Your Guide to Hormone Pellet Therapy

Hormones are the body’s messengers, orchestrating a complex symphony of processes that influence your health, mood, and well-being. When these hormones fall out of balance, it can have a significant impact on your life. Hormone therapy, specifically hormone pellet therapy, has emerged as a popular solution to restore that equilibrium and alleviate a range of symptoms. Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about hormone therapy.

What is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a medical treatment designed to address hormone imbalances in the body.

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries (in women), and testes (in men). These hormones play a vital role in regulating a wide range of bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, sexual development, reproduction, and more.

As hormone levels change over time, human system function may be impacted leading to uncomfortable symptoms that may only be addressed when hormone balance is restored. Hormone replacement therapy supplements those hormones to provide symptom relief.

Is Hormone Therapy Safe?

Safety is a paramount concern when considering any medical treatment. Hormone therapy, when administered correctly and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, is generally considered safe. However, like any medical intervention, it carries potential risks and benefits. It’s crucial to undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including hormone lab testing and a thorough medical history, to determine if hormone therapy is suitable for you.

How do I get Started on Hormone Therapy?

Getting started is easy. Simply find a provider near you and schedule an initial consultation. When you book your appointment, some practitioners may send you some initial paperwork to streamline your appointment and maximize your time with the practitioner during the first consultation.

  1. Consultation. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider who specializes in hormone therapy. They will assess your symptoms, conduct hormone testing, and discuss your medical history.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plan. Based on the evaluation, your healthcare provider will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your hormone needs. This plan may include hormone pellet therapy, nutraceuticals, and lifestyle recommendations to ensure you achieve hormone optimization.
  3. Pellet Insertion. If hormone pellets are part of your treatment plan, the insertion procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive. During an in-office procedure, a small incision is made, and the pellets are inserted just beneath the skin. The EvexiPEL Method is designed to improve patient comfort during the procedure and throughout the treatment.
  4. Monitoring. After the pellets are inserted, you and your practitioner will partner throughout your treatment plan to achieve optimization through HRT, nutraceutical, lifestyle changes, and other therapies that may be beneficial.

What is the Difference between
Bioidentical and Synthetic Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones, as the name suggests, are identical in structure to the hormones produced by your body. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, have a different chemical structure that can impact symptom relief and side effects. Bioidentical hormones are often considered safer because they closely mimic the body’s natural hormones, reducing the risk of side effects.

Why are Pellets Preferred
over other Methods?

Pellets deliver consistent levels of hormone for 3 to 5 months in women and 4 to 6 months in men. Pellets mimic the slow, steady release of hormones naturally produced by the body, therefore reducing side effects commonly observed with other delivery methods and improving overall outcomes, including relieving symptoms of hormone imbalance. 

Unlike patches, pills, creams, or injections, pellets are highly convenient. Once inserted, the pellets begin to dissolve delivering a steady state of hormone to your body. With pills or creams, there is always the forgetting or applying too much or too little of the product. Injections often give higher doses at the beginning of each cycle and taper off sharply before the next injection. Patches are often unsightly or fall off before the cycle is complete. These features lead to drastic changes in your hormone levels that can impede relief or cause other side effects. With pellets, most patients experience hormone optimization within two insertions and enjoy complete symptom relief as well as other benefits.

The steady rate of delivery is a key feature in supporting reduced risk of some diseases, while also optimizing overall health. Pellet therapy is a longstanding, effective form of hormone therapy, dating back to the early 1930s. Patients who have experienced negative side effects or poor outcomes with other forms of hormone therapy are often successful with the EvexiPEL Method of pellet therapy.

How do I Know if I am a Candidate
for Hormone Therapy?

Determining if you are a candidate for hormone therapy involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. Here are some common indicators that might make you a candidate:

  • Experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, such as fatigue, mood swings, low libido, hot flashes, or sleep disturbances
  • Undergoing menopause, andropause (male menopause), or experiencing hormonal changes due to aging
  • A medical history that suggests hormone-related conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, etc.

Consult with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in hormone therapy to assess your specific situation and determine if hormone therapy is the right course of action for you.

Do Women need Testosterone?

While testosterone is often associated with men, it’s also an essential hormone for women. Women need testosterone for muscle strength, bone health, energy, and libido. Hormone therapy, when tailored to an individual’s needs, may include testosterone for women who have low levels or specific symptoms related to testosterone deficiency. Your healthcare provider will carefully evaluate and recommend the appropriate hormone balance for your situation.

Is Hormone Therapy Covered by Insurance?

For most patients, labs and consultations are covered by your insurance. Coverage of pellets varies by insurance provider. To find out if pellet therapy is covered by your insurance provider, please contact your insurance provider directly.