EvexiPEL® Hormone Pellet Therapy for Women in Minnesota
- Gary M. Rudashevsky, NP

- Oct 14, 2025
- 9 min read

Key Takeaways
EvexiPEL hormone pellets provide 3-4 months of consistent hormone delivery without daily pills, patches, or creams
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and molecularly identical to your body's natural estrogen and testosterone
One simple in-office procedure delivers steady hormone levels, eliminating the fluctuations common with other replacement methods
Most women notice improvements within 2-4 weeks including better energy, reduced hot flashes, improved sleep, and enhanced mental clarity
Comprehensive hormone testing is essential before starting therapy - order your baseline labs through our Direct Access Testing online or by calling our office
Not typically covered by insurance, but HSA and FSA accounts can usually be used for payment
Medical Specialists MN has 15+ years of experience helping Twin Cities women optimize their hormones with personalized pellet therapy
Understanding Hormone Decline in Women
Hormonal changes affect nearly every woman as she transitions through perimenopause and menopause, typically beginning in the late 30s or early 40s. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, estrogen and testosterone levels decline significantly during this transition, leading to a cascade of symptoms that can severely impact quality of life.
At Medical Specialists MN in Edina, we help women across the Twin Cities rediscover their energy, focus, and vitality through EvexiPEL bioidentical hormone pellet therapy. If you're struggling with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, mood swings, or loss of intimacy, this natural treatment approach could provide the relief you've been seeking.
What Is EvexiPEL Hormone Pellet Therapy?
EvexiPEL pellets are tiny, custom-compounded cylinders—about the size of a grain of rice—made from bioidentical hormones derived from plant sources. The pellets typically contain estradiol (the primary form of estrogen) and testosterone, both precisely dosed to match your individual needs based on comprehensive laboratory testing and symptom assessment.
Once inserted under the skin through a quick in-office procedure, these pellets release a steady, consistent stream of hormones directly into your bloodstream for approximately three to four months. This approach eliminates the need for daily pills, messy creams, or weekly patches while providing more stable hormone levels than traditional delivery methods.
The term "bioidentical" means these hormones are molecularly identical to those your body naturally produces. According to the North American Menopause Society, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant compounds found in yams and soy, then modified in laboratories to match human hormones exactly. This differs from synthetic hormones, which have different molecular structures and may produce different effects in your body.
How EvexiPEL Pellet Therapy Works
The pellet insertion procedure takes only a few minutes at our Edina office. After numbing a small area on your hip or buttock, your provider makes a tiny incision and inserts the custom-dosed pellets just beneath the skin. The incision is so small it requires only a small adhesive bandage—no stitches needed.
Once inserted, the pellets work continuously. According to research in Maturitas, pellet therapy provides consistent hormone delivery that closely mimics your body's natural hormone release patterns. As your heart beats and blood flows through the pellet area, small amounts of hormone are steadily released into your bloodstream.
This delivery method offers distinct advantages over other hormone replacement approaches. Pills must pass through your digestive system and liver, which can reduce effectiveness and create metabolic byproducts. Patches and creams can cause skin irritation and variable absorption depending on where they're applied. Pellets bypass these issues entirely, delivering hormones directly into your bloodstream for optimal absorption and steady levels throughout the day and night.
The consistent delivery eliminates the hormonal roller coaster many women experience with other therapies—no more peaks shortly after taking a pill followed by valleys before the next dose. This stability often translates to better symptom control and fewer side effects.
Benefits of EvexiPEL Hormone Pellet Therapy for Twin Cities Women
Women at Medical Specialists MN report numerous improvements after beginning EvexiPEL therapy:
Relief from Vasomotor Symptoms: Hot flashes and night sweats often improve dramatically within the first few weeks of therapy. Research published in Menopause demonstrates that bioidentical estrogen effectively reduces the frequency and severity of these disruptive symptoms, helping women sleep better and feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Enhanced Energy and Reduced Fatigue: Balanced estrogen and testosterone levels support cellular energy production and metabolism. Many women report feeling more energetic and motivated within the first month of treatment, making it easier to exercise, work, and enjoy daily activities.
