When Too Much Is Too Much: One Woman’s Experience with Testosterone Pellets and Finding Balance Again
A Real Story About Hormones, Imbalance, and Getting Back to Herself
When Lisa (name changed for privacy) walked into our pharmacy, she was at her wit’s end. In her early 50s and deep into menopause, she had turned to hormone replacement therapy to help with her fatigue, mood swings, and low libido. Her doctor had recommended pellet therapy, which delivered testosterone along with other hormones in small implants under the skin.
At first, she felt hopeful. But by the time she reached her second pellet appointment, her symptoms were… not what she expected.
Something Didn’t Feel Right
Lisa described unexpected hair growth on her face and legs—something she’d never dealt with before. Her mood had taken a turn too: irritability, anxiety, and emotional swings that made her feel like a stranger in her own skin. And the hot flashes? Still happening. Maybe even worse.
Her labs revealed something striking:
Her testosterone level had jumped to 357 ng/dL—way above the normal female range of 2–45 ng/dL.
And suddenly, everything clicked.
The Problem with Pellets (for Her)
Pellets can work wonderfully for many patients—but the challenge is, once they’re in, you can’t adjust the dose. Lisa had received a full three-month dose all at once. For her body, that was simply too much testosterone, delivered too fast, with no off switch.
She told us, “I just want to feel normal again—but not like a man. I’m not trying to be jacked or intense—I just want to feel like me.”
That’s when we talked to her about something different: a personalized testosterone cream.
Taking Back Control—Gently
We explained that a topical cream allows for precise, daily dosing—giving women like Lisa control over how much testosterone they’re using. If she started to feel “off” again, she wouldn’t have to wait three months for it to wear off. She could adjust her dose with her provider’s guidance in real time.
It wasn’t about giving up on hormone therapy—it was about refining it. Making it hers.
Lisa’s doctor agreed to skip testosterone in her next pellet round, and instead prescribed a custom-compounded testosterone cream from Restore Pharmacy to fill the gap more gently. We worked closely with her and her provider to find a starting dose that matched her symptoms and gave her space to adjust.
The Outcome: A New Kind of Relief
Over the next few weeks, Lisa started to feel like herself again.
The hair growth slowed down
Her irritability eased
Hot flashes reduced significantly
And most importantly: she felt like she was in charge of her treatment, not stuck riding it out
By her next follow-up, her testosterone levels had come down to a more appropriate range, and she was experiencing the benefits of hormone therapy without the intensity that had overwhelmed her before.
The Takeaway
Lisa’s story is one we hear more often than you might think. Hormones are powerful—and for women, especially, a little goes a long way. That’s why testosterone therapy isn’t about hitting a number; it’s about achieving a balance that supports your life, not disrupts it.
Pellets might work well for some, but if you're sensitive to dosing or want a treatment you can fine-tune, creams offer flexibility, gentleness, and control.
Still unsure what’s right for you? Contact Restore Pharmacy. We’re happy to talk through your options, explain the science in plain language, and help you feel confident about your next steps.
