Male Pellet Therapy 3-4 Month Follow-up Panel LabCorp

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. 

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 some take up to two weeks before noticing a difference. The pellets do not require removal as they are dissolved completely by the body. 

The pellet 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 the 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. 

3-4 Month Follow-up Tests for Male Pellet patients are as follows:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Testosterone free and total 
• Estradiol Sensitive
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

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 an 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 Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in men.