Hormone Pellet Treatment in Hot Springs
Hormone pellets represent a novel, efficient, and effective way to administer bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Unlike other forms of hormone delivery, pellets are implanted just under the skin in the hip area and deliver a consistent dose of hormones without any further intervention. Pellet treatment can deliver both estrogen and testosterone as needed by the patient’s individual circumstance.
After determining that you are a good candidate for pellet delivered hormone replacement therapy, a time will be scheduled for your procedure. Preparation is minimal, requiring only the cleaning of the implant area (usually the hip) and injection of a local anesthetic to minimize any pain or discomfort.
The pellets are implanted just under the skin using a medical device known as a trocar. These pellets are tiny enough that they should not cause discomfort. Approximately 2 to 3 pellets are implanted and slowly dissolve over time.
The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes and most patients have very little discomfort once the local anesthetic wears off. There is no downtime to speak of and patients can continue with their normal activities as soon as they leave the office.
If you are interested in this option for HRT then please call for a free consultation or use the “Book Now” button below.
Why was there a block box warning on HRT in the past that was recently lifted?
Recently (Nov ’25) the FDA decided to lift/remove the “black box” warning on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women. The FDA's black box warning on HRT was first introduced in 2002, following the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, which raised concerns about the risks associated with hormone therapy. The WHI study suggested the risks of combined estradiol/progestin HRT (increased incidence of breast cancer and heart disease) outweighed any benefits especially in certain age groups of women. For many women, this warning was enough to deter them from considering HRT, despite the severe symptoms of menopause. The rate of women over age 50 who were utilizing HRT went from 25% in 2000 to current levels near 4-5%.
However, recent studies and expert opinions have led to a reevaluation of these risks. According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet, the risks may not be as significant as previously thought, especially for younger women or those within 10 years of menopause onset.
This change in mind set has led to current FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary to recommend the removal of the warning and the advocation of HRT in peri and post-menopausal women. He has written that the current evidence suggests that hormone therapy initiated within a decade of the onset of perimenopause has been associated with numerous long-term health benefits, including reduced vasomotor symptoms, without significantly affecting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among younger postmenopausal women aged 50 to 59 years. By removing the black box warning, the FDA hopes to alleviate unnecessary fears and enable more women to consider HRT as a viable option. It's a decision that aligns with current medical thinking, emphasizing the importance of individualized care.
How do I know if I need hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is primarily recognized for its effectiveness in alleviating common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. For many women, these symptoms can be severe and debilitating, impacting their quality of life. But the vast benefits of HRT should also be evaluated and considered when deciding on the right dose/type of HRT intervention.
Dr. Makary (2025 - current commissioner of the FDA) has been quoted as saying “with the exception of antibiotics and vaccines, there may be no medication in the modern world that can improve the health outcomes of older women on a population level more than replacement hormone therapy.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights that women using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) report significant improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being. This reinforces the notion that HRT can be a powerful tool in enhancing daily life during and after menopause.
Hormone therapy has been associated with a 25% to 50% reduction in fatal cardiovascular events (the leading cause of death in women), a 50% to 60% reduction in bone fractures, a 64% reduction in cognitive decline, and a 35% decreased risk of Alzheimer disease.
While it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, its potential benefits are undeniable when appropriately prescribed. By considering HRT, you might find a path to easier days and more restful nights.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement pellets?
We use only the highest quality bio-identical hormone pellets to ensure safety and efficacy as well as minimizing any negative interaction with the body. These hormones are specially formulated and compounded to ensure the greatest biocompatibility with each patient. Pellet implantation is particularly beneficial because the delivery of hormones is consistent versus injections, etal. that have spikes and troughs of hormone delivery, also with pellets patients do not have to remember to daily routine and only require retreatment every three to four months.
Risks and potential considerations of pellets
Very rarely, an infection can occur at the implantation site. Also, there is the potential for the pellets to be rejected and extruded, meaning that they come out from under the skin. You may be started on a cream or patch to see the appropriate dosage of hormones before the implantation of pellets. Any side effects of hormone replacement therapy will be closely monitored.
The Bottom Line
By combining bio-identical hormone replacement therapy with a delivery method like subcutaneous pellets, we offer the patient the ideal balance between safety, efficacy, and convenience. Call us to learn more about pellets and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and to schedule a consultation to see if it is right for you.
