Hormone Optimization Timeline
Everyone’s journey is unique. However, this is what you an expect to see over the next year.
1. Initial Blood Draw
You will come to the office and we will draw your blood for the lab. Fasting is not required. On this very first visit, we will assess your symptoms. After a few days, we will get the lab results back and will reach out to you for a consultation. During the consultation, we will discuss lab results, goals, benefits and risks, dosing, and plans for actual pelleting. It is also possible to schedule the consultation and pelleting on the same date if we have your lab results.
2. Actual Pellet Insertion
On the day of in-office pellet insertion, you will wear something comfortable. There is no need to fast or take pain medication in advance. The whole insertion procedure may take anywhere from 15-45 minutes. Most of our clients tolerate the procedure very well with local anesthesia. After the procedure, after-care instructions will be given. Most people note about a week of sensitivity. From there, you should resume normal physical activity.
3. Insertion Site Healed
Females- you can remove the outer transparent bandage after 3 days. Keep Steri-Strips in place for 5-7 days and they will naturally fall off. You should stop other forms of hormone therapy but be sure you are taking progesterone if we prescribed you. Your insertion site should be healed by 2-3 weeks after getting pellets. Redness swelling or itching should be resolved by now.
Males- you should leave all dressings in place for 7 days. On Day 7, you can remove your outer and inner bandages (Steri-Strips) and return to regular exercise. On Day 7, you can now stop any other forms of testosterone therapy. Your insertion site should be healed by 2-3 weeks after getting pellets. Redness swelling or itching should be resolved by now.
4. Follow-up Labs
After 4-6 weeks, you will visit our office again for another blood draw. This is an important step because we want to know how your body reacts to the pellets. There is no charge for this visit.
5. Symptom Improvement
About 4 weeks after the insertion, you will see gradual improvement of your symptoms. If you are not experiencing improvement just yet, remember, pellets can be activated by physical activity, such as walking and yoga. So get moving!
6. Time for Next Round
The 2nd pelleting is crucial in helping to maintain symptom relief and optimal hormone levels. Many patients report feeling the most benefits following their 2nd or even 3rd round of pellets.
For males- every 4-6 months
For females- every 3-4 months