Improved Mental Clarity and Focus: "Brain fog" is one of the most frustrating symptoms of hormone decline. According to Psychoneuroendocrinology, estrogen supports cognitive function, memory, and mental processing speed. Women often notice sharper thinking and better concentration after hormone optimization.
Restored Libido and Intimacy: Declining testosterone affects women's sex drive just as it does men's. Clinical studies show that testosterone pellets can significantly improve libido, arousal, and sexual satisfaction in menopausal women. Combined with estrogen's effects on vaginal tissue health, many couples report improved intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
Better Sleep Quality: Hormone fluctuations frequently disrupt sleep patterns. Nicolie Houdek, FNP-C at Medical Specialists MN, notes that many patients experience dramatic improvements in sleep quality within weeks of beginning pellet therapy, often sleeping through the night for the first time in years.
Mood Stability and Emotional Well-Being: Estrogen influences neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood. Research in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that hormone optimization can reduce irritability, anxiety, and mood swings associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Support for Healthy Body Composition: When estrogen and testosterone are optimized, many women find it easier to maintain lean muscle mass and reduce abdominal fat. Gary Rudashevsky, APRN and founder of Medical Specialists MN, emphasizes that while pellets aren't weight loss medications, balanced hormones support your body's natural ability to build muscle and metabolize fat when combined with proper nutrition and exercise.
Bone Density Protection: According to the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. Hormone replacement therapy can help protect against osteoporosis, particularly when started during perimenopause or early menopause.
Cardiovascular Health Support: Emerging research suggests that estrogen therapy initiated during perimenopause or early menopause may provide cardiovascular benefits. While this remains an area of ongoing study, maintaining optimal hormone levels appears to support heart health in many women.
Understanding Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Like any medical treatment, EvexiPEL therapy may cause side effects, particularly during the initial adjustment period. Most women tolerate pellet therapy very well, but it's important to understand what to expect.
Common Initial Side Effects: During the first two to four weeks, some women experience temporary breast tenderness, mild fluid retention, or slight mood changes as their body adjusts to optimized hormone levels. These effects typically resolve as your system acclimates. Mild acne or skin changes may occur if testosterone dosing is higher than needed, which can be adjusted in subsequent insertions.
Insertion Site Reactions: The pellet insertion site may show minor bruising, swelling, or tenderness for a few days. Rarely, pellets may partially extrude from the insertion site, though this is uncommon when proper technique is used.
Dosing Considerations: Unlike pills or patches that can be adjusted daily, pellet doses cannot be changed once inserted. This is why comprehensive testing and careful dosing are essential. At Medical Specialists MN, we tailor each pellet dose precisely to your lab results, symptoms, body weight, and health history to minimize the risk of over- or under-dosing.
Monitoring Requirements: Regular follow-up blood work ensures your hormone levels remain in optimal ranges. We typically test hormone levels at specific intervals after insertion to confirm appropriate dosing and adjust future pellets as needed.
According to Angela Elliott, APRN at Medical Specialists MN, serious complications are rare when pellets are inserted using sterile technique by experienced providers. Our team has performed thousands of pellet insertions over 15+ years with excellent safety records.
Is EvexiPEL Right for You?
EvexiPEL pellet therapy works best for women who are experiencing symptoms of hormone decline related to perimenopause, menopause, or other hormonal imbalances. Ideal candidates include women who prefer a "set it and forget it" approach rather than daily medication regimens, those who want consistent hormone levels throughout the day, and women who haven't achieved adequate symptom relief with other hormone delivery methods.
Comprehensive Testing is Essential: Before beginning any hormone therapy, thorough laboratory testing establishes your baseline hormone levels and identifies any contraindications. At Medical Specialists MN, we offer Direct Access Testing—no doctor's order required for most hormone panels.
You can order your comprehensive hormone testing three convenient ways:
Online: Visit medicalspecialistsmn.com and order through our Direct Access Testing portal, then schedule your blood draw appointment
By Phone: Call (952) 225-5400 and our team will help you select the appropriate tests and schedule your appointment
Contact Form: Fill out the form on our website and we'll reach out to guide you through the process
Essential Tests for Pellet Therapy Candidates: Baseline hormone testing typically includes estradiol, testosterone (total and free), DHEA-S, thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4), and comprehensive metabolic panels. We may also test FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to confirm menopausal status, along with lipid panels and other markers relevant to your health history.
