Hormone Pellets and Hair Health: What You Need to Know
Hormone replacement with pellet therapy is becoming increasingly popular because it offers long-lasting, steady symptom relief without the daily hassle of pills or creams. Patients often feel renewed energy, better sleep, improved mood, and more balanced wellness.
One common question we hear is:
“Will hormone pellets make my hair fall out?”
The good news: with the right support, pellet therapy and healthy hair can go hand-in-hand. Let’s look at how both testosterone and estradiol pellets affect hair, and how to keep your hair strong throughout therapy.
🔎 Why Hair Loss Can Happen
With Testosterone Pellets
Testosterone can convert into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to thinning hair in people genetically predisposed to androgenic alopecia.
High doses (sometimes seen with pellets) increase DHT, which may speed up follicle miniaturization.
With Estradiol (Estrogen) Pellets
Estradiol supports hair growth, but hormone fluctuations (especially peaks and declines between pellet insertions) can temporarily push hairs into a shedding phase.
In some cases, estradiol shifts the balance with testosterone and SHBG, subtly unmasking underlying androgen sensitivity.
Other Overlapping Factors
Thyroid imbalance, low iron/ferritin, vitamin D deficiency, stress, or genetics may contribute, and pellet therapy may bring these into the spotlight.
✅ How to Protect Hair During Pellet Therapy
Personalized Dosing & Monitoring
Use the lowest effective hormone dose to avoid unnecessary peaks.
Regularly check estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid, vitamin D, and ferritin.
Block DHT (for testosterone therapy)
Options include topical or oral DHT blockers (finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone in women).
These reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT, protecting follicles.
Support Follicle Growth
Topical minoxidil (foam or solution) helps keep follicles in the growth phase.
PRP scalp treatments, available in medical spas, can enhance hair density naturally.
Low-level laser therapy caps may improve thickness over time.
Optimize Nutrition & Lifestyle
Aim for ferritin >70 ng/mL, adequate protein intake, and micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins).
Reduce stress and ensure good sleep — both are major triggers of shedding.
Alternative Delivery (if needed)
If hair shedding continues despite support, some patients may do better on transdermal gels/patches or lower-dose injections, which provide steadier levels than pellets.
🌟 The Bottom Line
Hormone pellets are a safe, effective, and convenient option for many patients seeking hormone replacement therapy. While hair changes may occur in some cases, they are not permanent and can usually be managed successfully with proactive care.
With the right monitoring, supportive treatments, and lifestyle measures, you can enjoy the benefits of hormone balance without sacrificing your hair health.
For more detailed look at this topic, read a full article by Dr. Rebecca Glaser at https://hormonebalance.org/new-patients/
