Pellet Delivery for Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: All Your Questions Answered

Considering hormone pellet therapy? Most patients have questions about how these tiny implants actually work, and whether they’re better than creams, patches, or pills.

At Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee, Susan Lacy, MD, FACOG, helps patients understand if hormone pellets are the right choice for their needs. Many women find relief with pellets after struggling with other hormone delivery methods.

Check out the facts about hormone pellets from our team and the benefits they offer. 

Hormone pellets are about the size of a grain of rice 

Inside each pellet are crystallized bioidentical hormones — the same molecular structure your body used to make naturally. Unlike pills that release all at once or creams that absorb unevenly, pellets dissolve slowly under your skin for months.

Dr. Lacy numbs the upper hip area, makes a tiny cut (usually less than half an inch), and slides the pellet under your skin. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Most patients head back to work the same day.

Your body pulls hormones as needed 

What makes pellets different from other hormone methods is how they mimic the way your ovaries release hormones before menopause, so the therapy adjusts to your body’s needs. 

These hormones release steadily for 3-5 months, depending on your metabolism. Women who exercise a lot or have smaller body mass might metabolize pellets faster. 

Pellets dissolve slowly over months

A laboratory or pharmacy makes the hormone pellets using a prescription from Dr. Lacy. When working out the appropriate dose to insert, she considers factors such as hormone levels and body mass index. Once she inserts your pellet, it dissolves gradually over the next few months.

Timing varies by individual

The duration of each pellet depends on activity level and dosage. Most patients get 3-6 months of hormone release from each insertion. Women generally need replacements every 3-4 months, while men go 5-6 months between treatments.

Side effects during adjustment

You might notice mood swings, irritability, and fatigue as hormone levels adjust. Your skin might react with acne since hormonal changes affect skin health. Some patients get headaches or migraines as testosterone and estrogen fluctuations settle. These effects usually improve once your body adapts to steady hormone levels.

Relief timeline varies widely

Some people feel mild relief within a few weeks. Most of the time, it takes about three months to feel the full effect of any hormone therapy. The response depends on individual hormone levels and overall health.

Regular monitoring required

Like all hormone therapy, pellet treatment requires regular blood testing and symptom assessment to determine proper dosing and frequency of replacements.

At Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Dr. Lacy weighs the benefits and limitations of pellet therapy against other hormone delivery methods based on your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.

Contact our Memphis practice today or schedule a consultation online to explore whether pellet therapy fits your hormone replacement needs.