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RISK AND SIDE EFFECTS
Prior to undergoing hormone replacement therapy, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, cancer, blood clots, or high blood pressure. Some potential side effects include Infertility or decreased sperm count, decreased testicle size, breast enlargement, increased cholesterol levels, worsening sleep apnea, unhealthy increase in red blood cells.
COST OF TREAMENT:
Before starting therapy, it is important to have a conversation with your provider about the costs involved. The expenses will depend on the type and duration of your treatment. However, please note that we do not accept insurance.
Implants are inserted just beneath the skin, providing small and consistent quantities of hormones inside the body and ensuring adequate and natural levels. Pellet therapy maintains a steady flow of hormones inside the body, preventing the harmful consequences. Custom compounded bioidentical testosterone pellets consist of concentrated testosterone- molecularly identical to a man’s naturally occurring testosterone. The compounded pellets are obtained from a specialized compounding pharmacy that meets all CGMP and FDA requirements. CGMP refers to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA. Because the hormones administered are derived from nature, this approach is ideal for patients who do not want synthetic hormones injected into their systems. Compounded bioidentical hormone pellets are FDA monitored, but are not approved in the United States. Hormone pellet therapy has been used in both men and women for decades in Europe and Australia, and this has allowed for the generation of ample scientific data regarding the benefits and safety of this method (see references below). Pellet technology is being used more and more in the US, as men seek a more convenient, more natural way to receive their hormone therapy. Over a 4-6 month period, the pellets dissolve completely and must be replaced if therapy is to continue.
Note: Do not confuse testosterone pellet therapy discussed here with synthetic androgen used purely to enhance muscle mass or athletic performance. The latter is very potent and have been associated with cardiac and liver damage, are not bioidentical, and are not appropriate for use as hormone supplementation.
Procedure for pellet therapy:
The pellet is inserted in the outpatient setting. There is minimal, if any, discomfort. The doctor injects a topical anesthetic and makes a small incision in the upper hip. The pellet is subsequently implanted, which is somewhat bigger than a grain of rice. There is also no need for stitches; the wound is sealed with tape.
Hormone treatment, on the other hand, has certain drawbacks. These threats vary depending on the type of pellet treatment, the amount, the length of time the drug is given, and your personal health concerns. Hormone pellet therapy should be adjusted to each individual and reviewed and revised on a regular basis to ensure that the benefits continue to offset the potential risks.
Are There Risks or Side Effects of Testosterone Pellet therapy for Men?
Testosterone pellet therapy is safe, well tolerated, and convenient. Pellet insertion is a low risk procedure. Procedure related risks include infection, bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, extrusion of pellets, or scarring.
Scientific understanding of the side effects and risks related to testosterone therapy has evolved over the past two decades, as experience has been gained and medical research has been active. It was once assumed that high levels of testosterone might increase risk of prostate cancer. This was based on the observation that some advanced prostate cancers slowed with testosterone deprivation therapy. However, further study has shown the mechanism of cancer development to be more complicated than first thought. Many scientific articles have now documented not only that higher testosterone levels are not associated with increased prostate cancer risk, but also that lower testosterone levels are associated with increased prostate cancer risk. It is now well accepted by experts in the scientific community that testosterone supplementation is safe, and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Consultation and Evaluation for Hormone Pellet Therapy
Completion of the Hormone Pellet Therapy Consultation will involve full symptom discussion and evaluation, and a panel of laboratories will be ordered for baseline hormone levels plus other indicated labs. Hormone Pellets may be inserted during the second office visit where lab results will be discussed.
References for Testosterone Therapy in Men
