If you’re exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and have come across the term "pellet therapy," you might be wondering: What actually happens during a hormone pellet appointment? At Colorado Beauty RN, we understand that even though the benefits of HRT are exciting—better energy, mood, sleep, libido, and more—it's completely normal to feel a little uncertain about the procedure itself.
We’re here to guide you through it all. Think of us as your trusted partner, helping you feel informed, empowered, and at ease every step of the way. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your hormone pellet appointment—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?
Hormone pellet therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) that uses tiny, custom-compounded pellets to deliver hormones consistently over time. These pellets are made of natural plant-based hormones (typically estrogen or testosterone) that are molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces.
Unlike pills, patches, or creams that fluctuate in absorption, pellets release a steady, time-released dose of hormone into your bloodstream 24/7. That means no hormonal rollercoasters, no daily maintenance, and often—better symptom relief.
Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
Before your pellet appointment, you’ll have a thorough, in-depth consultation with our caring team at Colorado Beauty RN. This isn’t just a quick chat or box-checking exercise—it’s a personalized, thoughtful experience designed to get to the root of how you're feeling and what your body needs.
We begin with a detailed symptom questionnaire that helps paint a full picture of your day-to-day well-being. You’ll share what’s been going on with your energy, sleep, mood, libido, mental clarity, and more. This gives us valuable insight into how hormonal shifts may be affecting you, even if you’re not sure what’s causing what.
Next, we order comprehensive lab work, including testing for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid function, and sometimes cortisol or vitamin levels—depending on your health history. These lab results provide the clinical data we need to understand what’s happening on a biochemical level.
Then comes the heart of the appointment: one-on-one time with a licensed provider. Together, we review your lab results, connect them to your symptoms, and walk you through what it all means. You’ll have time to ask questions, share your concerns, and be truly heard.
If pellet therapy is the right fit for you, we’ll go over exactly how it works, what you can expect, and we’ll design a customized dosing plan based on your lab results, metabolism, and goals. Every treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs—because your body is unique, and your care should be too.
Step 2: The Day of Your Appointment
Once your labs are back and your personalized plan is ready, it’s time for your pellet appointment. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the actual pellet insertion is surprisingly quick and easy.
Here’s how it works:
1. You Get Comfortable
You’ll be asked to lie comfortably on your stomach or side so we can access your upper gluteal area (the upper buttock). This is where the pellet will be inserted—and no, it doesn’t go into the muscle! It’s placed just under the skin.
2. We Numb the Area
To keep you comfortable, we start with a small injection of local anesthetic to numb the area. Most clients say this feels like a quick pinch and mild pressure—very tolerable.
3. The Pellet Is Inserted
Once the area is numb, your provider makes a tiny incision (about the size of a grain of rice) and inserts the hormone pellet(s) using a sterile, specialized tool. The pellet is placed in the subcutaneous fat layer so it can dissolve slowly and steadily over the next several months.
4. We Apply a Sterile Dressing
After insertion, we apply a steri-strip or bandage to keep the area clean while it heals. You won’t need stitches. The incision is so small that it closes on its own in just a few days.
And just like that, you’re done!
Step 3: Aftercare and What to Expect Post-Procedure
After your pellet is placed, we’ll provide you with clear, detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure the insertion site heals properly and your body adapts to the hormone therapy smoothly.
For the First 24–72 Hours:
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Avoid strenuous workouts, hot tubs, saunas, or baths that could disrupt or irritate the site. Keep things gentle.
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Keep the bandage dry and intact to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid swimming or soaking.
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Stick to walking or light activity and avoid heavy lifting, squats, or exercises that put pressure on the glutes.
You may feel a bit sore or tender at the site—similar to muscle soreness or a minor bruise. This is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Most clients return to work or daily activities right away, with minimal disruption.
Over the First 7–14 Days:
As your body begins absorbing the hormones, you might start to feel subtle but noticeable shifts:
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A more stable mood or reduced irritability
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Improvements in sleep quality or less nighttime waking
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A clearer mind with less brain fog or mental fatigue
Everyone’s timeline is different, but most people begin to feel the full therapeutic effects within 2–4 weeks. Because hormone levels are rising gradually and consistently, these benefits often build subtly and become more pronounced over time.
During this adjustment period, we encourage you to check in with how you’re feeling and jot down any changes. You’ll have follow-up visits with our team to monitor your progress, reassess labs if needed, and ensure your therapy is working optimally. We’re here to support you every step of the way—so you never feel like you’re navigating this journey alone.
How Long Do the Results Last?
One of the best parts of pellet therapy is its longevity and low-maintenance nature. Once your pellet is placed, you can go about your life without having to remember daily pills, apply messy creams, or swap out patches. The time-released hormones are delivered gradually and consistently into your bloodstream, providing steady symptom relief for months at a time.
How long your pellet lasts depends on a few individual factors, including your age, activity level, metabolism, and unique hormone needs:
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Women’s pellets typically last 3–4 months
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Men’s pellets may last 4–6 months
Because everyone’s body metabolizes the hormone at a slightly different pace, we schedule follow-up lab testing and a symptom check before your next treatment. This helps us determine when your current pellet is wearing off and allows us to fine-tune your next dose if needed. Our goal is to keep you feeling balanced—not experiencing the dramatic dips and surges that can happen with other HRT methods.
As you go through a few treatment cycles, your body will likely settle into a rhythm. Many clients appreciate knowing they only need to come in a few times per year to stay on track—and love the freedom and consistency pellet therapy brings to their daily life.
Why Clients Love Pellet Therapy
Our clients love the convenience, consistency, and results they get from pellet therapy. It eliminates the need to remember daily pills, messy creams, or frequent patches. Plus, because it delivers hormones around the clock, it often leads to more stable mood, energy, and libido improvements.
For many, it’s not just about symptom relief—it’s about feeling like themselves again.
Is It Right for You?
Pellet therapy is a great option for both women and men who are experiencing the frustrating and often confusing effects of hormone imbalance. It can be especially beneficial if you’re dealing with:
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Perimenopause or menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood instability, and vaginal dryness
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Low testosterone in men, leading to fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass, or emotional changes
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Fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, and low libido, even if you haven’t officially entered menopause or andropause
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Poor sleep, irritability, or feeling "off," despite making healthy lifestyle choices
If you’ve tried other solutions—whether supplements, lifestyle changes, or even other forms of HRT—but still don’t feel like yourself, pellet therapy may offer the stability and symptom relief you’ve been missing. The consistent delivery of hormones helps prevent the peaks and valleys often experienced with oral or topical therapies.
That said, it’s not a blanket solution. Hormone therapy is a powerful tool, but it needs to be used wisely and with expert guidance. Our team at Colorado Beauty RN will take a comprehensive, personalized approach—evaluating your lab work, listening to your story, and crafting a plan that aligns with your health goals, comfort level, and lifestyle.
And if pellet therapy isn’t the right fit? That’s okay too. We’ll talk through alternative options and make sure you walk away with clarity and a plan that supports your long-term well-being.
You Deserve to Feel Like You Again
Navigating hormone changes can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling a busy life, career, or family. But you don’t have to settle for just pushing through it. With the right support and guidance, you can reclaim your energy, confidence, and clarity.
At Colorado Beauty RN, we’re here to walk with you—every step of the way. Our hormone pellet therapy is safe, precise, and thoughtfully personalized to help you feel your absolute best.
Curious if it’s right for you? Book a consultation today and let’s talk about how hormone balance could change your life.
Colorado Beauty RN — Beauty and balance, from the inside out.