Female Pellet Insertion

Hormone pellets are implantable capsules made up of testosterone or estradiol, inserted under the skin to provide consistent and physiologic doses. This is an alternate approach for patients who choose to forego injections, topicals, or oral administration for HRT. Pellet implants have been shown to be an effective method to administer hormones in both men and women undergoing HRT. Due to the benefits and convenience of pellet implantation, this treatment method has continued to gain popularity over the years. 

Defy Medical's preferred FDA-registered compounding pharmacy is recognized throughout the industry for their outstanding quality of implantable, sterile pellets. These pellets are sterilized using gamma radiation and every batch is tested by a third-party analytical lab for sterility, potency, and endotoxins before being dispensed. They are also designed to be resistant to breakage and are capsule-shaped for easier insertion. All hormone pellets are manufactured with cGMP quality and compounded PVP (povidone) free for patients sensitive to these binders. 

Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy include the following:

• Stable, healthy hormone levels
• Minimal side effects
• Improvement in sex drive and libido
• Increased energy and sense of well-being
• Restores regular sleep patterns
• Improved mood, memory, and concentration
• Relief from anxiety/depression
• Bone density maintenance
• Increased lean body mass/decreases fat mass
• Lessens menopausal symptoms (i.e. hot flashes) 
• Convenient dosing schedule for those who prefer less frequent administration
• Cost efficient

Pellet insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are implanted in the subcutaneous tisssue of the hip and buttock area under sterile conditions by a trained Medical Doctor or Mid-Level practitioner. They are inserted subcutaneously (beneath fatty lining of the skin) through a very small incision, which is then closed with surgical glue or sterile medical tape strips. Implants placed under the skin provide the consistent release of small, physiologic hormone doses which have been shown to provide the benefits listed above. 

Depending on the rate at which the hormones are metabolized, hormone pellet implants will typically last for about 3-4 months in women and 4-5 months in men. Patients usually experience symptom relief within the first 48 hours, although soem take up to two weeks bfefore noticing a difference. The pellts do not require removal as they are dissolved completely by the body. 

The pellt implant procedure is generally associated with minimal side-effects. Complications are very rare, although side effects may include bleeding, bruising, infection, swelling, pain, lack of effect (typically a result from lack of absorption), sensitivity at insertion site, and pellet extrusion. 

Follow-up blood testing, physician lab review, and pellet reinsertion are required every 3-4 months for all patients undergoing hormone pellet therapy. In some instances, the medical provider may want to see specific lab tests more frequently or request additional lab tests if there is a need for closer monitoring of certain symptoms. Each patient's subjective response to pellet therapy may differ, therefore follow-up blood work may be required earlier than 3-4 months. 

It's important to stay compliant with blood work and pellet reinsertion so there is no lapse in treatment. Defy Medical has an automated reminder system that will send a notification by phone and email, 30 days prior to the next reinsertion date. This gives the patient an abundance of time to order lab work and have it completed. 

Click here to read more about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in women.