Men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone through blood tests and are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, muscle loss, or mood changes may be good candidates. A healthcare provider will assess your health history to confirm if TRT is right for you.

If you experience a combination of fatigue, depressed mood, and lower/absent libido, you may have Androgen Insufficiency Syndrome (AIS). Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a highly effective treatment for AIS. Additionally, if you prefer a minimally invasive procedure every 3-4 months (4-6 months for men), you are an ideal candidate. 

Other symptoms that often improve with bio-identical hormone optimization include insomnia, early waking, anxiety, lack of energy/drive, lethargy, joint pain, and daytime sleepiness. 

To confirm a suspected diagnosis of AIS and begin your evaluation, your physician will order lab work to assess your hormone levels. These results will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Some men notice improvements in energy and mood within a few weeks, while changes in muscle mass, strength, and body composition may take a few months. Results vary depending on your body and the type of treatment.

Like any treatment, TRT has potential side effects, including acne, oily skin, increased red blood cell count, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Your provider will monitor you closely to manage any risks and adjust your treatment if needed.

Yes, TRT can reduce sperm production and may affect fertility. If you’re planning to have children, talk to your doctor — there are alternative treatments that can help boost testosterone while preserving fertility.

The individual ingredients within the pellets are FDA-approved, and the distribution of these pellets is regulated by the FDA. However, the pellet insertion procedure itself is not FDA- approved. It's common for physicians to prescribe medications or therapies for uses not explicitly approved by the FDA (off-label) if they believe them to be safe and effective for their patients. The reason bio-identical hormones (compounded drugs) are not FDA-approved is due to their individualized dosing nature.

Pellets are inserted using a very minor surgical procedure, performed in the office setting and requiring only local anesthesia. Using a very small incision (~ 1-2 cm in women, ~ 3-4 cm in men), they are inserted subcutaneously below the belt and above the buttock in women, and in the posterior flank in men. Recovery is very quick and uncomplicated; exercise restrictions for 3 days in women and 5 days in men are simply to avoid complications.

Not at all. Certain types may have an influence on therapy, which your physician/provider will review with you.

There are no serious or permanent side effects. In some cases, nuisance side effects can occur, such as hair growth or acne, both of which are very treatable.

Transitioning to pellet therapy from other forms of HRT is common. Your physician can assess your needs even if you're currently using another type of hormone replacement therapy. If you prefer to continue with your current HRT but are not ready for pellets, we can offer alternative formulations.

There is no direct causative link between bio-identical estrogen, progesterone, and breast cancer. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2003 raised concerns about "hormones and breast cancer," but a long-term follow-up study published in JAMA in 2017 by one of the original WHI authors found no increased mortality from breast cancer in the subjects over an 18- year period. 

The number of patients receiving HRT 5 to 10 years after breast cancer treatment and remission is increasing. However, hormone use in patients with a history of hormone-receptor-positive tumors is not yet considered standard care. The decision to use hormones in this situation is an informed one that the patient must make for herself. 

Finally, patients with or recently recovered from breast cancer can receive testosterone alone to help manage both AIS and menopausal symptoms.