FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I’m a candidate for pellets?
Symptoms may vary widely from fatigue, libido loss, hot flashes, muscle loss, brain fog, sleeplessness, anxiety and/or depression. You will have blood work drawn which will determine your hormone levels. Once Dr. Mitchell reviews and determines whether or not you are a candidate, we will schedule an appointment for insertion.
Do I have blood work done before each treatment?
No, only initially and then approximately 5 weeks later to set your dosing. You may have it done again if there are significant changes to your weight, lifestyle, etc.
What are the pellets made from?
They are made from wild yams and/or soy. Wild yams and soy have the highest concentration of hormones of any substance. There are no known allergens associated with wild yams and soy, because once the hormone is made it is no longer yam or soy. Steric acid is used to bind the pellet.
How long will the treatment last?
This depends on the person. On average every 3-4 months for women and every 5-6 months for men. Everyone is different so it depends on how you feel and what the doctor determines is right for you. If you are really active, under a lot of stress or are a heavy smoker your treatment may not last as long. Absorption rate is based on cardiac output.
Is the therapy FDA approved?
What the pellets are made of is FDA approved and regulated, the process of making pellets is regulated by the State Pharmacy Board, and the distribution is regulated by the DEA and Respective State Pharmacy Boards. The pellets are derived from wild yams and soy, and are all natural and bio-identical. Meaning they are the exact replication of what the body makes.
How are they administered?
Dr. Mitchell will implant the pellets in the fat under the skin of the hip. An injection of anesthesia allows a small incision to be made in the hip and pellets are inserted painlessly. No stitch is required.
Does it matter if I am on birth control?
No, Dr. Mitchell can determine what your hormone needs are even if you are on birth control. Pellets do not serve as a method of contraception and premenopausal women need to remain on birth control to avoid pregnancy.
What, if any, are the side effects?
The majority of side effects are temporary and typically only happens on the first dose. All are very treatable.
Men may experience mild fluid retention, acne or more hair growth as well could occur. Women may experience fluid retention, especially in hot months, or some temporary swelling. This is temporary and Dr. Mitchell may call in a mild water retention pill if needed.
What if I’m already on HRT like creams, patches, pills?
This is an easy transition. Dr. Mitchell will be able to determine your needs even though you may be currently taking these other forms of HRT.
What if I have had breast cancer?
Breast cancer survivors and patients with a family history of breast cancer may still be candidates. You should schedule a consultation with Dr. Mitchell to determine this.
How often will I need pellets?
For women: usually every 3-5 months.
For men: usually every 4-6 months.
Why are pellets better than creams, patches, shots or pills?
They 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.
Where do the pellets go?
Because they are pure hormone without fillers or synthetic ingredients, they completely dissolve.
How long will it take for my body to become leaner utilizing pellets?
That depends on your age, activity level and how much you exercise. Testosterone decreases fat and increases muscle and lean body mass. Testosterone also increases your natural growth hormone production, thereby improving your stamina and increasing muscle mass.
Are there any side effects and/or complications?
All side effects are temporary and treatable and occur less than 2% of the time, when pelleted correctly.
How long will it take for the pellets to get into my system and work?
It depends on your individual health, usually 72 hours. Optimal effect occurs three weeks after insertion
I have no libido – will this help?
Yes, optimal hormone balance will greatly improve your libido. The addition of testosterone in pellet form can change everything for the better!
Specifically for Women
I get horrible headaches – will they help me?
Yes! We have had great success, especially with women who have menstrual migraines, and new migraines that appear after age 35.
Do I need to take other medication?
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. It also keeps us looking young and healthy.
Why do I need testosterone?
Testosterone is the third female hormone and is as essential as estrogen and progesterone. Women need testosterone to keep thought process quick and libido healthy. It improves bone density, muscle mass, strength and prevents some types of depression. It is also the 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 testosterone pellets, but normally no more than when you were in your thirties. Any unwanted hair growth can, of course, be easily treated by Dr. Mitchell.
Specifically for Men
Does testosterone cause prostate cancer?
No. Metabolites of testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone and estrone cause prostate enlargement and contribute to prostate cancer. Estrone increases and testosterone decreases as men age and gain belly fat. Testosterone pellets are the only replacement that reverses that trend.
What if I have prostate enlargement already?
Testosterone pellets will make it better, if you do not convert it to DHT. If you do, we will treat that if it happens.
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 permanent and the testicle retains its ability to produce testosterone.