Hormone pellets offer a method for delivering hormones to the body, designed to release therapeutic compounds consistently over time. These small implants, typically about the size of a grain of rice, are custom-compounded and inserted under the skin. Their primary purpose is to help balance hormone levels for various therapeutic reasons.
The Active Hormones
The most common active ingredients found in hormone pellets are bio-identical forms of estradiol and testosterone. These hormones are integrated into the pellet to exert their desired effects within the body. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a hormone that influences reproductive processes and growth in women. Testosterone, while primarily known as a male sex hormone, is also present and important in women. Other hormones such as progesterone, pregnenolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can also be incorporated into pellet formulations, depending on individual patient needs.
The Pellet’s Foundation
Beyond the active hormones, pellets contain inert binding agents that provide their structure and regulate the slow release of the hormones. These non-hormonal components are fundamental to the pellet’s integrity and its function as a sustained-release delivery system. Stearic acid, a biocompatible fatty acid, is a common material used to form the pellet. Some formulations may also use cholesterol as a binder. These inactive ingredients are carefully selected to ensure the pellet remains stable and releases its hormonal content over a period of several months, typically three to six.
Bio-Identical Hormones and Their Origin
The term “bio-identical” signifies that the hormones used in these pellets are chemically identical in molecular structure to those naturally produced by the human body. This chemical match is achieved through laboratory processing, differentiating them from synthetic hormones. These bio-identical hormones are typically derived from plant sources, such as wild yams or soybeans. Compounds like diosgenin from yams or soy isoflavones are extracted from these plants and chemically converted in a laboratory into hormones that mirror the human body’s own.
Ensuring Purity and Consistency
Compounding pharmacies, where hormone pellets are typically prepared, adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the purity and consistency of the final product. These facilities often follow standards set by organizations such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Quality control measures include testing both raw materials and finished products. Some manufacturers of bioidentical pellets work with FDA-registered outsourcing facilities that must comply with stringent quality control standards, including potency testing and sterility checks. This oversight helps ensure that each pellet contains the precise dosage and maintains its quality.