Hormone ReplacementTherapy

Hormone pellets are small, compounded implants that may contain estradiol, testosterone, or another prescribed hormone. They are placed beneath the skin and release medication gradually over time.

Pellet therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Your provider will review FDA-approved and compounded treatment options, along with their potential benefits, limitations, and risks.

The term “bioidentical” describes hormones with a chemical structure that is identical to hormones naturally produced by the human body. Bioidentical does not automatically mean natural, safer, or more effective.

Some bioidentical hormone therapies are FDA-approved, while custom-compounded hormone pellets are not FDA-approved.

The active ingredients may include compounded estradiol and/or testosterone. The pellets may also contain a small amount of an inactive binding ingredient.

The exact formulation depends on the prescription and the compounding pharmacy. Your provider can explain the ingredients in the product recommended for you.

Hormonal changes may be associated with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, low energy, changes in mood, reduced libido, or difficulty concentrating.

These symptoms can also have other causes. Candidacy should therefore be determined through a medical history, symptom review, appropriate laboratory testing, and an individualized risk assessment.

Laboratory testing is typically part of the initial evaluation and may be repeated after treatment and before future insertions. Monitoring helps your provider evaluate your response, hormone levels, blood counts, and other health considerations.

The exact testing schedule will be determined by your provider based on your treatment plan and medical needs.

Pellets are inserted beneath the skin through a small incision, commonly near the upper buttock or hip area. A local anesthetic is used to help make the procedure more comfortable.

Your provider will explain the procedure, aftercare instructions, activity restrictions, and signs of a possible complication before treatment.

The duration varies by person, prescribed dose, metabolism, activity level, and individual response. Some patients may discuss repeat treatment after several months, but there is no universal schedule.

Future treatment should be based on symptoms, medical monitoring, laboratory findings, and your provider’s clinical assessment.

Treatment frequency varies. Some women may require treatment several times per year, while some men may have a different schedule because testosterone dosing and individual absorption can differ.

Your provider will determine an appropriate schedule rather than relying on a fixed number of insertions each year.

Hormone selection and dosage are based on the patient’s diagnosis, physiology, symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment goals. Men being treated for testosterone deficiency may require a different testosterone dose than women receiving hormone therapy.

The quantity of medication and complexity of the prescribed formulation may also affect treatment cost.

Pricing depends on the prescribed treatment, hormone dosage, laboratory requirements, and follow-up care. Please contact AURSPA for current pricing and details about what is included.

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Compounded hormone pellets may not be covered, although certain consultations, laboratory tests, or related medical services may qualify for partial coverage or apply toward a deductible.

Please contact your insurance carrier directly to confirm your specific benefits. AURSPA can provide documentation when available but cannot guarantee reimbursement.

Birth control use does not automatically determine candidacy. Your provider will review the type of contraception you use, your symptoms, medical history, laboratory results, and potential medication interactions before recommending treatment.

A transition may be possible, but it must be medically supervised. Do not stop or change a prescribed hormone medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider.

Your provider will review your current therapy, timing, dosage, symptoms, and laboratory results before developing a transition plan.

Possible effects depend on the hormone, dosage, medical history, and individual response. They may include:

• Temporary tenderness, bruising, swelling, or irritation at the insertion site
• Bleeding, infection, scarring, or pellet extrusion
• Breast tenderness
• Acne, oily skin, or increased hair growth
• Mood changes or changes in libido
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Increased red blood cell levels with testosterone therapy
• Reduced sperm production and fertility with testosterone therapy
• Possible prostate-related effects requiring monitoring in men

Hormone therapy can carry additional risks depending on the hormone, dosage, route of administration, age, and personal medical history. Your provider will review these considerations before treatment.

Yes. Testosterone therapy can suppress sperm production and may reduce fertility. Men who are currently trying to conceive or who may want biological children in the future should discuss this with their provider before beginning treatment.

A personal history of breast cancer, or certain other hormone-sensitive conditions, requires careful specialist evaluation. Hormone therapy may not be appropriate for some patients.

Please schedule a consultation and provide your complete medical history. Coordination with your oncologist or another specialist may be required before any treatment decision is made.

Compounded pellets have not been proven to be safer or more effective than FDA-approved hormone therapies. Compounded products do not undergo the same FDA review for consistency, safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

Your consultation should include a discussion of FDA-approved treatment options as well as the limitations and potential risks of compounded pellet therapy.