Hormone Pellet Therapy (BHRT) in Richmond, TX
Pellet Therapy and Testosterone Injections
What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
This page covers two specific treatments we discuss with patients: hormone pellet therapy and testosterone injections. For our complete service, including the evaluation, every treatment option, costs and insurance, see hormone replacement therapy in Richmond, TX.
Hormone pellets are small implants placed under the skin, usually in the hip area, during a short in-office procedure. They release estradiol or testosterone slowly over several months. The Biote Method uses pellets made from bioidentical hormones, meaning hormones with the same chemical structure as the ones your body produces. Your dose is based on your symptoms and your lab results, not on a standard amount.
Pellets are one option among several. Patches, gels, sprays, pills and injections deliver the same hormones, and your provider will walk you through how they compare for your situation.
Pellets and FDA Approval: What to Know
Before choosing pellets, it helps to know how they differ from other forms of hormone therapy.
- Most pellets are compounded. Hormone pellets used for women, including Biote pellets, are custom-compounded by specialized pharmacies. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and they have not been shown to be safer or more effective than FDA-approved hormone therapy.
- The dose is set for months. Once a pellet is placed, it cannot be removed and the dose cannot be lowered until it wears off. Patches, gels and pills can be adjusted or stopped right away.
- Bioidentical does not mean risk-free. Bioidentical hormones carry the same kinds of risks as other hormone therapy, which is why the same evaluation and monitoring apply.
- FDA-approved bioidentical options exist. Estradiol patches, gels and sprays, micronized progesterone, and testosterone injections and gels are all FDA-approved.
Labs are drawn before your first insertion and before each repeat insertion. Any changes in your symptoms between insertions should be reported to your provider.
Testosterone Injections
Testosterone injections raise testosterone levels in men who have symptoms of low testosterone and consistently low morning blood levels on repeat testing. The medication is injected into a muscle on a schedule your provider sets. Common brand names include Depo-Testosterone and Aveed.
Tell your provider before starting if you have: prostate disease or cancer, breast cancer, heart, kidney, liver or lung disease, diabetes, a history of blood clots, sleep apnea, or a partner who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Testosterone can reduce fertility.
Medications that can interact include blood thinners such as warfarin, diabetes medications, corticosteroids such as prednisone, and propranolol. Bring a full list of your medications and supplements.
Monitoring. Your provider checks your testosterone level, red blood cell count and prostate markers after you start, then at regular intervals. If you miss a scheduled injection, call the clinic to reschedule.
