Testosterone injections have provided significant relief for men and women struggling with hormonal imbalances. However, the injections do have some drawbacks. An alternative is available – testosterone pellets – that addresses many of these drawbacks by metering out the rate of absorption over time.
There are several things to consider when looking at testosterone injections vs pellets. With a more comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences, you can feel comfortable recommending the right options to your patients.
Both men and women can experience significant adverse effects when struggling with imbalanced hormones. While some of the symptoms can be similar for both, often they are quite different.
For men, hormonal imbalances can result in the following symptoms:
For women, hormonal imbalances can result in the following symptoms:
The importance of hormonal balance in men and women is significant. At various stages of life, specific hormonal balances contribute to physical growth and proper development. Imbalances can make it more difficult to navigate the challenges of life, both physical and mental.
Whatever the reason for hormonal imbalances – including aging, lifestyle, or genetics – hormone replacement therapycan often help. The right therapy can rebalance hormones and reduce or eliminate many of the symptoms of imbalance.
Testosterone pellets and injections can be used to treathormonal imbalances in women and men. Treatment for women typically involves a lower dose of testosterone, while men typically require a higher dose.
When it comes to considering TRT pellets vs injections, it can be helpful to identify the way they differ in key factors like hormone release, dosing frequency, treatment duration, and side effects.
Testosterone pellets release a low level of testosterone over an extended period, usually around three months. The hormone is gradually released from the pellets into the body to maintain a steady level of testosterone.
Pellets typically need to be replaced every three months, or four times a year. The patient must visit the clinic for the insertion of pellets.
Thetestosterone in pellets is designed to release steadily over three months. Once the pellets are inserted, the medical provider must wait until they are completely absorbed before administering more testosterone.
Becauseinserting the pellets requires a minor surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with the process that are typical with any surgery. The incision is small, but it can still become inflamed and infection can occur. Otherside effects can include discomfort at the incision site, scar tissue can develop, and pellet extrusion can result from the development of scar tissue.
It’s also important to followpost pellet insertion instructions to avoid potential side effects, including avoiding vigorous activity for two days following the procedure.
Testosterone shots can quickly raise the level of testosterone in the body. The hormones released can achieve the desired outcome quickly, like helping toreduce fatigue in men, but levels go back down within a week or two.
It’s necessary to keep administering injections every week or two. Long-acting injections require an initial series more frequently then require an injection every 10 weeks afterward.
Elevated testosterone from injections usually lasts a week or two. After around 7 days, it’s possible to adjust the dosage with the following injections.
It’s common to experience pain at the injection site and inflammation. In rare instances, pulmonary oil microembolism or anaphylaxis can occur.
What are the determining factors for patients when comparing testosterone pellets to injections? For many, it’s a question of consistency, convenience, and cost.
Patients want relief from the negative symptoms of low testosterone, relief that both testosterone injections and pellets offer in different ways. But pellets and injections differ in how testosterone levels are maintained in the body, how often they need to be administered, and how much they cost.
Patients who are experiencing significant adverse symptoms of low testosterone are often very excited to feel “better” as soon as their hormone levels are balanced. While this happens more quickly with injections, the short action of the injections often leads to a cyclic up-and-down experience for patients. When the injection starts to wear off, negative low T symptoms can develop rapidly and be unpleasant.
Pellets do a lot to eliminate the up-and-down experience for the patient. It does take a little more time for the first pellets to level out their hormone levels, but those levels stay more consistent over time. That consistency is one of the biggest appeals of TRT pellets vs injections.
Pellets are certainly the more convenient option. Instead of having to visit the clinic twice a month – or give themselves an injection every few weeks – they only have to go to the clinic every three months. The difference between visiting the clinic 26 times a year and four times a year is significant. Anyone who wants to save time and hassle is likely to find pellets a more attractive treatment option.
Actual costs for testosterone pellets and testosterone injections vary, but generally the cost of pellets is going to be higher than injections. Pellets can cost more than double what injections cost. For price-sensitive patients, injections are often going to be more appealing even if the experience they offer is not as ideal for the patient’s needs.
Many patients with low testosterone are excited by the opportunity to get relief from their symptoms. Some will already have a clear idea of what kind of treatment they want, while others will look for guidance from their doctor.
Choosing the best treatment option requires understanding the patient’s needs and preferences. If they want a more consistent level of testosterone and fewer visits to the clinic, pellets are going to be the obvious answer. But if they are new to hormone replacement therapy and unsure of whether it will help, a short-acting treatment like injections might be more appealing to them.
At Trocar Supplies, we offer high-quality trocar kits to help medical providers provide optimal hormone treatments. With over 40 types of kits available, we deliver the most efficient method and safest product for hormonal replacement therapy available.
View ourproduct catalog orcontact our team for more information on all of our trocar kits.
