If you’ve ever wondered if men go through something like menopause, the answer is layered. Men do not experience the same type of symptoms as women do. However, andropause is the term used for when their testosterone levels drop as they age. Andropause transpires around their late 30s or early 40s. During this time, testosterone levels drop around two percent each year. When hormone levels are off, some men opt for hormone therapy. One option is hormone pellet therapy. If you’re curious about what it entails, please read on.

Benefits of Hormone Pellet Therapy for Men

Hormone pellet therapy offers a range of benefits for men dealing with andropause or low testosterone levels:

• Consistency: One of the major advantages is the steady release of testosterone over months, reducing the highs and lows seen with other hormone replacement methods.
• Natural Source: The pellets often use bioidentical hormones, which are derived from natural sources and are chemically similar to the hormones produced by our bodies.
• Convenience: With pellets lasting several months, patients don’t need to remember daily medications or frequent applications.
• Improved Symptoms: Many men report improvement in symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and mood swings after starting pellet therapy.

Signs of Low Testosterone Levels in Men

Before getting into what hormone pellet therapy for men consists of, let’s touch on signs that regulating hormones or replacing hormones like testosterone may be needed:

• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of muscle mass and bone density
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased body fat
• Less body hair
• Fatigue

If any of these are occurring, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor. What they might recommend is some type of therapy for your hormones. Hormone pellet therapy is a popular option.

What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?

Hormone pellet therapy is available to men and women. It’s what happens when hormones, in the form of pellets, are inserted into the body for the purpose of regulating hormones. Oftentimes the pellets are plant-based sources of hormones.

Small pellets that contain the hormones are inserted beneath the skin. They help to provide the body with a steady level of hormones for several months.

Hormone pellet therapy is especially effective because it provides an even dose of hormones on a constant basis. Unlike oral hormone therapy, it avoids big doses. As a result, there are fewer side effects (like erratic mood swings).

What Does Hormone Pellet Therapy for Men Consist Of?

If a doctor determines that your hormones are low, they might suggest hormone pellet therapy. Oftentimes these pellets will contain testosterone.

It’s an outpatient procedure that consists of your doctor implanting 10-12 pellets that will release testosterone into your body. The pellets are usually placed into your hip or in your buttocks. It’s an outpatient procedure that takes about 10 minutes.

The pellets will last for three to six months. After that time, replacement is required.

What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Hormone Pellet Therapy for Men?

Are regulating hormones something that you’re interested in doing? If so, there are a few things you should ask your doctor:

• What are hormone pellets? If they think you need hormone pellet therapy, ask them what kind of hormones you should receive.
• What are the side effects of hormone pellet therapy? Since the dose of hormones are not adjusted once the pellets are inserted, there could be side effects. They include fluid retention, breakouts, frequent urination, increased blood cell production, and sleep issues.
• What should I consider about hormone pellet therapy for men beforehand? The cost of hormone pellet therapy is sometimes more expensive. Since it is a minor surgical procedure, there is a slight risk of infection.

Reputable physicians are prepared to have thorough discussions. Asking these questions can put your mind at ease.

Whether it’s hormone pellet therapy or some other health-related issue, we’re here to help. If you’re in the Birmingham area, give us a call at (205) 995-1009.