Hormone pellets are small implants placed under the skin by healthcare professionals to gradually release hormones. These pellets typically contain bioidentical hormones, similar to those naturally produced by the body. While designed to dissolve over three to six months, they can be medically removed if needed.
Reasons for Removal
Individuals might consider having hormone pellets removed for various reasons. Unwanted side effects are a common concern, including mood swings, acne, hair growth changes, breast tenderness, or weight fluctuations. These can occur if the dosage is too high or the body reacts unexpectedly.
Dosage adjustments are another reason for removal. Since pellets release a steady amount, modifying the dosage after implantation is difficult if current levels are no longer appropriate. Some individuals also choose to discontinue therapy due to lifestyle changes, personal preference, or once treatment goals are met.
A new medical condition, such as certain cancers or blood clotting disorders, may necessitate removal. Though rare, complications at the insertion site like infection, pain, or pellet extrusion (where the pellet works its way out of the skin) can also lead to removal. These decisions are always made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
How Pellets Are Removed
The removal of hormone pellets is a minor medical procedure, typically conducted in an outpatient setting. Before the procedure, a healthcare provider discusses the patient’s medical history, benefits, and risks. The pellet’s location, often the hip or buttocks, is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic for comfort.
A small incision, usually a few millimeters, is made at or near the original insertion site. Specialized instruments, such as forceps, are used to locate and extract the pellet from beneath the skin. The procedure is generally quick, often taking only a few minutes.
After removal, the incision is typically closed with Steri-Strips, a single suture, or both, and covered with a dressing. Discomfort is usually minimal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. This procedure must only be performed by a trained medical professional; attempting removal at home can lead to serious complications like infection or tissue damage.
Life After Pellet Removal
Following hormone pellet removal, proper post-procedure care is important for healing. Keep the incision site clean and dry for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and activities that strain the area for 3 to 7 days to prevent bruising or infection. Showering is usually permitted after 24 hours, but avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for 5 to 7 days.
Incision site healing usually occurs within a few days to a week, though mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness may persist for up to two or three weeks. Monitor the site for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge, and contact your provider if these occur.
Hormone levels will gradually decrease after removal as the body metabolizes remaining hormones. This decline can lead to a return of original symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, or low libido. Symptoms may reappear over several weeks to months as the previous pellet’s effects wear off. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor levels, manage symptoms, and discuss alternative therapies if continued hormone support is desired.