Pellet Delivery for Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: All Your Questions Answered 

At Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology in Amarillo, Texas, our team of women’s wellness experts may prescribe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to help offset the effects of menopause or restore optimized estrogen levels following a hysterectomy. 

While some forms of hormone therapy are administered via injection, oral medication, or a transdermal cream, spray, or patch, advanced BHRT is delivered in a highly innovative way: through the subdermal insertion of a rice-sized, controlled-release hormone pellet. 

Here, we answer our patients’ FAQs about pellet delivery for BHRT, including how it works and what you can expect along the way. 

What are bioidentical hormones?

Produced from natural plant-based estrogen, bioidentical hormones mimic your body’s own estrogen — both in molecular structure and function. This means your body can’t differentiate between your own hormones and the supplemental bioidentical hormones released by the subdermal pellet. 

Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are made in a lab from a mix of animal sources or chemically altered plant-based hormones. Designed to reproduce “hormone-like” effects, these man-made hormones don’t have the same molecular structure as natural estrogen. 

How does BHRT pellet delivery work? 

The BHRT pellet alleviates menopausal symptoms by restoring optimal hormonal balance. The process is straightforward: We insert your prescription, rice-sized hormone pellet just under your skin (usually in your upper buttocks), and it begins gradually releasing hormones in a controlled manner. 

Your body takes it from there, transporting these tiny chemical messengers through your bloodstream to wherever they’re needed most at any given time.

Is my BHRT pellet dosage customized?

Yes, your BHRT pellets are custom-made with your personal hormone prescription, which we determine with information gathered from a physical exam, in-depth menopausal symptom assessment, and extensive lab work including hormone level blood testing. 

The goal of BHRT is to deliver effective symptom relief with the lowest possible dose of bioidentical hormones. We periodically reevaluate your prescription as time goes on — or if you don’t experience effective relief within the expected timeframe. 

What does pellet insertion feel like?

BHRT pellet implantation is quick and painless. After disinfecting the surface of your skin, we numb the area with a topical anesthetic. Next, we make a very small incision in your upper buttock, insert the tiny pellet, and cover the incision site with a small bandage. It’s that simple, and it’s done in just a few minutes. 

Does pellet insertion require downtime?

For the most part, you can resume your normal routine following pellet insertion. However, for the duration of skin healing and bandage wear — about one week for most people — you should avoid taking baths, swimming, or sitting in a hot tub (showers are fine). 

You should also steer clear of strenuous lower body activities, like running or leg strength training (walking is fine). Once your bandage is off, there are no activity restrictions. 

When will I notice symptom relief?

While you can expect to notice diminished menopausal symptoms within days of BHRT pellet implantation, it typically takes four to six weeks to attain consistent symptom relief. Complete hormonal optimization — or restored hormone levels — may take up to six months.

How long does each BHRT pellet last?

Each BHRT pellet works for several months — three to six, typically — before it needs to be replaced. How long each pellet lasts for you depends on your initial hormonal deficiency, weight, and your body’s unique absorption rate. 

As a pellet’s hormones are released and absorbed, it gradually and completely dissolves, leaving nothing behind. To maintain optimized hormone levels and keep your menopausal symptoms at bay, we reinsert fresh BHRT pellets two to four times per year. 

Got questions about bioidentical hormone pellets? We have answers. Call 806-359-5468 to schedule a visit at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology today.