Men’s Health & Hormone Therapy

When you schedule a consultation, you will have labs collected by one of our medical assistants or nurses. You will then visit with one of our hormone specialists. This visit will consist of a detailed history and a simple exam to evaluate your needs and identify any risk factors. When lab results have been returned to the office (typically ~1 week), you will be notified to schedule a follow-up appointment & initiate your therapy if indicated. Our practitioners will then review your lab results & provide recommendations specific to your needs.

There are many mediums for HRT but at OHWKC, we opt for the most bioavailable & efficient methods. Our primary means of HRT include injections and pellets & both will be discussed in your consultation. Both injections & pellets have reduced risks compared to oral & synthetic preparations and are typically better absorbed than topical creams. They are also dosed according to your symptoms & lab levels.

Injections are recommended to be given once per week for men receiving testosterone & bi-weekly (every other week) for women receiving estradiol and testosterone. This schedule is due to the half-life, or metabolism of the hormones. These are a great option if you are new to hormone replacement to assess how your body responds & if dose adjustments are necessary.

If you feel well managed with your doses, pellets may be another good alternative. These slow-release formulations placed under the skin allow for consistent & stable release of hormones which can reduce side effects, & half a longer half-life of 3-4 months to allow for less frequent visits. The ease of pellets for patients is unmatched as they do not have to worry about dosing or self-administration.

Pellet therapy does involve a minimally invasive office procedure for insertion. This involves an injection at the site of the insertion to numb the area and a very small incision. There is minimal discomfort and downtime and no stitches. Your provider will review the pre- and post-care instructions with you in preparation for your insertion.