Hormone pellets in Miami Lakes for women and men

What hormone pellets are

They are cylinders about the size of a grain of rice, containing estradiol or testosterone. They are placed under the skin, usually in the upper buttock or hip, and the body absorbs them slowly. They are a form of hormone replacement therapy that spares you from remembering pills, gels or frequent injections.

Are hormone pellets right for me?

They may be considered if you have symptoms and your lab work confirms a hormone imbalance. These are the most common reasons people come in:

• Hot flashes, night sweats or poor sleep
• Fatigue that does not improve with rest
• Lower sex drive
• Mood changes, irritability or poor focus
• Loss of strength or muscle mass

These symptoms can also come from the thyroid, anemia, stress or a medication. That is why I evaluate first and then decide with you.

• Hormone pellets for women: menopause and perimenopause.
• Testosterone pellets for men: low testosterone confirmed by lab work.

Who should not use them

They are not for everyone. They are not indicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and they call for special care if you have or have had hormone sensitive cancer, blood clots, or heart or liver disease. We review this at your evaluation.

Risks and side effects

Possible effects include acne, more body hair, mood changes, uterine bleeding in women, increased red blood cells in men and, at the placement site, bruising, infection or a pellet coming out. Once placed, the dose cannot be easily removed, which is why the evaluation and follow-up matter so much.

"I don't feel like myself": when to get your hormones checked

Many people come in without knowing a treatment exists. They search for why they have no energy, why they no longer sleep or why they lost interest in intimacy. If something like this has lasted weeks or months, it is worth checking. It may or may not be hormonal, and an evaluation is how to find out.

Who may be a candidate

• Women with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.
• Men with symptoms and confirmed low testosterone.
• People with no contraindications at their evaluation.
• People willing to have lab work and follow-up.

When changes are noticed

It varies from person to person. Some notice changes within weeks, others take longer, and some do not notice the improvement they hoped for. That is why we review how you feel and your lab work at follow-up, instead of promising you a date.

Which lab tests are reviewed

I choose them based on your case. They may include estradiol, FSH, total and free testosterone, thyroid, blood count, glucose, cholesterol and liver function. In men I also review PSA, and in women your mammogram and Pap history.

How to prepare for your evaluation

• Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
• Bring recent lab work, if you have it.
• Write down your symptoms and when they began.
• Tell me your family history of cancer, blood clots or heart disease.

You do not need a referral to request your evaluation.