Pellet Dosing Calculator
Calculate hormone pellet doses, convert from weekly injections, and estimate pellet duration for testosterone and estradiol therapy.
About Hormone Pellets
What are pellets? Small cylinders (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under the skin that slowly release hormones over 3-6 months.
Common pellet sizes: Testosterone: 75mg, 100mg, 200mg per pellet. Estradiol: 12.5mg, 25mg per pellet.
Injection to Pellet Converter
Convert your weekly injection dose to pellet equivalent
Select your hormone
Your current weekly injection dose
Time between insertions
Pellet Recommendation
Total Dose Needed
1600
mg total
Number of Pellets
8
@ 200mg each
Daily Release
14.3
mg per day (avg)
Note: Pellets typically have 70-80% bioavailability, so your provider may adjust the total dose. Individual metabolism varies significantly.
Pellet Count Calculator
Calculate how many pellets you need for a specific dose
Common Pellet Dosing Ranges
Male Testosterone
- Range: 800-2000 mg total
- Pellets: 8-12 x 100-200mg
- Duration: 4-6 months
- Target: 600-1000 ng/dL
Female Testosterone
- Range: 75-225 mg total
- Pellets: 1-3 x 75mg
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Target: 50-100 ng/dL
Estradiol
- Range: 25-150 mg total
- Pellets: 2-6 x 12.5-25mg
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Target: 50-200 pg/mL
* Doses vary significantly by individual. Work with your healthcare provider to determine optimal dosing based on lab results.
Pellets vs. Injections
| Factor | Pellets | Injections |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 3-6 months | Weekly or bi-weekly |
| Hormone Levels | Steady, minimal peaks/troughs | Peaks after injection, troughs before |
| Convenience | In-office procedure, then no maintenance | Self-administered at home |
| Dose Adjustment | Must wait until next insertion | Can adjust each injection |
| Cost | Higher upfront, lower over time | Lower per dose, ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Testosterone pellets typically last 3-6 months for men and 3-4 months for women. Duration depends on your metabolism, activity level, weight, and the total dose implanted. Active individuals may metabolize pellets faster.
Common signs include: return of symptoms (fatigue, low libido, mood changes), declining energy levels, and lab work showing decreasing hormone levels. Most providers recommend re-insertion when you start feeling symptoms return or at scheduled intervals.
It's a simple in-office procedure taking about 10-15 minutes. Local anesthetic is applied, a small incision is made (usually in the hip/buttock area), pellets are inserted with a trocar, and the incision is closed with a steri-strip. Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, avoiding strenuous exercise for about a week.
Technically yes, but it's difficult and not commonly done. This is why starting with a conservative dose is important, especially for first-time users. Pellets can be partially removed within the first few weeks if necessary, but become harder to locate as they dissolve over time.