Why do I need testosterone?

Testosterone is the third female hormone and is just as essential as estrogen and progesterone. Women need this hormone to keep their thought processes quick and their libido healthy. Testosterone also improves energy levels, bone density, muscle mass, strength, sleeping habits and may prevent some types of depression.

What are the side effects of pellet therapy?

Side effects from the insertion of the pellets include minor bleeding or bruising, discoloration of the skin, infection (rare) and possible extrusion of the pellets (rare). Testosterone itself may cause an increase in the production of red blood cells so a complete blood count will be drawn once a year to monitor for these changes. If the level gets too high, a unit of blood may be donated. Some patients may also notice an increase in facial hair or acne.

How long will it take for my pellets to start working?

In about 24-72 hours you may begin seeing effects. It usually takes about three to five weeks to get the full effect.

How long will my pellets last?

Three months is typical for women.

Where are the pellets inserted and where do they go after three months?

The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless, in-office procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the lower abdominal wall or upper buttocks through a small incision. Over time the pellets dissolve into the body so you do not have to have them removed.

Does testosterone improve depression and anxiety?

Yes. In fact, many patients who get testosterone implants are able to come off of their antidepressants.

I get horrible headaches – will the pellets help me?

In most cases, yes. Patients with a history of migraine headaches and menstrual headaches have had great improvement of their headaches after pellet therapy.

My doctor says there isn't any data to support the use of bioidentical hormone pellets.

Your doctor is wrong. In fact, bioidentical hormone pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s, and there is more data to support the use of bioidentical hormone pellets than any other form of hormone therapy. In other words, there is a difference between “no data” and “not having read the data.”