Steady Delivery Without Daily Dosing
Pellets release hormones gradually over months, so there are no daily pills or patch changes to remember.
Hormone Therapy
BioTE Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Therapy at Preferred Gynecology in Houston
Dr. Olga Swanson is a Biote Certified Provider. Learn how BioTE pellet therapy works for menopause and hormone imbalance, and how it compares with pills and patches.
Request an Appointment →What to Expect
- ✓Bioidentical hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones your body makes
- ✓Pellets placed under the skin in a simple in-office procedure dissolve slowly over time
- ✓Pellets typically need to be replaced every three to five months, depending on the patient
- ✓Dosing is guided by your symptoms, goals and blood work
- ✓Dr. Olga Swanson, MD, FACOG, is a Biote Certified Provider and a certified Menopause Practitioner with The Menopause Society
- ✓Ongoing reassessment over time rather than one-size-fits-all hormone care
Biote Certified Provider
Dr. Olga Swanson, MD, FACOG
In-Office Insertion
Pellets placed under the skin during a short office visit
Three to Five Months
Typical interval between pellet insertions, depending on the patient
Lab-Guided Dosing
Blood work before treatment and ongoing reassessment
Benefits & Outcomes
Personalized to Your Labs and Symptoms
Treatment begins with a discussion of symptoms and goals, followed by blood work to evaluate current hormone levels. Your provider reviews the results with you and builds a plan.
Simple In-Office Procedure
Pellets are inserted under the skin during a short office visit. Most patients return to normal activity afterward, with heavy exercise avoided for a few days.
Realistic Expectations
Some patients feel improvement after the first pellet insertion, while others may need more than one round to reach their desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BioTE pellets and oral or patch hormone therapy?▾
BioTE pellets are placed under the skin and release hormones gradually over months. Pills and patches require daily dosing or regular application and depend on adherence. Pellets avoid first-pass metabolism in the liver and provide a steadier level between insertions. Which method is right for you depends on your symptoms, history and preferences.
Is the pellet insertion procedure painful?▾
The insertion site is numbed with a local anesthetic, a very small incision is made, usually in the hip area, and the pellet is placed just under the skin. The procedure is brief. You may feel a sting from the anesthetic but typically not the insertion itself. Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for a few days afterward.
How do you determine the right pellet dose for me?▾
Your provider orders blood work to evaluate your current hormone levels and reviews your symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, fatigue, sleep, weight changes and low libido. The dose is selected from those findings and adjusted over time as needed.
Are BioTE pellets covered by insurance?▾
Pellet therapy is often not covered by insurance. We accept most major insurance plans; call the office at (713) 485-4302 to ask what is covered for your plan and about cash-pay pricing for pellet therapy.
How often will I need pellet insertions?▾
Most patients return every three to five months, depending on how quickly the pellets dissolve and how well symptoms respond. Follow-up labs and visits are used to monitor your response and adjust dosing.
What are the common side effects or risks of BioTE pellet therapy?▾
Bruising, mild swelling or, rarely, infection at the insertion site can occur, as can a pellet working its way out. Hormone-related effects such as breast tenderness, bloating, acne or hair growth are typically dose-related and addressed by adjusting the dose. Your full medical history and any contraindications are reviewed before treatment.
Can I switch from oral hormones to BioTE pellets?▾
Yes. If you are already on oral or patch hormone therapy, your provider plans the transition and your baseline labs individually to limit symptom recurrence.
Related Topics
Related Service
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical HRT options, including pellets, creams and oral therapy.
Condition
Menopause Hormone Therapy
Menopause management with physician-guided hormone replacement therapy.
Condition
Menopause Management
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies for menopause.
Ready to Get Started?
Call (713) 485-4302 or send an appointment request, and our office will follow up.
Request an Appointment