Is Hormone Pellet Therapy Right for You?

by Asandra, Christopher

Hormone pellet therapy is a method by which patients can restore hormonal balance within the body. Hormonal imbalances can arise with the onset of menopause or andropause, or they can occur for other reasons. When the body stops producing hormones in a regular, balanced way, men and women can suffer the consequences of fatigue, low libido, brain fog, weakness, hair loss, poor sleep, inadequate temperature regulation, and more. Reintroducing certain hormones to the body can help alleviate these symptoms so that patients can feel energized and healthier.

At AsandraMD, Dr. Christopher Asandra is an anti-aging physician and vitality expert who offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to help patients improve their health and quality of life. Because hormone imbalances often arise because of the normal processes of aging, his experience in the anti-aging and vitality fields is paramount to the way he approaches hormone pellet therapy treatments. Dr. Asandra has Southern California offices conveniently located in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach.

To schedule an appointment at either location, call (424) 542-8881 or fill out our contact form. To learn more about the services we offer and issues we can address at AsandraMD, visit our blog.

About Hormone Pellet Therapy

As we age, it is normal to experience changes in hormonal levels. However, when these hormonal changes begin to impact the way we experience daily life in a negative way, it might be time to consider hormone pellet therapy. Hormone pellet therapy is effective, simple, and low-maintenance. With small pellets we place beneath the skin, you can once again achieve hormonal balance. Because hormonal imbalances can affect men and women in different ways, Dr. Asandra has designed individualized hormone pellet therapy treatments that can suit the needs of each patient.

What is BHRT?

Bioidentical hormones, derived from plant sources and chemically formulated to be identical to the hormones your body naturally makes, provide a personalized approach to hormone optimization. Hormone pellet therapy is both a safe and effective way to introduce bioidentical hormones to the body. ⁽²⁾

Hormone Pellet Therapy for Men

Changes in hormonal balance for men can make hair loss worse, affect libido, decrease muscle mass, and worsen one’s mood. BHRT for men can help alleviate these symptoms that are often associated with andropause and the decrease of testosterone release in the body. Oftentimes, we offer testosterone pellet therapy as a treatment for these kinds of symptoms. Andropause treatment can help men regain strength, improve their mental state, and address other concerns they may have as a result of the natural process of aging.

Hormone Pellet Therapy for Women

For women, hormonal imbalances frequently occur as a result of menopause. ⁽¹⁾ BHRT for women with hormone pellet therapy can help women address concerns like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and more. During menopause, estrogen levels drop and cause all of these unpleasant problems for women. Dr. Asandra can prescribe pellet therapy to provide the body with estradiol, which is the bioidentical formulation of estrogen. ⁽¹⁾

Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy

Long-Lasting Effects: The pellets release hormones consistently over time, generally lasting between three to six months. This eliminates the need for frequent dosing and enhances patient compliance.
Steady Hormone Levels: Unlike other forms of hormone therapy that may cause fluctuating hormone levels, the slow-release mechanism ensures stable hormone concentrations throughout the day.
Improved Mood and Energy Levels: Patients often report increased energy levels and improved mood, contributing to an overall enhancement in the quality of life.
Better Sexual Health: For both men and women, hormone pellet therapy may lead to increased libido and improved sexual function, rejuvenating one’s intimate life.
Weight Management: Proper hormonal balance can support metabolism and aid in managing weight, which may become challenging with hormonal imbalances.
Enhanced Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone therapy can promote muscle development and strength, particularly important for aging men.
Reduced Symptoms of Menopause: Women undergoing hormone pellet therapy report relief from uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause, enhancing comfort throughout their daily lives.
Personalized Treatment: Hormone pellet therapy is tailored to each individual’s needs based on hormone testing, enabling customized dosing for optimal benefits.

Candidates

BHRT pellet therapy may be right for you if you have a hormonal imbalance that is affecting your health and well-being. If you are experiencing fatigue, mood swings, abnormal weight gain, sleep disturbances, and changes in your libido, this treatment might be for you.

