What to Expect from Your First Hormone Pellet Insertion

Considering becoming one of the over 2 million patients who have undergone hormone pellet replacement therapy already? 

This long-acting treatment option provides steady relief from issues tied to menopause or low testosterone. 

If you are preparing for your very first pellet insertion, read on for a step-by-step overview so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Consider Hormone Pellet Therapy?

Hormone pellets are bioidentical Estradiol for women or Testosterone for men compressed into tiny rods. Inserted under the skin, they slowly dissolve to release consistent amounts of hormones over several months. This helps alleviate common symptoms including:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Weight gain

• Low sex drive

• Vaginal dryness

• Hair loss

• Mood changes

Oral hormone supplements are convenient but produce spikes and crashes. Pellets bypass digestion for reliable relief lasting between 3-6 months from a single procedure. Candidates typically include peri or post-menopausal women and androgen deficient men.

In-Office Pellet Insertion

Before the Visit

You won't need any special preparation for your appointment for the pellet implantation itself. However, keep in mind:

• Avoid Aspirin or Blood Thinners For 1 Week: As with any injection, these medications can prolong bleeding.

• No Major Infection: Delay your insertion if battling a severe cold, flu or skin infection.

• Come At Your Best: Optimal candidates are healthy, active, maintaining a good diet and trying to live chemical free. The more balanced your body, the better pellets can work.

Initial Consultation

Your medical provider will review your full health profile, hormone blood work, lifestyle and treatment goals. Together you'll decide if pellet hormone replacement fits your needs and aligns with other therapies. If you get the green light to move forward with pellet insertion:

• Clear time in your schedule for at least 30 minutes.

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

• Have a snack beforehand to avoid feeling lightheaded.

Example Pellet Implant Questions to Ask

Changing for the Procedure

The actual insertion requires accessing your lower hips so dress accordingly. You will:

• Pull Down Your Lower Garments: This exposes the area below your panty line or boxer line for sterile access. You can utilize a medical gown if it makes you more comfortable.

• Lie Face Down on the Table: Get into position on the exam table, lying flat and even on your stomach. Drapes and sheets are provided to protect your dignity.

The Numbing Process

Your medical provider first numbs the insertion area using:

• Ice packs - Helps avoid feeling the initial pricks

• Topical anesthetics - Applied first for rapid absorption

• Lidocaine injections - Administered after the topical to fully numb deeper tissue

Between icing, creams and lidocaine, discomfort from the insertion itself is typically minimal. You may feel some slight tugging sensations as the cannula device passes through the pathway created. Stay relaxed, still and breathe normally throughout the rapid insertion.

Inside the Body

With the area fully anesthetized, your doctor utilizes a cannula tool to smoothly guide the hormone pellets into position right under the skin. The tiny rod implants are:

• About the size of a grain of rice

• Made of bioidentical hormones compressed into beads

• Evenly spaced into the subcutaneous fat layer

The entire implantation takes just minutes depending on the pellet dosage determined from your hormone testing.

Post-Procedure Care

After the short insertion concludes, keep pressure on the site for 5-10 minutes to allow a protective scab to form and prevent leakage. Avoid rubbing or scratching the healing region.

Your doctor also provides clear home care instructions to speed up recovery:

• Keep a sterile bandage over the insertion spot for 3 days.

• Limit exercise, baths and swimming for 1 week post-insertion.

• Use Tylenol rather than aspirin for any discomfort.

• Watch for signs of infection like swelling, heat or pus leakage.

• Call the clinic with any concerns about the healing process.

Most patients feel fine immediately after, perhaps just some soreness or tingling at the entry point. This fades within a couple days as your body incorporates the pellets internally.

Tracking Hormone Changes

Within just 48 hours, you should detect a boost in energy, sex drive and other markers as the bioidentical hormones continuously absorb.

However, the full benefits take 2-4 weeks to maximize. During the first months, pay attention to symptoms like:

• Hot flashes easing

• Less night sweats interrupting sleep

• Improved mood and motivation

• Successful intimacy and arousal

• Enhanced stamina returning

• Better body composition

Keep your provider updated on your progress so they can adjust dosages and timing if required for ideal long-term hormone balance through the pellets.

Getting ready for your first ever hormone pellet insertion? Now you know exactly what to expect before, during and after the quick routine procedure.

Consistent relief from frustrating menopause or low testosterone symptoms will have you feeling youthful and vibrant once again in no time.