What Are Hormone Pellets? A Beginner’s Guide to Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Hormones play a powerful role in how we feel every day—from our energy levels and mood to sleep, metabolism, and sex drive. When hormones fall out of balance, it can affect nearly every system in the body. One treatment option growing in popularity is hormone pellet therapy, a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

If you’re new to the idea of hormone pellets, this guide will walk you through what they are, how they work, who they’re for, and what to expect from treatment.

What Are Hormone Pellets?

Hormone pellets are small, custom-compounded cylinders that contain bioidentical hormones, most commonly testosterone and/or estrogen. “Bioidentical” means the hormones are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. The pellets are inserted just beneath the skin (usually in the upper hip or buttock area), where they slowly and steadily release hormones into the bloodstream over time. Unlike pills, creams, or injections that can cause hormone levels to spike and crash, pellets are designed to deliver consistent, physiologic doses of hormones day and night.

Why Do People Get Hormone Pellets?

People pursue hormone pellet therapy to relieve symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance or decline, which can occur with age, stress, medical conditions, or surgical menopause.

Common reasons patients choose hormone pellets include:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Poor sleep or insomnia
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Loss of muscle mass or strength

Many patients also prefer pellets because they’re low maintenance—once inserted, there’s no daily medication to remember.

How Do Hormone Pellets Work?

After insertion, hormone pellets dissolve slowly and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Because they bypass the digestive system and liver, absorption tends to be efficient and predictable.

Key benefits of how pellets work include:

• Steady hormone delivery (no daily ups and downs)
• Customized dosing based on lab work and symptoms
• Continuous release over several months
• Fewer compliance issues compared to daily therapies

Most patients begin noticing symptom improvement within a few weeks, though optimal benefits often build gradually.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Hormone Pellet Therapy?

Hormone pellets may be a good option for both women and men experiencing symptoms of hormone deficiency or imbalance. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have symptoms consistent with low or imbalanced hormones
• Have confirmed hormone deficiencies on lab testing
• Have not achieved relief with creams, gels, or pills
• Want a long-acting, convenient treatment option
• Are generally healthy and under medical supervision

Pellet therapy is commonly used for:

• Women in perimenopause or menopause
• Men with low testosterone (Low T)
• Patients who want stable hormone levels without daily dosing

A thorough medical evaluation is essential. Hormone pellets are not appropriate for everyone, especially individuals with certain hormone-sensitive cancers or unmanaged medical conditions.

What Does Typical Hormone Pellet Treatment Look Like?

Initial Evaluation

Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, symptom review, and bloodwork to measure hormone levels. Your provider uses this information to determine whether pellets are appropriate and to calculate a personalized dose.

The Pellet Insertion Procedure

• Takes about 10–15 minutes
• Performed in-office under local anesthesia
• Pellets are inserted under the skin through a small incision
• No stitches are usually required

Most patients describe the procedure as quick and mildly uncomfortable at most.

Recovery and Downtime

• Minimal downtime
• Mild soreness or bruising at the insertion site for a few days
• Most people return to normal activities within 24 hours
• Avoid strenuous lower-body exercise for a few days

How Long Do Hormone Pellets Last?

• Women: typically 3–4 months
• Men: typically 4–6 months

Pellets cannot be adjusted once inserted, so follow-up and proper dosing are important.

Possible Side Effects

As with any hormone therapy, side effects are possible, especially if hormone levels become too high.

Potential side effects may include:

• Acne or oily skin
• Increased hair growth (women)
• Mood changes
• Breast tenderness
• Temporary swelling or irritation at the insertion site

Most side effects are dose-related and can be managed with careful monitoring and follow-up care.

Transform Your Health and Wellness with Help from 716 Integrative Wellness

Hormone pellet therapy offers a convenient, long-lasting option for people seeking relief from hormone-related symptoms. With steady hormone delivery and customized dosing, pellets can help many patients feel more balanced, energized, and like themselves again.

If you’re considering hormone pellets, the next step is a medical consultation with a qualified provider who specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy. Personalized care and proper monitoring are key to safe and effective results. If you're interested in bioidentical hormone therapy, contact the professionals at 716 Integrative Wellness for our expert advice. We can let you know if hormone therapy is right for you. We can help you enjoy all the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy. For more information, contact our hormone therapy experts in Buffalo, NY; Hamburg, NY; Orchard Park, NY; and West Seneca, NY.