FAQs

What exactly can SottoPelle® do for me?
The hormone pellets we use will return your body to the physiologic state of when you were in your early 40’s. This promotes protection against heart attack, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, bone loss, muscle loss, fatigue, poor memory, and in some cases the development of certain cancers.

What’s the difference between a SottoPelle® Certified Physician and another physician doing pellets?
SottoPelle® certified physicians have personally been trained by Gino Tutera, M.D. to diagnose and formulate the specific dosage necessary for each patient. Non-certified physicians only get training to insert pellets by a DVD, a pharmacist or by another physician who started doing pellets on their own. Our physicians are trained how to properly manage and dose patients. Everyone else is taught to give everyone the same dose. Since we are not all identical it doesn’t make sense to give everyone the same dose. It’s the same as if your friend wears a size 6 and you wear a size 8 shoe. You both don’t wear the same size shoe so why would you expect to have the same dose?

Why doesn’t a SottoPelle® Certified Physicians use DHEA?
DHEA is a precursor hormone the body produces to make testosterone. If you receive testosterone, DHEA becomes unnecessary and may even be harmful.

What does biologically identical mean?
Biologically identical means that the hormones are exactly the same ones as produced by the human body. Biologically identical hormones are not synthetic, simulations or replicas. They are made from yam and natural plant-based ingredients and possess the exact hormonal structure of human hormone.

What is the history of pellet therapy?
In 1935, hormone pellet therapy was created in Europe to help alleviate the problems women experienced due to hormone production cessation – or menopause. This modality (pellet therapy) arrived in the United States in 1939. Since then, hormone replacement therapy using pellets has been positively researched and accepted as the most effective delivery system available for women and men suffering from the side effects of menopause or andropause (male menopause). Stanczyk, F. (1988); Studd, J. et al (1990); Handelsman, D. (1986)

Do men and women need hormones?
Who do you think of first when you hear the word hormones? For most of us, it is a woman – more specifically, a woman and menopause. Everyone knows the decline of a woman’s hormones occurs at menopause when her levels drop rapidly and dramatically. Menopause is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain.

But what about men? Don’t they have hormones too? Of course! And current medical research now defines a male equivalent to menopause as andropause. Men experience a more gradual decline in hormone levels. They lose approximately one to three percent of their testosterone per year beginning at age 30.

Why do I need estrogen?
Estrogen is the most important hormone a woman has, protecting her from heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Synthetic estrogen taken orally does not offer these universal benefits. Estrogen also promotes serotonin production which reduces anxiety, depression, moodiness and anger.

As a woman, why do I need testosterone?
Testosterone gives a woman her mental clarity, libido and muscle tone and mass. Without it, women often complain of mental confusion, weight gain and poor muscle growth even with regular exercise.

Why is testosterone important for men?
Testosterone is central to a man’s well-being. Without it, fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of mental clarity and libido occur. Furthermore, a deficiency in testosterone may lead to prostate problems, poor sexual performance, poor memory, loss of muscle tone and mass, Alzheimer’s and decreases our life span.

How do I receive my treatment?
After the physician has determined your dose, he places the necessary hormone pellets painlessly under the skin, typically in the buttocks area of the body. The procedure uses a mild, local anesthetic and takes less than five minutes. All it takes is just a brief visit to your doctor a few times a year. That’s it!

Are there any side effects or complications?
Side effects in both men and women are rare. In women, transient breast tenderness lasting 7-10 days may occur with the first insertion, but rarely with repeat treatments. Acne and hair loss are rare occurrences from testosterone therapy. The growth of facial hair is also rare and occurs no more frequently that what happens in post menopausal women on no hormones. In men, the side effects are also rare, but may include decreased sperm count, decreased testicular mass and possible prostate enlargement. These side effects occur much more frequently with the use of synthetic replacement therapy.

How long will it take for pellet hormone therapy to start working?
Most female patients report that they begin to experience improvement within several days of receiving their pellets, but may take up to three weeks to feel the full effects. Testosterone pellets may take two weeks to express their benefits for men and women.

What is the cost for this hormone therapy?
It is best that you call a SottoPelle® Trained Physician in your area to obtain accurate pricing information.

Will my insurance cover hormone therapy?
With the changing of times and the inconsistency of insurance companies, we cannot guarantee any coverage.

Why doesn’t my doctor suggest pellet hormone replacement therapy as an option?
Most physicians are schooled in the use of synthetic hormones. More than likely, they were never trained in the use of pellets. Whenever you see the SottoPelle® Trained Physicians logo, you can be assured that your physician has completed the official and exclusive SottoPelle® Hormone Therapy program.