to avoid side effects. Applying an ice pack and keeping the incision site dry will help to speed healing.

To minimize the risk of complications and support better outcomes, Lindsay is now using pellets that include a very low dose of triamcinolone, a corticosteroid that acts as an anti-inflammatory at the implantation site. Triamcinolone promotes long-term success in a number of ways: Scar tissue and pellet extrusions are minimized. The number of booster doses for new patients is reduced. Hormone absorption is enhanced, leading to faster symptom relief. Hormone absorption is more consistent.

HOW CAN I FIND A PROVIDER WHO SPECIALIZES IN HORMONE PELLET THERAPY?

Lindsay Lyall, PA-C is a Certified EvexiPEL provider who specializes in pellet therapy and she can help you get the right treatment and the best results. She has expertise in hormonal health and pellet therapy and will:

-Order comprehensive laboratory testing to assess your hormone levels and general health.
-Develop a custom plan to address your needs while minimizing the risk of side effects and complications.
-Has the experience necessary to implant hormone pellets safely and comfortably.

Lindsay has a proven track record of successfully addressing hormonal health concerns using the most advanced methods available.

Getting Personalized Care

When you suffer uncomfortable symptoms as a result of hormonal decline or imbalance, hormone replacement therapy can help you feel like yourself again. To achieve your goals, your treatment plan should be tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health condition.

So are hormone pellets safe? A better question is, “Are hormone pellets safe for me?” As an experienced practitioner, Lindsay Lyall can help you discover the answer and provide the support you need to restore your sense of well-being.

If you are wondering are hormone pellets safe, Lindsay will offer the guidance you need. Contact us at Avanti Aesthetics to book a Wellness Consult with Lindsay Lyall, PA-C today to learn more about our innovative treatment approach!