Side Effects of Testosterone Pellets in Females: What You Need to Know

Testosterone Pellets for Women: Understanding a Unique Treatment Option for Your Symptoms

Because testosterone pellets aren’t FDA-approved as an HRT treatment for women, they’re not covered by insurance plans. The total expense can range from $600 to $1,800 or more per year, plus additional charges for office visits and bloodwork. These complications are rare when performed by a skilled provider using proper sterile procedures.

Testosterone pellet therapy may be recommended for women experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, particularly during or after menopause. Women with conditions like adrenal fatigue or hormone imbalances may also benefit. It’s important to note that treatment is tailored to individual needs, and therapy should only be initiated after a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider. Thus far, researchers have found that using estrogen and testosterone as a combined supplemental therapy can significantly reduce the severity of endometriosis symptoms. Testosterone has also been identified as a relatively novel treatment for chronic pain in women who have fibromyalgia. When it comes to the effect of testosterone on libido in premenopausal women, results have been mixed.

Be wary of facilities that promote ‘vaginal rejuvenation’ with lasers/MonaLisas and “O shots,” which are unproven injections into the anterior vaginal wall. The Dayton study, a landmark 5-year trial, found that using testosterone pellets alone led how to test testosterone at home [galerieleminotaure.net] over 70% reduction in breast cancer rates compared to standard care. If testosterone cream isn’t fully absorbed by your skin, or your hands aren’t thoroughly washed after applying it, you could unintentionally transfer some onto children or pets.

Testosterone pellets are small, rice-sized implants that are inserted subcutaneously, usually in the hip or buttock area. These pellets slowly release testosterone over several months, providing a steady dose of the hormone. This method is favored for its convenience, as it eliminates the need for daily pills or frequent injections. Such instances highlight the importance of regularly monitoring hormone levels and working with a trained and certified provider who titrates testosterone levels to prevent side effects.

Compounded topical clitoral testosterone can be used for orgasmic disorders as well as vulvodynia, when applied locally to the clitoris or vulva. While some patients initially feel improvement in symptoms with pellet use (because they are being exposed to a high level of sex hormones), the risks are not worth the benefits. Often, patients feel well with pellets initially, but then may notice some side effects of inappropriate hormone dose. For example, excess estrogen can cause abnormal uterine bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding, as well as uterine cancer.

The good news is that the available data don’t show any serious adverse effects from long-term testosterone therapy. From there, the pellets gradually dissolve, releasing testosterone into the bloodstream over time. Some say they can help address a range of issues, from low libido to depression, from anxiety to hair loss. Get Cleveland Clinic’s symptom overview and treatment options for a wide variety of health conditions. The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of testosterone at the androgen receptor are believed to be the driving force behind this remarkable finding.

A great practitioner will be able to test your hormone levels frequently, accurately interpret your results, and determine whether TRT is right for you based on your symptoms as well as your bloodwork. Holly L. Thacker, MD, FACP is nationally known for her leadership in women’s health. Her special interests are menopause and related medical problems including osteoporosis, hormone therapy, breast cancer risk assessment, menstrual disorders, female sexual dysfunction and interdisciplinary women’s health.

Together, you’ll monitor your ongoing symptoms and any side effects you might experience as you work toward finding a healthy balance. Testosterone therapy is not just for men; it can also be beneficial for women, particularly those experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance. Testosterone pellets are a popular method of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women due to their convenience and effectiveness.

Testosterone pellets are small, rice-sized implants inserted under the skin, typically in the hip or buttocks area. These pellets release a steady dose of testosterone into the bloodstream over the course of several months, providing a consistent and controlled delivery of the hormone. This method is favored by many because it eliminates the need for daily pills, creams, or injections. This website is a repository of publicly available information and is not intended to form a physician-patient relationship with any individual. The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Because we lack evidence from full-scale clinical trials, it’s impossible to say whether testosterone pellets are safe for every woman. The only way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for testosterone pellets is to speak with a hormone health practitioner who can review your medical history and explain the risks and side effects. Testosterone isn’t just a male hormone—it plays a crucial role in women’s health as well.