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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

in San Jose & Palo Alto, CA

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy at Illuminate Wellness

Feel Your Best! If you are regularly experiencing fatigue, high stress, low sex drive, or uncontrollable weight gain, you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance. At Illuminate Wellness, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in San Jose & Palo Alto managed by our triple board-certified primary care physician, Dr. Luciano Del Toro. This process begins with an in-depth health assessment and physical exam by Dr. Del Toro and a comprehensive blood panel. Dr. Del Toro will analyze your detailed blood work, and other labs if applicable, with you to determine whether you are a candidate for a Palo Alto / San Jose bioidentical hormone therapy.

TREATMENT TIME

Varies

PATIENT DOWNTIME

None

TREATMENT SERIES

Varies

PROCEDURE TYPE

Outpatient

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones are infusible hormones that are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally generated by your body. Hormones that are not bioidentical are known as synthetic hormones, which can cause harmful side effects. Hormones used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapies are derived from plants. Hormones control most of our basic bodily functions. They serve as an internal communication system between cells throughout the human body. Hormones coordinate everything from digestion and growth to appetite, immune function, mood, libido, strength, brain function, and more. When our hormones are out of balance (even slightly), it can have a significant negative impact on our health and well-being. Hormone replacement therapies help to bring the body back in balance and ease the symptoms that inevitably affect everyday life and relationships. The goal of our San Jose / Palo Alto bioidentical hormone treatments is to address many physical or mental symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, depression, and even heart disease.

Palo Alto & San Jose Hormone Replacement Therapy model with brown hair

Why Are Bioidentical Hormones Healthier Than Synthetic Hormones?

Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are plant-derived and are identical to human hormones. In turn, they are more effective and less likely to cause side effects like synthetic hormones. There is really no comparison.

Why Do You Recommend Bioidentical Hormone Pellets?

Hormone replacement therapy can be administered in oral, topical, and pellet forms. Pellets have many advantages over the other modalities – most notably, consistent release of the product prevents hormone spiking or steep declines. Pellet insertions are quick,painless, and have a controlled time release of over approximately 4-6 months for easy upkeep and stable levels. Be aware of the “roller-coaster” effect with some other non-pellet forms of hormone replacement therapies.

Who Benefits From Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as daily fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, brain fog, decreased sexual performance or drive, depression or anxiety, you may have a hormone imbalance. Patients who address these symptoms by balancing their hormones, reap the benefit of strengthening all aspects of their health overall.

Are There Particular Benefits For Women?

Yes, bioidentical estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen also can address vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse, giving you the power to reignite your flame. Estrogen has also been shown to directly offer some protection from the bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis. For many women, BHRT can increase sex drive, ease mood changes, reduce irritability and improve sleep.

How About For Men?

After age 30, most men experience a gradual but continual drop in testosterone. That frequently leads to low energy, trouble concentrating, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, sleep disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, depression, and declining sexual desire and performance. BHRT can be used to address these issues. For both women and men, clinical studies indicate BHRT increases the elasticity of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely throughout the body. Bone density becomes stronger and energy and alertness increases.

San Jose & Palo Alto Hormone Replacement Therapy model with glasses

Am I A Candidate For Bioidentical Hormone Pellets?

While many people can benefit from bioidentical hormone pellets, not everyone is a candidate. This is up for Dr. Del Toro to determine after his comprehensive analysis. Before initiating bioidentical hormone therapy Palo Alto & San Jose physician Dr. Del Toro will perform a complete physician exam, including laboratory work and an EKG. He also requires that his female patients have had a PAP smear and mammogram within one year. Once he has determined that you are a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement, he will perform your personalized treatment.

Why Illuminate Wellness?

At Illuminate, your health and well-being are our sole focus. Dr. Del Toro is a triple board-certified physician. His goal with every patient is to practice medicine safely and compassionately. Illuminate treats patients using only the best bioidentical hormone pellets manufactured in the country with the highest quality control and precision. Our medication is dosed with accuracy for every treatment, and Illuminate has achieved 100% success in obtaining the ideal hormone levels for every patient. Illuminate Wellness serves Palo Alto, San Jose, Los Gatos, and the entire Bay Area.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement TherapyFrequently Asked Questions

Pellets are made from wild yams and soy. Both yams and soy contain the highest concentration of hormones substrate of any substance.

You can still receive hormone pellets!

Every patient is unique. However, most men and women get treated two to three times a year.

Contents in the pellets are FDA approved and regulated, the process of making pellets is regulated by the State Pharmacy Board and the distribution is regulated by the DEA and respective state pharmacy boards. The PROCEDURE of placing pellets is not an FDA approved procedure.

Yes, only prior to your initial treatment and then again five to six weeks after to check the levels and sometimes but rarely adjust the dosage with a boost treatment if necessary.

Research indicates that hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk for certain conditions and diseases including:

  • Blood clots
  • Stroke
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Breast cancer
  • Mood swings
  • Breast tenderness
  • Elevated red blood cell counts, which have been linked to muscle pain, hypertension, blurry vision and chest pain
  • Decreased technical size
  • Decreased sperm count
  • Worsening sleep apnea

Common side effects may include acne, bloating and fatigue, particularly at the beginning of treatment as your body adjusts to its new hormone levels.

No, Dr. Del Toro can determine your hormone needs even if you’re on birth control.

Dr. Del Toro can easily transition you to natural bioidentical hormones.

Breast cancer survivors and/or those who have a family history of breast cancer may still be candidates for hormone therapy. However, this is to be determined by Dr. Del Toro after an examination.

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