What is the difference between hormones placed by pellets versus creams and gels?
Pellet hormone replacement therapy utilizes a small pellet of hormones that is placed under the skin through a tiny incision in the upper region of the buttocks allowing a steady release of hormone into the blood stream for four to six months. With this type of hormone replacement therapy you get consistent levels throughout the day and the amount of hormone is released in greater amounts when you are exercising to meet the increased demands of your body. Gels and creams are made by compounding pharmacists as are pellets. The difference however is that they must be applied daily and sometimes twice daily to achieve proper levels. Many of my patients have complained that they must wait 15 minutes before getting dressed in order for the gels and creams to be properly absorbed and if they do not wait, the hormone ends up in their clothes rather than their bloodstream. That being said, bioidentical gels and creams are still a viable option for some patients, though the general consensus ha
