Testosterone Therapy is very common in our society, and it is big business. By 2017 "Low T" is projected to reach over $5 Billion. Dr. Rucker has had tremendous success with treating our patients with testosterone therapy. Many of our patients are extremely happy with the results, but some of our patients do not like the inconvenience of having to self-inject themselves every week. What is another viable option? Over the past four months Dr. Rucker has been treating both male and female patients with Testosterone Pellet Therapy.
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| Testosterone Pellet Therapy |
Testosterone Pellets are made up of hormones (i.e. testosterone) that are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a 'Tic Tac'. In the United States, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile packaging.
Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-4 months in women and 4-5 months in men. The pellets do not need to be removed, they completely dissolve on their own. Pellets avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. This is important for optimal health and disease prevention. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone levels begin to decline in men beginning in their early 30's. Most men maintain adequate levels of testosterone into their mid 40's with some into their late 60's. Men should be tested when they begin to show signs of testosterone deficiency. Even men in their 30's can be testosterone deficient and show signs of bone loss, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping, and mental decline. Most men need to be tested around 50 years of age. It is never too late to benefit from hormone therapy. In addition, as men age and their testosterone level declines, estrogen levels may increase.
Men and women need adequate levels of testosterone for optimal mental and physical health, and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, which are associated with low testosterone levels. The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the "love handle" or upper buttock through a small incision, which is then closed with a skin tape. The experience of the health care professional matters a great deal, not only in placing the pellets, but also in determining the correct dosage of hormones to be used. The patient will be monitored and levels will be checked on an ongoing basis to make sure the patient is getting the proper dosage.
Some patients begin to 'feel better' within 24-48 hours while others may take a week or two to notice a difference. Diet and lifestyle, along with hormone balance are critical for optimal health. Stress is a major contributor to hormone imbalance and illness. Side effects and adverse drug events from prescription medications can interfere with beneficial effects of the testosterone implant.
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| Dr. Rucker inserting Testosterone Pellets in a patient |
Why have most patients not hear about Testosterone Pellet Therapy? Pellets are not patented and have not been marketed in the United States for financial reasons. Pellets are frequently used in Europe and Australia where pharmaceutical companies produce pellets. Most of the research on pellets is out of Europe and Australia. Pellets were frequently used in the United States from about 1940 through the late 70's when oral patented estrogens were marketed to the public.
Some insurance companies cover the cost of the pellets, others do not. Each insurance and specific policy benefit is different. We suggest each patient check with their respective insurance company for coverage prior to making an appointment.
Some of the benefits of Testosterone Pellet Therapy:
- Increase in muscle mass, strength, and tone
- Increase in libido
- Increase in energy
- Improved mental function
- Improvement in mood
- Improvement in sleep
- Decreased body fat
- Lowers LDL Cholesterol
- Protection against coronary & heart disease
If you are a male or female and are dealing with testosterone issues and would like an alternative to the hassle of self injecting, call our office at (941) 448-1199. Dr. Rucker and Rucker Integrative Medicine are serving the Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, and surrounding areas. You can also reach us via email at info@ruckerozonedoc.com or visit our website at www.ruckerozonedoc.com
