Testosterone Pellet Therapy

Testosterone pellet therapy is a form of hormone replacement that is typically used in men over age 50. If you are suffering from testosterone deficiency, it is likely that you are often fatigued, have a decreased libido and difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection. Pellet therapy is a non-synthetic hormone replacement that is implanted in the lower abdominal wall or upper buttocks. Pellets are not manufactured or marketed in the United States, and you will need to go to a specialized clinic to receive implants.

Benefits

• Testosterone pellet therapy is considered a more natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Many men are drawn to pellet therapy because it is derived from natural plant sources rather than synthetic or animal-based alternatives. You will find that the pellets consistently deliver healthy levels of testosterone to your body over the course of four to six months and then dissolve completely. After receiving pellet therapy, you will probably notice that you have more energy, sleep better and have an overall feeling of improved health. You may also see an improvement in your hair texture and skin tone. After receiving testosterone pellet therapy, most men report improvements in physical performance and sexual health. If you have taken synthetic oral or transdermal forms of hormone replacement therapy, you are probably well aware of the uncomfortable spikes in testosterone blood levels that create the typical highs and lows associated with synthetic treatments. Pellet therapy is often considered a more comfortable and stable method of delivering testosterone to the body because it is released slowly over time, similar to the natural method of testosterone delivery from the testicles to the blood stream.

Side Effects and Drawbacks

• Minor complications may occur from the insertion of the pellets. After insertion, you may experience minor bruising and bleeding or skin discoloration. A potential, rare complication may be infection or extrusion of the pellet. These side effects can usually be avoided if vigorous physical activity is avoided for at least a week after the procedure. According to Dr. Daniel Thomas, medical director of the Hormone Pellet Therapy Program, the therapy may cause any existing prostate cancer to increase its growth. You will want to be sure to have a full prostate exam and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test before attempting pellet therapy. The pellet therapy may also cause a thickening of the blood, so you will need annual CBC testing. Testosterone therapy may also decrease development of sperm, especially in younger men. Typically sperm production returns to normal if the therapy is stopped, but you may want to have semen samples frozen and stored if family planning is in your future.