Medically reviewed by Dr. Allyson Berkey, MD
Maybe you’re more tired than you used to be. Maybe your workouts aren’t paying off the way they once did, or your interest in sex has quietly dropped. Plenty of men chalk these changes up to stress or getting older, and sometimes that’s exactly what they are. Sometimes, though, it’s worth checking your hormones.
At Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics, we offer hormone therapy for men in Newport Beach as a prescribed, lab-guided plan, usually built around testosterone. This guide covers how low testosterone is found, the methods we use, who is and isn’t a fit, and what the process looks like from your first visit on.
How Low Testosterone Is Actually Diagnosed
Testosterone levels tend to drift lower with age, and some men end up with levels low enough that treatment is worth a conversation. The key point is that low testosterone is diagnosed with blood tests together with symptoms, not by symptoms alone.
That’s why we don’t prescribe testosterone on symptoms alone. Your labs and health history come first. Testosterone therapy is a prescription with its own monitoring needs, so it isn’t something to start without a medical review. Dr. Allyson Berkey, MD prescribes and oversees each men’s plan.
Why Men Start Asking About Testosterone
Men often book a consultation after noticing changes like these:
- Feeling tired more often
- Less interest in sex
- Losing muscle or gaining weight around the middle
- Changes in mood or motivation
Each of these has many possible causes. Labs and a health review help sort out whether hormones play a part, and we’ll tell you honestly what your results suggest.
TRT, “Bioidentical” and What the Terms Mean
You’ll see a lot of labels online. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the general term for prescribing testosterone. “Bioidentical” means the hormone has the same chemical structure as the one your body makes. It describes the molecule. It doesn’t mean a therapy is better than other options or free of risks and side effects. You can read more on our bioidentical hormone therapy page.
Testosterone Methods We Offer
For men, we offer pellets, injections and creams. Your plan uses the method that fits your health review and routine:
- Pellets are placed under the skin at a short office visit. Dr. Berkey or our nurse practitioner places them under lidocaine. You can return to normal activity afterward, and they usually last about 3 to 4 months.
- Injections follow a set schedule and can be done at our office or at home. We can give or teach your first injection in the office.
- Creams are used at home on the schedule in your plan.
Every plan comes with instructions for doses and timing.
Your First Visit and Labs
It all starts with a free consultation. We’ll ask about your symptoms, medications, any past hormone use and whether you plan to have children. We’ll also go over your prostate, heart, liver and kidney history and any sleep issues. Bring a list of your medications and supplements and any recent lab results.
From there, a plan usually goes like this:
- Baseline labs come before any prescription. Testosterone is usually checked along with other markers, such as blood count and PSA.
- A written plan covers the hormone, the dose and the method, if testosterone therapy is a fit.
- Repeat labs about 2 months in help adjust your dose if needed.
- Ongoing follow-up means labs and a check-in every 6 months. Many follow-ups and refills can be done by telehealth.
Testosterone can affect blood count, PSA and other markers, so we keep checking them during your plan. Report any new symptoms between visits.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Fit
Testosterone therapy may be worth discussing if your symptoms and your labs both point to low levels. It isn’t right for every man. It’s not a good fit if you have prostate or breast cancer, untreated sleep apnea or a high red blood cell count.
If you’re planning to have children, we’ll have a fertility conversation before anything else, because testosterone can lower sperm production.
Results and Honest Expectations
Any changes usually come on gradually, and every man’s experience is different. The goal is a dose that keeps your labs in range while you feel well, and getting there can take a few adjustments. Side effects vary by method, and we review them with you before your first dose. Results vary from person to person, and no result can be promised.
Pairing Testosterone Therapy With Other Care
Hormone therapy can be one part of a broader plan. Men sometimes combine it with medical weight loss or Emsella. You can also ask about peptide therapy and IV vitamin drips. If your partner is curious about their own options, our guide to hormone therapy for women is a good place to start.
Testosterone Therapy FAQs
Will you prescribe testosterone based on how I feel?
No. Symptoms alone aren’t enough. Baseline labs and a health review come first, and a prescription only follows if your labs and symptoms both point to low levels.
What should I bring to my consultation?
A list of your medications and supplements, any recent lab results, and notes on past hormone use. It also helps to know whether you plan to have children.
Are pellets placed at your office?
Yes. Dr. Berkey or our nurse practitioner places them during a short office visit under lidocaine, and you can return to normal activity afterward.
Can follow-ups be done by telehealth?
Many can. Follow-ups and refills can often be handled by telehealth, alongside the repeat labs in your plan.
Book Your Free Consultation
If you’ve wondered whether low testosterone is part of the picture, a free consultation is a straightforward way to find out what testing and treatment would involve. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling is recommended. Financing is available through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry.
Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics
1501 Westcliff Dr #303, Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Call: 949-503-9621
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
This article is for general education and isn’t medical advice. Individual results vary, and no result can be promised. Please consult a qualified physician about your own health before starting any hormone therapy.