Hormone Replacement Therapy:
Why the Delivery Method Matters
Written by: Jessica Christiansen
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be life-changing for many women experiencing symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalance. When prescribed appropriately, HRT may improve quality of life, energy, sleep, sexual health, bone health, and overall well-being. However, not all hormone replacement therapies are created equal.
One area that deserves careful consideration is the use of testosterone pellets in women. While testosterone therapy may be appropriate for select women when carefully monitored, pellets can make dose adjustments difficult because they continue releasing hormone for several months after insertion.
Recently, a colleague of mine who owns several med spas in California shared her own personal experience. Although her practice offers BioTE® pellets, she contacted me after her testosterone level exceeded 240 ng/dL while on what was intended to be a low-dose pellet regimen. This experience highlights an important concern: once a pellet has been implanted, it cannot simply be removed to stop hormone exposure, and hormone levels may remain elevated until the pellet naturally dissolves.
Excessively high testosterone levels in women may increase the risk of unwanted side effects, including:
- Acne and oily skin
- Increased facial or body hair growth
- Scalp hair thinning
- Mood changes
- Menstrual irregularities (when applicable)
- Clitoral enlargement
- Deepening of the voice
Importantly, deepening of the voice and clitoral enlargement may be irreversible, even after testosterone levels return to normal.
At Vigeo Care Center & Aesthetics, we believe hormone therapy should be personalized, evidence-based, and carefully monitored. For this reason, we primarily utilize topical preparations and injectable therapies, which allow dosing to be adjusted quickly based on laboratory results, symptoms, and each patient’s clinical response. If a dose needs to be increased or decreased, changes can be made promptly rather than waiting months for a pellet to wear off.
Our approach follows current evidence and established clinical guidelines. We remain committed to continuing education and have received advanced training in hormone optimization from nationally recognized experts while regularly participating in medical conferences and reviewing the latest clinical literature.
Hormone therapy is never one-size-fits-all. The safest and most effective treatment is one that is individualized, closely monitored, and designed with your long-term health in mind.
At Vigeo Care Center & Aesthetics, our goal is not simply to replace hormones—it is to optimize your health safely, responsibly, and with the highest standard of medical care.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or want to learn whether hormone therapy is right for you, our experienced medical team is here to help. Call us today at (224) 241-8427 to schedule your personalized consultation and take the first step toward feeling your best.