How do we determine if I need pellets? After your consultation, you will go for a simple blood test which will determine your current hormone levels. That will allow Dr. Stern to determine what, if any, dosing of bio- identical hormone replacement therapy you may need.
How often will I need pellets? Women: usually every 3-4 months Men: usually every 4-5 months
Why are pellets better than creams, patches, shots, or pills? Pellets are pure hormone that is not metabolized into by products by going through the liver, stomach, or skin. This delivery system allows your body to use the right amount of hormone as the blood flow surrounding the pellets pick up what is needed. Shots- 52+ per year averaging 1 per week depending on doctors advice Creams- 730+ per year 2 times daily with only 4-6 hour effectiveness once applied Pellets- ONLY 3-4 TIMES PER YEAR
Where do the pellets go? The pellets are implanted just beneath the skin in your upper buttocks. They are pure hormone without any fillers or synthetic ingredients so they completely dissolve over time.
Is the procedure painful? The procedure takes under a minute and there is little to no discomfort.
How long will it take for the pellets to get into my system and work? Impacts can be felt in 24-72 hours but optimum effect is reached about three weeks after insertion.
Are there any side effects or possible complications? All side effects are temporary and treatable and occur less than 2% of the time when pelleted correctly.
Could my body become leaner by using pellets? Testosterone decreases fat and increases muscle and lean body mass. It also increases your natural growth hormone production which improves your stamina and increases muscle mass. How long it will take so see these impacts depends on your age, activity level and how much you exercise.
Will pellets help my low libido? Good hormone balance will greatly improve your libido. The addition of testosterone in pellet form can change everything for the better.
FOR WOMEN:
Will this help relieve my terrible headaches? Yes! We have had great successes especially with women suffering from menstrual migraines, or new migraines that appear after age 35.
Do I need other medications? If you still have a uterus, you will need to be on natural progesterone as well.
Why do I need Estrogen? Estrogen is the most important hormone for a woman. It protects her against heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps keep you looking young and healthy.
Why do I need testosterone? When you think of it you think of men, but testosterone is the third female hormone and is just as essential to balance as estrogen and progesterone. It is needed to keep your thought process quick and your libido healthy. It also improves bone density, muscle mass, strength, and prevents some forms of depression. It also is a key source of energy and solid sleep.
Will I grow unwanted hair from testosterone? There is less chance of excess hair growth with natural testosterone than with synthetic hormones. Facial hair will grow with pellets, but normally no more than healthy women in their thirties.
FOR MEN:
Does testosterone cause prostate cancer? In short, No. Metabolites of testosterone can cause prostate enlargement and contribute to prostate cancer. Testosterone pellets are the only replacement that reverses that trend.
MYTH: “All testosterone replacement is the same.” TRUTH: Testosterone is NOT absorbed by the body in the same way. Pellets are consistently metabolized into the body as needed and are all natural NOT synthetic.
Can I take testosterone pellets and not convert them into Dihydrotestosterone and Esterone? Yes. Your blood levels are tested after treatment to see if levels are elevated. Some men do convert to these metabolites even on testosterone pellets. If so, we can trouble shoot with natural supplements like DIM and Saw Palmetto, or an aromatase inhibitor prescription.
What if I have prostate enlargement already? Before any treatment in men we will determine your PSA level to screen for prostate cancer. With appropriate levels we can move forward with hormone replacement therapy.
What other health impacts could I expect? As we age our hormone levels change. Those changes can cause a range of issues including stubborn belly fat. Balancing hormone levels can fix that.
Will my testicles shrink while on testosterone pellets? Yes, they will. Testicles are suppressed by taking any kind of testosterone and will not make as much testosterone while the pellets are working. This is not a permanent condition and the testicle retains its ability to produce testosterone.
FACT: Hormone Pellets have been in use since 1939 FACT: Testosterone Pellets can build up to 8.3% bone mass per year! Source: Studd, J WW et al(1990)
Steven E. Stern, M.D. 20207 CHASEWOOD PARK DRIVE, SUITE 201 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77070 Phone: 281-893-3831