What Might Occur After A Pellet Insertion
A significant hormonal transition will occur in the first four weeks after the insertion of your hormone pellets. Therefore, certain changes might develop that can be bothersome.
Keep reading to know what to expect and what you should do if it happens to you.
Common Side-Effects & Solutions
FLUID RETENTION: Testosterone stimulates the muscle to grow and retain water, which may result in a weight change of two to five pounds. This is only temporary. This happens frequently with the first insertion, especially during hot, humid weather conditions.
SWELLING OF THE HANDS & FEET: This is common in hot and humid weather. It may be treated by drinking lots of water, reducing your salt intake, taking cider vinegar capsules daily, (found at most health and food stores), or by taking a mild diuretic, which the office can prescribe.
UTERINE SPOTTING/BLEEDING: This may occur in the first few months after an insertion, especially if you have been prescribed progesterone and are not taking it properly: i.e. missing doses, or not taking a high enough dose. Please notify the office if this occurs. Bleeding is not necessarily an indication of a significant uterine problem. More than likely, the uterus may be releasing tissue that needs to be eliminated. This tissue may have already been present in your uterus before getting pellets and is being released in response to the increase in hormones.
MOOD SWINGS/IRRITABILITY: These may occur if you are quite deficient in hormones. They will disappear when enough hormones are in your system. 5HTP can be helpful for this temporary symptom and can be purchased at many health food stores.
FACIAL BREAKOUT: Some pimples may arise if the body is very deficient in testosterone. This lasts a short period and can be handled with a good skincare routine. If these solutions do not help, please call the office for suggestions and possibly prescriptions.
HAIR LOSS: This is rare and usually occurs in patients who convert testosterone to DHT. Dosage adjustment generally reduces or eliminates the problem. Prescription medications may be necessary in rare cases.
HAIR GROWTH: Testosterone may stimulate some growth of hair on your chin, chest, nipples, and/or lower abdomen. This tends to be hereditary. You may also have to shave your legs and arms more often. Dosage adjustment generally reduces or eliminates the problem.
Reminders
1
Follow-Up Bloodwork
If this is your first round, remember to go for your post‐insertion blood work 4-5 weeks after the insertion.
2
Stay Balanced
Most women will need re‐insertions of their pellets 3‐4 months after their initial insertion. Most men will need re-insertion of their pellets 5-6 months after their initial insertion.
