Testosterone

When choosing a pharmacy for testosterone compounding, or any other personalized medication, there are a few questions you should ask:

Does the compounding pharmacy:

1. Formulate therapies with bioidentical hormones?
2. Use only active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from FDA-registered manufacturers?
3. Maintain accreditation from nationally recognized organizations like the NABP?
4. Use only pharmaceutical grade fillers?
5. Limit inactive ingredients with options for chemically-sensitive patients?
6. Provide patient and provider education materials?

Belmar sources all active pharmaceutical ingredients from FDA‑registered facilities, and our supplier qualification program ensures each manufacturer and wholesaler we work with meets all required regulatory certifications.

Testosterone pellet therapy and testosterone injections are sterile hormone delivery methods that both bypass the digestive system, but differ in administration, drug delivery, and frequency. Both men and women can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy to replenish low testosterone levels in middle age, especially since testosterone levels naturally decline with age.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) pellets are a unique delivery form designed to closely replicate how hormones are naturally released in the body. In a simple office procedure, these rice-grain-sized pellets are inserted under a patient’s skin near the hip area via a trocar. Delivering BHRT in pellet form has multiple benefits:

• Convenience — Hormone pellets may only need to be inserted 3 to 4 times per year.
• Minimal side effects — Pellet therapy sends hormones into the bloodstream, avoiding potential side effects of taking medications orally.
• Consistency — Pellets are designed to supply the body with a consistent level of hormonal support as they slowly dissolve into the bloodstream.

Compounded testosterone injections from Belmar Pharmacy are available as testosterone cypionate blends. Testosterone cypionate is an injectable, synthetic form of testosterone replacement therapy and injectable blends are compounded preparations that combine testosterone cypionate with DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) or anastrozole. Combination products offer the benefit of dual medications without the hassle of juggling separate administration.

Injectable medications from Belmar Pharmacy are dispensed in a sterile vial with injection supplies, allowing providers and patients to draw up the appropriate dose and introduce the medication into the body by breaking the skin barrier. These products are administered intramuscularly (IM), into the muscle, or subcutaneously (SC), under the skin, and are typically administered once to twice weekly.

Topical products like testosterone cream can be applied to the inner arm, upper thigh, back of the knee, tops of feet and inner wrists. It is recommended to rotate sites to ensure even retention of the hormone. With testosterone products, there is risk of secondary exposure to people in close contact, specifically children. Cover treated skin with clothes to avoid contact with people or pets. Wash hands after applying the product. Do not share this medication with others and keep out of reach of children and pets.

The main benefits of testosterone pellet therapy for men and women include convenience, a way to address symptoms systemically, and dose personalization. Since pellets release hormones slowly, and as the body needs them, testosterone pellets typically only need to be inserted every 3 to 4 months. Since hormones from pellets bypass the digestive system and are released directly into the bloodstream, it may help with more comprehensive symptom relief and fewer potential side effects.
Finally, testosterone pellets are available in a variety of strengths so providers can customize for both female and male patient needs.