What to expect after a pellet insertion:
A significant hormonal transition will occur in the first four weeks after the insertion of your hormone pellets. Therefore, certain changes might develop that can be bothersome.
FLUID RETENTION: Testosterone stimulates the muscles to grow and retain water, which may result in a weight change of two to five pounds. This is only temporary. This happens frequently with the first insertion, especially during hot, humid weather conditions.
SWELLING OF THE HANDS & FEET: This is common in hot and humid weather. It may be treated by drinking lots of water, reducing your salt intake, taking cider vinegar capsules daily (found at most health and food stores), or by taking a mild diuretic.
UTERINE SPOTTING/BLEEDING: If you are receiving estrogen and you have a uterus, you MUST take oral progesterone daily and not miss any doses. If you miss even one dose you may begin to bleed. If bleeding occurs, double your dosage of progesterone for a minimum of 14 days or continue until the bleeding ends. Bleeding is not necessarily an indication of a significant uterine problem. More than likely, the uterus may be releasing tissue that needs to be eliminated. This tissue may have already been present in your uterus prior to getting pellets and is being released in response to the increase of hormones.
MOOD SWINGS/IRRITABILITY: These may occur if you were quite deficient in hormones. They will disappear when enough hormones are in your system.
FACIAL BREAKOUT: Some pimples may arise if the body is very deficient in testosterone. This last a short period of time and can be handled with a good face cleansing routine, astringents, and toner. If these solutions do not help, please call the office for suggestions on our line of medical-grade skincare.
HAIR LOSS: This is rare and usually occurs in patients who convert testosterone to DHT. Dosage adjustment generally reduces or eliminates the problem. We offer medical-grade supplements that can support the hair follicle and help prevent hair loss.
HAIR GROWTH: Testosterone may stimulate some growth of hair on your chin, chest, nipples, and/or lower abdomen. This tends to be hereditary. You may also have to shave your legs and arms more often. A dosage adjustment generally reduces or eliminates the problem.
Possible Symptoms:
Your insertion site has been covered with two layers of bandages. Remove the outer pressure bandage any time after 3 to 4 hours. You may replace it with a bandage to catch any anesthetic that may ooze out. The inner layer is either waterproof foam tape or steri-strips, they should not be removed before 2 days.
We recommend putting an ice pack on the insertion area a couple of times for about 20 minutes each time over the next 4 to 5 hours.
Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 2 days. You may shower but do not scrub the site until the incision is well healed (about 7 days).
No major exercises for the incision are for the next 4 days, this includes running, riding a horse, etc.
The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1 to 3 days. The insertion may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 weeks. If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief, 50mg. orally every 6 hours. Caution this can cause drowsiness!
You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks.
You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer bandage. This is normal. If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5 minutes. Please call if you have any bleeding (not oozing) or pus coming out of the insertion site that is not relieved by pressure.
Aftercare instructions
Remember to go for your post-insertion blood work 6 weeks after the insertion.
Most women will need re-insertions of their pellets 3 to 4 months after their initial insertion.
DO NOT GO TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST FOR ANY ACNE ISSUES! Testosterone pellets and acne are not treated with antibiotics. Dr. Gardner and her staff have all your acne treatment options available here at Fusion, including medical skin care lines. These cost-effective treatments will help clear your acne as well as prevent fine lines and wrinkles.