Hormone Pellets: The Real Information
Testosterone Pellets For Women: Benefits & Risks
Prolonged exposure to testosterone can cause genital enlargement, pubic hair growth, and aggressive behavior in children. In perimenopause and menopause, testosterone pellets may be helpful in treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause, however the science on this is mixed and more research is needed. Many healthcare providers, including myself, hope more research and FDA approval will come soon; in the meantime, many prescribe TRT off-label as they deem appropriate. If you decide to try testosterone for a libido boost, be aware that currently no FDA-approved testosterone preparations are commercially available for use in women in the United States. The commercial testosterone products on the market are intended and FDA-approved for men only.
When a patient of mine decides to stop taking testosterone, it is rarely because of side effects and almost always because it simply isn’t working for her. Unlike with estrogen, for which blood levels are rarely required, testosterone therapy requires being tested to make sure yours is in the right range. When women experience hormonal imbalances—often due to aging, menopause, or other health conditions—their natural testosterone levels can decline. This imbalance can lead to a decrease in energy, reduced libido, and other symptoms that impact quality of life. At AIM Wellness in Flatwoods, Kentucky, our expert team specializes in hormone replacement therapies tailored specifically for women. We understand that every patient is unique, and our approach to testosterone pellet therapy is customized to help you achieve balanced hormone levels and improved overall health.
The procedure for testopel injection (eecpclinic.com) testosterone pellet therapy is straightforward and minimally invasive. During a brief outpatient visit, a healthcare professional makes a small incision—usually in the hip or buttock area—and implants the pellets under the skin. This level of precision is one of the key reasons why many women find testosterone pellets to be an effective solution for hormonal imbalance. Testosterone pellets can offer significant benefits for women experiencing hormone imbalances, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects. By working closely with a knowledgeable healthcare provider, you can manage these side effects and optimize your therapy for the best possible outcome. If you’re considering testosterone pellet therapy, discuss all potential risks and benefits with your provider to make an informed decision.
Because we lack evidence from full-scale clinical trials, it’s impossible to say whether testosterone pellets are safe for every woman. The only way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for testosterone pellets is to speak with a hormone health practitioner who can review your medical history and explain the risks and side effects. Testosterone isn’t just a male hormone—it plays a crucial role in women’s health as well.
Compounded topical clitoral testosterone can be used for orgasmic disorders as well as vulvodynia, when applied locally to the clitoris or vulva. While some patients initially feel improvement in symptoms with pellet use (because they are being exposed to a high level of sex hormones), the risks are not worth the benefits. Often, patients feel well with pellets initially, but then may notice some side effects of inappropriate hormone dose. For example, excess estrogen can cause abnormal uterine bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding, as well as uterine cancer.
Unlike daily creams or gels, testosterone pellets require insertion every few months. Much like long-release birth control methods, pellets let women take a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach to hormone therapy, reducing the risk of missed doses. When I discuss TRT with women as part of a menopause hormone therapy plan, I review the risks, benefits, and delivery mechanisms, which include pellets, injections, creams, gel, troches (lozenges), or transdermal patches. The right choice depends on your symptom profile, treatment goals, preferences, and willingness to monitor and adjust as needed. Excess testosterone has been shown to increase the risk of diabetes and other components of metabolic syndrome in women, among other issues.
Applying a testosterone gel or cream to the skin is currently the safest way to deliver an effective dose of testosterone to a woman. Since there are no FDA-approved commercial products formulated for women, I rely on transdermal gels from a compounding pharmacy. If you’re considering testosterone therapy, whether pellets or another form, talk it through with your doctor. Furthermore, if levels are found to be drastically too high or too low, the pellets are unable to be removed, and continue to leach hormones into the body until the dose is depleted. Organizations such as the Menopause Society, the American College of Gynecologists, and more adamantly recommend against the use of pellets due to this. Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are a good candidate is to schedule a consultation with a provider who is experienced in prescribing testosterone pellets. Dr. Mok’s own clinical experience at Allure Medical confirms this – testosterone pellets, often combined with small amounts of estradiol, provide an effective approach for managing perimenopause, early menopause, and late menopause.
Fast forward three months, I’ve lost 8 pounds and a half inch and am half way to my goals, I still do my functional fitness work outs 4-5 days a week and eat well but now I can see the results. I don’t usually write long reviews but for both men and women, Chicagoland Men’s Health has made a huge difference for me. At almost 40, I am feeling better than I did before my first child and am more fit than I was in college. And unlike synthetic progestins, natural testosterone has been shown to reduce – not increase – the risk of breast cancer.
By providing a steady supply of estrogen, which is essential for bone density, pellet therapy reduces the risk of this debilitating condition that affects many postmenopausal women. The steady, personalized delivery of hormones through pellets helps the body adjust smoothly, minimizing the disruptive effects of menopause. As a result, many women are able to navigate this transitional phase with greater comfort and confidence, reclaiming their quality of life. A healthcare provider cleans the treatment area, numbs the area with lidocaine, and makes a small incision, then uses a medical device called a trocar to place the pellets in the fatty tissue. Once in place, the incision is closed with steri strips and covered with a protective dressing. Poor physician technique can lead to infection, improper placement, the pellet working its way out of your body (extrusion), or an uneven release of hormones. Women considering testosterone pellets should thoroughly vet their provider to ensure they’re experienced and certified in pellet insertion.
