Key Takeaways:
- With a large aging population, the number of U.S. men experiencing sexual health-related symptoms due to low testosterone has increased significantly over the past decade.
- While many men know that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate symptoms caused by low testosterone, many do not understand what hormone pellets for men are.
- With long-term HRT experience, the physicians at Dr. Brzezinski’s clinic in Naples, Florida, believe that hormone pellet therapy is the most effective form of HRT.
- In this blog post, they detail what hormone pellets for men are and answer other HRT-related questions they frequently hear from their Naples-area patients.
The peak of the Baby Boomer generation has reached the ages of 60-64, and its 10 million-plus members represent the largest cohort in this age group in American history. Thus, the number of older men experiencing symptoms connected to natural declines in their testosterone levels is likely at an all-time high.
Dr. Diane Brzezinski D.O., Dr. Michael Hellman, D.O., and Kelly Fennemore, MSN, ARNP, certainly believe this is the case, as the number of their Naples, Florida-area male patients who report testosterone-deficiency symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), fatigue, depression, and muscle mass loss has climbed dramatically in recent years. “Most men in their 60s who come to our practice understand that their symptoms are caused by aging and the natural testosterone declines that come with it,” says Dr. B. “However, they tend to be more savvy about the issue than previous generations, as many know that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may ease their symptoms and help them feel more like their younger selves,” she adds.
“While many of our patients know that HRT can help alleviate ED and restore their libidos, they still have a lot of questions,” continues Dr. Hellman. “For example, they know what HRT is, but they might be confused about exactly what hormone pellets for men are.”
With this in mind, the doctors think it’s the perfect time to use this blog to answer that question and address related questions their Naples-area patients ask about hormone pellets for men. Please read on!
What Are Hormone Replacement Pellets for Men?
Hormone pellets for men are a form of HRT that helps restore testosterone levels with a rice-sized pellet containing the hormone inserted under the skin. These pellets slowly dissolve over time to release a steady dose of testosterone directly into the bloodstream, which your body can absorb as needed. Your doctor determines testosterone composition within the pellets for proper dosing through extensive blood work, a medical evaluation, and absorption rate calculations. Going forward, your doctor will periodically conduct blood tests to assess testosterone levels and adjust future pellet dosing to achieve and maintain hormone level targets.
Why Do Testosterone Levels Decrease in Men?
Most men start experiencing gradual declines in their testosterone levels in their 30s or early 40s at a rate of up to 1% per year. By the time they reach their 60s, the lowered testosterone levels start having a physiological effect as marked by decreased energy, reduced sex drive, sexual function impairments, and other symptoms, in what the medical field terms “andropause.”
Some younger men experience more pronounced decreases in their testosterone levels, causing the onset of the related symptoms earlier, a condition known as “hypogonadism.” Health conditions like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases can cause hypogonadism, as can lifestyle factors like a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet. Controlling related health conditions and making positive lifestyle changes can help restore testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism, though it isn’t always effective. In such cases, hormone pellets for men may prove to be a viable option.
What Benefits Can be Gained by Taking Hormone Pellets?
Most men who undergo hormone pellet therapy for men start noticing an increase in their energy levels and reduced fatigue within the first few weeks after implantation. Over time, as testosterone levels continue to stabilize, most men experience continued relief of their low testosterone symptoms, including:
- A boost in the sex drive, enhanced sexual performance, and a reduction of ED episodes.
- Decrease in depression and irritability.
- Enhanced mental clarity.
- Improved ability to build and maintain muscle mass.
- Greater ease in controlling weight gain.
How Do Hormone Pellets Compare to Other HRT Therapies?
Dr. B and Dr. Hellman believe that hormone pellets for men represent the most effective HRT therapy because of their ability to deliver a consistent amount of testosterone into the bloodstream 24/7. Other therapies that rely on injections, creams, or pills cannot do this, and the variable daily hormone levels they produce in the blood can cause roller coaster shifts in energy levels and mood.
How Can I Find Out Whether Hormone Pellets Are Right For Me?
If you’re experiencing potential testosterone deficiency symptoms, as evidenced by fatigue, reduced sex drive, ED, and related issues in the Naples, Florida area, Dr. B and Dr. Hellman can help you determine whether hormone pellets are the right option for you. They can determine your current testosterone levels with extensive blood work and, based on an overall health assessment, decide whether or not you could benefit from hormone pellets for men. As holistic medical practitioners, the physicians will also determine whether you should consider lifestyle changes or need other medical interventions. In addition to treating specific symptoms, the physicians strive to optimize overall health.
To learn more about hormone pellet therapy for men in Naples, contact Dr. B’s clinic at (239) 261-9990.
Additional FAQs: What Are Hormone Pellets for Men?
Q: Where in the body are the hormone pellets inserted?
A: Your physician will implant the pellets under the skin of the hip or buttocks area in a quick in-office procedure that uses local anesthesia.
Q: Are there other benefits to taking hormone pellets for men?
A: Researchers believe that restoring testosterone levels with hormone pellets may help alleviate conditions related to metabolic syndrome, including abnormal heart conditions, stroke, and elevated blood sugar. It may also help alleviate thyroid disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Additionally, the testosterone boost from hormone pellets seems to make it easier for men to build and maintain muscle mass.
Q: How quickly do hormone pellets for men work their magic?
A: The timing of hormone pellet effectiveness depends in part on the patient’s baseline testosterone levels, as well as on other factors such as daily physical activities and stress levels. In general, most men notice initial improvements in symptoms within three to six weeks of pellet insertion. As testosterone levels continue to improve, symptoms further ease, and by four to six months, most men report significantly better energy levels, lower depression, and enhanced libido and sexual function.
Q: Do hormone pellets for men carry any health risks?
A: Dr. B and Dr. Hellman conduct a thorough physical examination and assessment to minimize health risks and ensure the delivery of proper hormone levels. HRT side effects include acne and fluid retention, and the therapy does increase the risk of prostate cancer, sleep apnea, and infertility, which the physicians discuss with their patients in detail.
Q: How long do hormone pellets for men last before needing replacement?
A: Because baseline hormone levels and absorption rates vary among men, a pellet’s duration differs between them. In general, hormone pellets for men can last up to three to six months.
