Intracrinology and Testosterone Pellet Therapy: An Enzyme-Aware, Symptom-Driven Approach to Hormone Optimization in Aging
April 2026
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR Testosterone pellet therapy may better address hormone imbalances in aging by focusing on local hormone production and symptom relief.
The document discusses the concept of intracrinology, emphasizing the local synthesis of sex steroids in peripheral tissues, which is crucial for addressing hormone imbalances in aging individuals. Traditional testosterone replacement therapies focus on serum levels, neglecting the importance of local hormone production. Continuous-release subcutaneous testosterone pellet therapy offers a stable testosterone supply, allowing tissues to produce necessary hormones like DHT and estradiol based on local enzyme activity. This method prioritizes symptom relief and individual enzyme profiles over strict serum targets. The review highlights the need for large-scale trials to validate this approach for hormone optimization in aging populations.