Your test results, combined with a thorough medical evaluation, help us determine if pellet therapy is appropriate and calculate your optimal starting dose. This personalized approach ensures the best possible outcomes while minimizing side effects.
The EvexiPEL Procedure: What to Expect
Many women appreciate knowing exactly what happens during a pellet insertion procedure. The entire process takes just 15-20 minutes at our Edina office.
First, you'll lie comfortably on your side or stomach. Your provider cleans the insertion site (typically the upper buttock or hip area) and injects a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once numb, a small incision—about the size of a grain of rice—is made. The custom-dosed pellets are inserted through this tiny opening using a specialized insertion device. The incision is closed with a small adhesive strip; stitches are not needed.
After insertion, you'll rest briefly before going home. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, swimming, or hot tubs for a few days to allow the insertion site to heal properly. Most women return to normal activities the next day.
The pellets gradually dissolve over three to four months as your body absorbs the hormones. You'll schedule your next insertion appointment before the current pellets are fully depleted, ensuring continuous hormone coverage.
Common Questions from Twin Cities Women
Does EvexiPEL help with weight loss? Many women report improved body composition after starting pellet therapy, particularly reduced abdominal fat and better muscle tone. Balanced hormones support metabolism and make it easier to build lean muscle when combined with proper nutrition and exercise. However, pellets aren't specifically weight loss medications—they're hormone optimization therapy that may facilitate healthier body composition as a secondary benefit.
Does health insurance cover EvexiPEL? Hormone pellet therapy is not typically covered by traditional health insurance plans. However, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can usually be used for payment. Our team provides transparent pricing during your consultation and can discuss payment options.
Do hormone pellets help with belly fat? Research suggests that optimized estrogen and testosterone levels support healthier fat distribution and may reduce visceral (abdominal) fat accumulation. Combined with lifestyle modifications, many women notice improvements in their midsection over several months of consistent therapy.
What happens if I stop using hormone pellets? If you discontinue pellet therapy, your hormone levels gradually return to their baseline state as the pellets are fully absorbed. Symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, or mood changes may return over time. There's no dangerous rebound effect or withdrawal, but your body will eventually revert to its pre-treatment hormone levels without ongoing supplementation.
How long do results last? Each pellet insertion provides approximately three to four months of hormone delivery. Most women notice initial improvements within two to four weeks, with continued benefits throughout the pellet's lifespan. Consistent therapy with regular re-insertions maintains optimal hormone levels long-term.
Why Choose Medical Specialists MN for EvexiPEL Therapy
At Medical Specialists MN, located at 6550 York Ave S #211 in Edina, we've helped thousands of Twin Cities women optimize their hormones over 15+ years. Our experienced team—including Gary Rudashevsky, APRN, Nicolie Houdek, FNP-C, and Angela Elliott, APRN—specializes in comprehensive hormone optimization for women in all stages of life.
We offer in-house laboratory services for fast, accurate hormone testing, Direct Access Testing so you can order labs without a doctor's referral, personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique symptoms and goals, convenient Edina location with comfortable, private care, and ongoing support with regular monitoring to ensure optimal results.
Our approach goes beyond simply inserting pellets. We consider your complete hormonal picture, including thyroid function, adrenal health, and metabolic markers, to create truly comprehensive treatment plans that address the root causes of your symptoms.
Take the First Step Toward Hormonal Balance
Hormonal imbalances aren't something you have to just live with. Whether you're struggling with perimenopausal symptoms, fully menopausal, or experiencing unexplained fatigue and mood changes, EvexiPEL hormone pellet therapy may help you regain control of your health and vitality.
Contact Medical Specialists:
Phone: (952) 225-5400
Address: 6550 York Ave S #211, Edina, MN 55435
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hormone pellet therapy requires medical evaluation and prescription. Individual results vary. Consult with qualified healthcare providers to determine if hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for your specific health situation.



