Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers different treatment options designed to meet the needs of women during menopause. Two common forms are hormone pellets and oral pills. Both are effective at relieving menopausal symptoms but differ in how they’re administered and the types of hormones used. Pellets are inserted beneath the skin through a minimally invasive surgical procedure, offering long-term relief but also presenting some challenges. On the other hand, pills are taken orally, providing a non-invasive option with more flexibility in dosage control.(1)(2)
Understanding the differences between these treatments is essential for women considering HRT options, especially when balancing factors like hormone type and frequency of use.
Comparing Treatment Options
Estrogen Pellets vs. Estrogen Tablets
Estrogen therapy is central to many HRT plans. Estrogen pellets are placed under the skin during a small surgical procedure and release hormones over 3 to 6 months. However, because the dosage cannot be adjusted once inserted and may become inconsistent near the end of the release cycle, some women may experience unwanted side effects. Additionally, estrogen pellets can be made with either bioidentical or synthetic hormones, with synthetic options sometimes causing additional side effects.(3)(4)
In comparison, estrogen tablets are taken daily. They offer the advantage of using purely bioidentical hormones, which are identical to those naturally produced by the body. This allows for more controlled and flexible hormone management that is also more affordable.(1)(2)(3)
Estrogen Pellets | Estrogen Tablets (Winona) | |
|---|---|---|
Hormone Type | SYNTHETIC / BIOIDENTICAL | BIOIDENTICAL |
Invasive | YES | NO |
Monthly Cost | $100-$500 | $54 |
Dosage Frequency | EVERY 3-6 MONTHS | DAILY |
Dosage Control | NO | YES |
Prescription | YES | YES |
Self-Administered | NO | YES |
Application | INSERTED UNDER SKIN | ORAL |
Progesterone Pellets vs. Progesterone Capsules
Often prescribed alongside estrogen, progesterone pellets also involve a minor surgical procedure for insertion. While they provide long-lasting relief, they don’t allow for easy adjustments if hormone levels need to be changed, and the dosage may taper off near the end of the cycle.
Progesterone capsules, on the other hand, are non-invasive and can be taken daily. These offer the benefit of precise dosage control and can be easily managed at home. Many women prefer this option due to its flexibility and convenience.(1)(2)
Progesterone Pellets | Progesterone Capsules (Winona) | |
|---|---|---|
Hormone Type | SYNTHETIC / BIOIDENTICAL | BIOIDENTICAL |
Invasive | YES | NO |
Monthly Cost | $100-$500 | $54 |
Dosage Frequency | EVERY 3-6 MONTHS | DAILY |
Dosage Control | NO | YES |
Prescription | YES | YES |
Self-Administered | NO | YES |
Application | INSERTED UNDER SKIN | ORAL |
Testosterone Pellets vs. DHEA Capsules
Like progesterone and estrogen, testosterone is a key hormone in HRT. For women experiencing symptoms like low libido, fatigue, or muscle mass loss, testosterone therapy can help. Testosterone pellets offer the same long-term hormone release as other pellet forms, but once inserted, the dosage can’t be adjusted.
DHEA, a precursor hormone that the body converts into testosterone, is an alternative way to gently increase testosterone levels. DHEA capsules offer greater flexibility in dosage and are more affordable. Plus, they can be taken at home, making them a convenient choice for many women.
Testosterone Pellets | DHEA Capsules (Winona) | |
|---|---|---|
Hormone Type | SYNTHETIC / BIOIDENTICAL | BIOIDENTICAL |
Invasive | YES | NO |
Monthly Cost | $100-$500 | $9 |
Dosage Frequency | EVERY 3-6 MONTHS | DAILY |
Dosage Control | NO | YES |
Prescription | YES | YES |
Self-Administered | NO | YES |
Application | INSERTED UNDER SKIN | ORAL |
Why choose oral HRT pills?
HRT oral tablets and capsules may offer several advantages over hormone pellets. First, they use exclusively bioidentical hormones, which are chemically the same as the body’s natural hormones. This reduces the risk of adverse reactions. They’re also non-invasive, making them a simple option for daily use at home.
At no more than $60 per month, oral HRT options are more affordable than hormone pellets, which can cost several times as much. Finally, their flexibility in dosage allows women to adjust hormone levels as needed, providing a convenient and effective solution for managing menopausal symptoms.
