What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

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) can be an 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.

Yes. Before you begin hormone replacement therapy, we complete comprehensive lab testing to evaluate your current hormone levels and overall health, so your provider can design a plan tailored to you. You won't need blood drawn at every single visit, but ongoing lab work is part of the process — we recheck your levels periodically throughout treatment to confirm your hormones are well balanced, that you're responding as expected, and to make any dosage adjustments needed to keep your therapy safe and effective. Your provider will let you know how often follow-up testing is recommended based on your individual treatment plan.

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.

Hormone replacement therapy isn't a one-time fix — it's an ongoing treatment that continues for as long as it's benefiting you and your provider feels it's appropriate. Many women stay on HRT for several years to manage menopausal and hormonal symptoms, while others may need it for a shorter or longer period depending on their symptoms, health history, and personal goals. Your provider will start you on a personalized plan, monitor how you respond through regular follow-ups and lab work, and adjust your dosage over time. Together, you'll revisit your treatment periodically to decide how long to continue and, when the time is right, how to taper off gradually.

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.

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.