Female - Pellet - Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Pellet insertion is performed in an office setting through a small incision made under local anesthetic after initial blood test indicates low levels. Another blood panel is ordered four weeks after initial insertion to monitor hormone levels. Pellets last for 3-5 months in female patients. Length between procedures will vary based on the prescribed dosage and blood work. An initial consultation and lab work are needed before you can order the Pellet Therapy.

Female Post Insertion Instructions

• Your insertion site has been covered with two layers of bandages. Remove the outer pressure bandage any time after 24 hours. It must be removed as soon as it gets wet. You may replace it with a bandage to catch any anesthetic that may ooze out.   The inner layer is either waterproof foam tape or steri-strips. Do not remove steri-strips, wait for them to fall off. If the tape or steri-strip comes off you may replace it with a band-aid.
• Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 3 days. You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days).
• No major exercises for the incision area for the next 4 days, this includes running, riding a horse, etc.
• The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1-3 days. This is normal.
• The insertion site may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 weeks. If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief, 50 mg. orally every 6 hours. Caution this can cause drowsiness!
• You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks.
• You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer bandage. This is normal.
• If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5 minutes.
• Please call if you have any bleeding (not oozing) or pus coming out of the insertion site that is not relieved by pressure.

REMINDERS

• New patients - VERY Important!
• Please go for your post-insertion blood work 4 weeks after your initial pellet insertion.
• Please schedule a lab review appointment 5 weeks after your initial pellet insertion so we can review your post-insertion lab results. There is no charge for this office visit.
• On average, females need pellet insertions every 4 months after their initial insertion.
• Please call to make an appointment for a re-insertion as soon as symptoms that were relieved from the pellets start to return. The charge for the second visit will be only for the insertion and not a consultation.