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Women’s Hormone Therapy: All About Pellets

Ladies, Ladies, Let’s Talk HRT pellets.

With hormone balancing, cortisol face, estrogen dominance, and women’s TRT all over social media, many women are dipping a toe into the ocean of hormone replacement therapy options for women. And, as a result, many women are wondering the same thing: What are “pellets”? How do they work? And do you really put them under your skin?

Today, we’re jumping in and demystifying these tiny tic-tac-sized HRT assistants, so you have a better idea of what to ask for at your endocrinologist appointment.

What are pellets?

Pellets are small, pill-like bits/disks made of bioidentical hormones (hormones chemically identical to the ones your body makes). They are inserted beneath your skin, usually in the hip or glute area, where they will slowly dissolve and release hormones into your bloodstream for months.

This makes them a popular option in women’s HRT, especially when women start menopause or when their bodies are low on estrogen and testosterone.

What are the benefits of pellets?

Unlike pills or creams, pellets work slowly, over the course of weeks or even months. That means instead of taking a pill every day, an injection every week, or worrying that you forgot or missed a dose, the pellets work quietly under your skin for months. Just insert and forget.

Because of this slow-release method, many women have noticed more stable moods, better sleep, increased libido, and improved sleep. If you’ve ever felt like your hormones are riding a rollercoaster, pellets can make things feel smoother for longer.

What happens at a pellet appointment?

The average pellet appointment has a pretty familiar cadence and structure.

Your doctor evaluates your hormone levels and determines your dosage

The area of insertion is numbed with anesthesia

A small incision is made in your glutes

The pellets are inserted under the skin

Over time, they dissolve, and the pellets release hormones into your bloodstream.

In 2-4 weeks, you’ll feel the beginnings of positive effects. In 6-8 weeks, you’ll feel the full effect.

The beauty of it all is that you don’t have to think about it daily. No cream, pills, or gels. Just a small incision and you’re good to go!

Are pellets uncomfortable?

One of the most popular questions that comes up is: Are pellets comfortable?

As mentioned above, the insertion process is done with anesthesia, unlike most tattoos, piercings, or Botox injections. Most women describe it as a feeling of pressure rather than pain. Afterward, it’s common for patients to report feeling a bit sore. Many also report bruising around the injection site after the first few days, which is normal. After that, most women report forgetting them altogether until their pellet replacement appointment.

Symptoms Pellets Help With:

Hormone pellets are known for being effective for raising sex drive, but they can help with several other symptoms of hormone imbalance, including:

Low energy

Mood swings

Brain fog

Weight changes

Low libido

Hot flashes

Sleep Disruption

Basically, if you feel any of these symptoms, you may want to consider contacting your endocrinologist or a reputable clinic that specializes in provider-led hormone care.

What other types of women’s HRT options are there?

Pills: Easy to take, fast acting, but may cause hormone spikes if not monitored by a provider.

Patches: Easy to put on and take off, though adhesives can be irritating for people with sensory issues.

Creams/Gels: Applied daily, usually on the lower body. Watch for transferrence!

Injections: Fast and effective (we love our TRT for women!) Appointments or injections are needed weekly.

Pellets: Low maintenance, steady release, great for people known for forgetting their keys, or their wallets, or their lunch kits, or that hair appointment…

Side Effects of Pellets in HRT

While pellets are a very popular HRT option, they, like most forms of HRT, do sometimes cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects pellet users experience are:

Acne or oily skin

Mood swings (especially in the first months)

Hair growth in unwanted areas (though DHT blockers can help with or even prevent this)

Tender breasts

Bloating

Headaches

All these side effects are mild and temporary, but with an attentive provider and regular hormone testing, many of these can be prevented or outright avoided.

How Long Do Pellets Last?

Pellets typically last 3-5 months, though this might vary depending on a person’s metabolism. It’s time for a new implantation when the hormones inevitably run out. While some women make appointments regularly, others wait until their symptoms start to recur to return for their next pellet insertion.

Who Should Consider Pellets?

Pellets may be a good choice if you:

Crave steady, balanced hormone levels

Aren’t the best at remembering daily pills or messy creams

Are navigating menopause or low hormones

Want better energy, mood, libido, and sleep

Have tried other hormone options without the results you wanted

Final Thoughts

Though they might sound strange as a concept at first, hormone pellets are a simple, low-maintenance way to support hormone balance and help you feel more like you again. They aren’t a magic cure, but can make a real difference in energy, mood, sleep, and quality of life.

Thinking about trying hormone therapy for yourself? From January 2026 until March 31, 2026 at SynergenX, HerKare, and Low T Center, new patients can get a full-panel hormone evaluation (over 67 biomarkers!), an Autonomic Nervous System test to measure stress, an InBody body composition scan (coming soon to all locations!) and a detailed consultation with a provider for only $99 out of pocket, or just the price of your copay for insurance patients. So if you’re considering pellets, or any other form of hormone replacement therapy, book your appointment today and see what SynergenX, HerKare or Low T Center can do for you!

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