faqs

Pellet therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) that delivers a steady, consistent dose of hormones directly into your bloodstream. Tiny, custom-compounded pellets—about the size of a grain of rice—are placed just under the skin in a quick, in-office procedure. Made from plant-derived hormones that are identical to those naturally produced by your body, pellets dissolve slowly over time, releasing a stable level of hormones for 3–6 months.

Your Hormone Therapy, Your Way
While pellet therapy is a popular choice for its steady, long-lasting results, it’s not the only option we offer. At SELF Aesthetics & Wellness, we provide all forms of hormone replacement therapy to match your lifestyle and preferences, including:

• Injectables – Fast-acting hormone treatments administered on a set schedule for flexible dosing and quick symptom relief.

• Creams & Gels – Easy-to-apply topical formulas that deliver hormones through the skin for daily use and convenient at-home therapy.

• Oral Capsules – Simple, effective hormone replacement in pill form for those who prefer a familiar daily routine.

Whether you choose pellets, injections, creams, or pills, our team will customize your treatment plan based on your labs, symptoms, and goals—so you can restore balance in the way that works best for you.

Pellet insertion is a quick, in-office procedure that typically takes less than 15 minutes. After reviewing your lab results and customizing your dose, your provider will numb a small area—usually in the upper hip or buttock—with a local anesthetic. Through a tiny incision, the hormone pellets—about the size of a grain of rice—are inserted just beneath the skin using a specialized device. The incision is then closed with a small bandage; no stitches are needed.

You can resume most normal activities right away, but we recommend avoiding vigorous lower-body exercise, swimming, or soaking in baths/hot tubs for a few days to allow the area to heal. Over the next 3–6 months, the pellets will dissolve naturally, releasing a consistent level of hormones into your bloodstream to keep your levels balanced and your symptoms in check.

Most patients describe the process as comfortable, fast, and discreet—and they enjoy months of symptom relief without the daily hassle of creams, pills, or injections.

This is one of the most common questions we hear—and the answer is that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), when prescribed appropriately and monitored regularly, has not been shown to increase the risk of cancer or heart disease in healthy individuals.

Our pellets, injections, creams, and capsules use plant-derived hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces. Research shows that balancing hormones to optimal, healthy levels may actually support cardiovascular health, bone density, and cognitive function, while improving overall quality of life.

That said, hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. We take a thorough health history, conduct lab testing, and monitor you closely throughout treatment. If you have a personal or strong family history of certain cancers, blood clots, or cardiovascular disease, we will work with you to weigh the benefits and risks, and explore safe alternatives if needed.

Your safety is always our top priority, and every treatment plan is tailored to you—with ongoing monitoring to keep your health and wellness front and center.

If you’re curious about your hormone levels but not ready to start treatment, we’ve got you covered. We offer comprehensive hormone testing to give you a clear picture of what’s happening in your body.

With your lab results, you’ll also receive a one-on-one consultation with our nurse practitioner to review your hormone levels in detail. We’ll discuss what your results mean, answer your questions, and outline personalized options to help you feel your best—whether that’s now or in the future.