Pellets are especially convenient if you are looking for a stress-free alternative to bothersome creams, pills, and injections. Pellets offer a more effortless mode of administration, while still enabling you to receive the hormone levels you need to restore balance. To find out if you have a hormonal imbalance that is causing issues for you, you may need to get some blood tests done. These tests will help us determine if you are a viable candidate for hormone pellet therapy.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation at AsandraMD, you will meet with Dr. Asandra, who will provide his anti-aging and vitality expertise to make helpful recommendations. He will explain in more depth how exactly hormone pellets work, and how treatment can help alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. He will examine the results of your blood tests and based on this information, he can determine if hormone pellet therapy is right for you.

Procedure

The procedure for hormone pellet therapy is simple and infrequent. On average, women should get their pellets replaced after about 3-4 months, and men will not have to return for more pellets for about 4-5 months. ⁽²⁾

Dr. Asandra will begin the procedure by cleansing the area where he will place the pellet. make a small incision in their upper buttock region or lower abdomen. He can place the rice grain-sized pellet in either one of these areas. Dr. Asandra may implant multiple pellets if the situation requires. These pellets will then release the appropriate amount of bioidentical hormones into the bloodstream. ⁽²⁾

After Pellet Placement

You may notice some soreness or tenderness in and around the pellet insertion area. This will soon subside, but in the meantime, you should not rub or irritate the area. The small incision should heal quickly and will be barely noticeable because of its discreet location.

Results

After you receive your hormone therapy, you may begin to notice the following results:

Better sleep quality: Having balanced hormone levels can reduce insomnia and encourage healthier sleep patterns.
Better cognition: Hormone pellet therapy can help reduce brain fog.
Improved mood: You may feel less stressed or unwell.
Effective temperature regulation: Heat flashes, night sweats, and other temperature-related issues can be ameliorated by hormonal balance.
Improved libido: In one study, patients saw improvements in libido in 92% of cases after they received hormone pellet therapy. ⁽²⁾

Pellets do not require removal. Over time, the pellets will dissolve on their own. When the pellets dissolve, you will return to the office for pellet replacement.

Cost of Hormone Pellet Therapy in Beverly Hills

The cost of hormone pellet therapy will depend on the individual nature of your treatment plan. Please visit our office for a personal consultation. Call (424) 542-8881 to schedule this appointment at either of our Southern California offices in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach. Alternatively, you may fill out our contact form with any questions and we will reach out to you shortly with more information.

FAQ

How often will I need hormone pellet therapy?

The longevity of hormone pellets differs for men and women. Men should return to the office to receive pellet replacements after about 4-5 months. Women should get their pellets replaced after about 3-4 months. These time frames may vary depending on the individual’s metabolic rate. Pellets do not need to be removed, as they will dissolve in the body on their own.

Is hormone pellet therapy safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified professional, hormone pellet therapy is considered to be safe and effective for managing hormone imbalances. If you experience any issues during your hormone pellet therapy, however, you should contact us accordingly. You may also need to attend follow-ups so that we can monitor your progress and make any adjustments.

Can I combine hormone pellet therapy with other treatments?

Yes, you can combine your hormone pellet therapy with other treatments. If you are looking for other ways to approach anti-aging care or improve your vitality, we can provide recommendations based on your unique needs. We can customize your treatment plan to incorporate other therapies related to your overall health strategy, focusing on achieving the best possible outcomes. For example, you may want to try peptide therapy, which can enhance one’s physical performance, emotional balance, and mental well-being.

References

Files JA, Ko MG, Pruthi S. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2011;86(7):673-680. doi:https://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2010.0714
Donovitz GS. Low complication rates of testosterone and estradiol implants for androgen and estrogen replacement therapy in over 1 million procedures. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2021;12:204201882110152. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/20420188211015238