Testosterone & Hormone Optimization for Men
Pellets • Oral Testosterone • Transdermals • Injections
Glendale, CA
Low testosterone affects far more than libido. It impacts energy, muscle mass, mood, cognition, metabolism and long-term vitality.
At Glendale Whole Health we use a functional medicine approach to male hormone optimization. We confirm deficiency with appropriate labs, evaluate root causes and design a personalized plan that prioritizes safety, stability and long-term results.
We are proud to be a Certified BioTE® Provider, offering BioTE® bioidentical pellet therapy along with oral, transdermal and injectable testosterone options.
We offer four delivery methods:
- BioTE® bioidentical pellet therapy
- Oral testosterone (Kyzatrex pills)
- Bioidentical transdermal creams or gels
- Injectable testosterone
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. Their molecular structure matches endogenous testosterone exactly.
Benefits of bioidentical therapy
- Recognized naturally by hormone receptors
- Predictable physiologic activity
- Stable symptom response
- Long history of safe use when properly monitored
At Glendale Whole Health:
Pellets and compounded transdermals are bioidentical.
Injectables and Kyzatrex are not classified as bioidentical because they use ester or specialized delivery structures, though they convert to active testosterone in the body.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
- Fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased abdominal fat
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Brain fog
- Depressed mood
- Irritability
- Reduced motivation
- Poor recovery
- Insulin resistance
- Reduced bone density
Diagnosis requires both symptoms and laboratory confirmation.
Our Functional Medicine Evaluation
We assess:
- Total and free testosterone
- SHBG
- Estradiol sensitive assay
- PSA
- Hematocrit and hemoglobin
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Thyroid markers
- Fasting insulin and glucose
- Inflammatory markers when indicated
We also evaluate sleep, stress load, metabolic health and toxin exposure. Testosterone therapy works best when the entire system is supported.
Your Testosterone Therapy Options
- BioTE® Bioidentical Pellet Therapy
(Our Preferred for Stability and Convenience)
Tiny BioTE® bioidentical testosterone pellets are inserted under the skin every 4–5 months in men.
As a Certified BioTE® Provider, Dr. Speller follows established BioTE® dosing protocols and safety standards while customizing therapy to each patient’s unique physiology.
Advantages
- No daily dosing
- No weekly injections
- Extremely stable hormone levels
- No compliance issues
- Excellent symptom control
Pellets provide steady physiologic release without peaks and crashes.
Considerations
- Minor in-office procedure
- Cannot rapidly discontinue
- Mild soreness for a few days
- Oral Testosterone (Kyzatrex Pills)
Kyzatrex contains testosterone undecanoate and is FDA-approved for men with clinically low testosterone.
It must be taken twice daily with a fatty meal or snack to ensure proper lymphatic absorption.
Advantages
- No procedures
- Easy to discontinue
- Flexible dosing
- Convenient for travel
Considerations
- Twice daily dosing required
- Requires fat intake for absorption
- More fluctuation than pellets
- Daily compliance required
- Bioidentical Transdermals (Creams/Gels)
Bioidentical testosterone may be compounded as a cream or prescribed as a gel such as AndroGel.
Advantages
- Non-invasive
- Adjustable dosing
- Easy to discontinue
Important Considerations
- Daily application required
- Often do not achieve levels as high as some men require
- Inconvenient for active lifestyles
- Risk of transfer to partner, children or pets
- May require dedicated towel and clothing precautions
- Absorption varies with sweating, exercise, temperature and skin thickness
- Hormone levels may fluctuate
- Injectable Testosterone
Injectable testosterone is typically administered weekly or twice weekly to reduce peaks and troughs.
Common Esters
Testosterone Cypionate
Long-acting ester commonly used in the U.S. Can produce noticeable hormonal peaks and troughs.
Testosterone Enanthate
The preferred injectable option at Glendale Whole Health. We commonly prescribe enanthate, including Xyosted.
Reasons we favor enanthate over other injectables:
- Slightly smoother kinetic profile
- Often better tolerated subcutaneously
- Less injection-site irritation
- More predictable weekly dosing
Testosterone Propionate
Shorter-acting ester requiring more frequent injections. Less commonly used due to inconvenience and fluctuation.
Important Considerations
Injectables:
- Are not bioidentical
- Require regular injections
- Often produce rollercoaster effects
- Create higher peak levels which may increase erythrocytosis risk
- May require adjunctive hCG injections to prevent testicular shrinkage and preserve fertility due to HPG (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal) axis suppression
- Require strong patient compliance
In general, we do not recommend injectable testosterone as first-line therapy due to inconvenience, hormonal fluctuations, potential need for additional medications and higher side effect risk compared to pellets.
They remain an option for select patients.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pellets | Kyzatrex (Oral/Pills) | Transdermals (Creams/Gels) | Injections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioidentical | Yes | Not bioidentical but converts to testosterone | Yes | No – ester form |
| Dosing Frequency | Every 4–5 months | Twice daily with fatty meal or snack | Daily | Weekly or twice weekly |
| Stability | Very stable | Moderate | Variable | Moderate to fluctuating |
| Procedure Required | Minor insertion | No | No | Yes |
| Easy to Stop Quickly | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fluctuation Risk | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Higher if not carefully managed |
Monitoring Requirements
Pellet Patients
- Baseline labs
- Labs 1 month after first pelleting
- Then as needed for dose changes or new symptoms
- Then annually once stable
Oral, Transdermal and Injectable Patients
- Baseline labs
- Labs 1 month after initiation
- Then every 6 months
- Or as needed for dose changes or new symptoms
Quarterly follow-up visits are required for non-pellet therapies.
We monitor:
- Testosterone
- Estradiol
- Hematocrit
- PSA
- Metabolic markers when indicated
Potential Side Effects (All Forms)
Erythropoiesis
Testosterone stimulates red blood cell production. Elevated hematocrit may require blood donation or dose adjustment.
Elevated Estradiol
Some testosterone converts to estrogen.
When estradiol rises excessively it may cause:
- Water retention
- Breast tenderness
- Gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men)
- Mood shifts
At Glendale Whole Health we proactively manage estrogen balance when needed. This may include:
- Aromatase-supportive nutraceuticals such as DIM or Myomin
- Prescription aromatase inhibitors when clinically necessary
Careful monitoring helps maintain hormonal balance and minimize side effects.
Other Possible Effects
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Sleep apnea worsening
- Prostate symptoms
- Mood changes
Careful dosing and monitoring reduce risk significantly.
Integrative Support for Optimal Outcomes
Testosterone therapy works best when combined with:
- Resistance training
- Sleep optimization
- Metabolic support
- Stress regulation
- Targeted nutraceuticals
- Gut health optimization
- Weight management
- GLP-1 metabolic support when clinically appropriate
Hormone therapy is part of a comprehensive longevity strategy.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to explore testosterone optimization with BioTE® pellets, oral testosterone, transdermals or injections, call us at (818) 551-0464 or email info@glendalewholehealth.com to request an appointment. At Glendale Whole Health we’ll design a personalized plan that fits your goals and supports long-term success.