Hormone replacement using pellet implants has been used with great success in the U.S., Europe, and Australia since 1938. In fact, pellet implants were a very popular mode of hormone administration in the U.S. until the 1970s, when many oral and topical commercial products were developed. While the demand for pellets diminished in the U.S., pellet implants continued to be a very popular mode of hormone administration throughout Europe and Australia. In the last 10 years, due to advances made in processes and a better understanding of the benefits of fused pellet implants for hormone replacement, this mode of hormone administration has grown in popularity in the U.S.

We use one of the more experienced compounding pharmacies in the U.S., we were one of the first compounding pharmacies to work with healthcare practitioners in the mid-1980s that wanted their patients to have access to this dosage form that had been popular into the 1970s. Unlike earlier versions, our fused pellet implants were created using more advanced compounding technology and BHRT formulations. The entire compounding process is an important “ingredient” in creating a BHRT pellet implant. Unstable pellets that crack or crumble can have a negative impact on the quality of treatment. We have spent many years perfecting the technique to ensure the quality of our materials meets the highest expectations.

Pellet insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are inserted subcutaneously (under the fatty lining of skin), either in the lower abdomen or the upper buttocks through a very small incision. The incision is then closed with surgical glue or sterile-tape strips. If inserted correctly, patients cannot feel the implants under their skin. Implants placed under the skin consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones, which have been shown to have many benefits.

Fused Pellet Implants typically last between 3-5 months, depending on how rapidly the hormones are metabolized. After insertion of the pellets, vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 2-3 days, or as suggested by the healthcare practitioner. Some patients begin to feel symptom relief within 48 hours, while others may take up to two weeks to notice a marked difference. The pellets do not need to be removed. They are completely dissolved by the body.

Before starting any hormone replacement therapy, patients should work directly with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner to have hormone testing done to evaluate their personal hormone profile. Based on existing hormone levels and health history, the practitioner will make a hormone replacement recommendation. Once pellets have been inserted, hormone levels will be reevaluated prior to the insertion of the next round of pellets. After the first year of therapy, the practitioner may suggest testing less frequently based upon patient feedback and prior hormone levels.

Please feel free to contact us to schedule complimentary hormone replacement therapy visit with Leslie Escalante PA-C