Pellets are composed of bio-identical hormones made from plant products such as yams and soy.  The hormones used vary depending on the patient. However, the most common ones used include estradiol and testosterone. The largest pellets are comparable to the size of a grain of rice.

We numb a small area in the upper buttocks with local lidocaine. After sufficiently numbing the area, we make a tiny incision and place the pellets under the skin in the upper buttocks. Our clinic uses a unique Pellecome device that sets us apart from the vast majority of clinics. The device ensures precise pellet placement and was designed to make the procedure easier, safer, and more comfortable for the patient. Pellecome devices also facilitate improved clinical results. Patients constantly tell us how much smoother our pellet procedure is compared to their former clinic. Most patients report not feeling any discomfort during the process. 

We recommend abstaining from extreme activity and avoiding lower body exercises for the first 48 hours. For the first 72 hours, the patient should avoid entering a body of water such as a tub, pool, lake, or ocean.  It is okay to take a shower. After three days, we remove the outer adhesive, and four days later, the steri-strips bandages are either removed or will fall off on their own. 

Day-to-day variability is minimal with pellets compared to oral hormone tablets or transdermal patches. This stabilization results in serum consistency and better control of symptoms.

If you’re tired of experiencing the negative effects of hormonal imbalances, consider BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy with pellets. The unique benefits of pellets can provide you with a more stable and effective hormone balance, leading to an improved quality of life. Take charge of your health and consult a healthcare professional to determine if BHRT with pellets is right for you.

There is a one percent risk of superficial skin and soft tissue infection and a five percent risk of the pellets falling out. We have not encountered any issues using our device coupled with a sterile environment. Nevertheless, infections are treated with a short course of antibiotics.

This varies amongst individuals; however, most patients will begin to feel changes in two to four weeks. Complete optimization and benefits may take up to six months or after the second pellet insertion. Results vary, and those more symptomatic due to hormonal imbalances will likely achieve more relief.

This also varies on how symptomatic someone is, how quickly the body metabolizes the hormones, etc. Depending on the prior, most individuals have them placed every three to four months. The pellets are slow releasing and dissolve on their own. They do not need to be removed.

The “B” in BHRT stands for bioidentical, defined by the Endocrine Society as compounds with the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones in the human body. Any modification in the compounding process can create changes in the drug structure; this is a “biosimilar.” Pellets are a unique form of BHRT that offer several advantages.

Subcutaneous Delivery (Implants): Pellets are implanted under the skin, allowing for a slow release of hormones.

Consistent Hormone Release: Pellets provide a steady and consistent release of hormones, avoiding hormone level fluctuations.

By-passes Enteral-Hepatic Circulation: Pellets avoid passing through the liver, reducing the impact on clotting factors and minimizing GI side effects.

Increased Compliance: Pellets are effective for 3-4 months, reducing the need for frequent treatments and improving patient compliance.

Pellets have been successfully used for hormone replacement therapy for almost a century. Documentation shows that subcutaneous implants have been used in women since 1938. Testosterone and estradiol pellets began to be manufactured in the U.S. in 1946. The use of pellets provides consistent delivery and absorption, effective therapy, and avoids entero-hepatic circulation, which bypasses the liver and minimizes clotting factors and GI side effects. Pellets offer circadian release, have no compliance issues, are well tolerated, and are inserted through a simple procedure.