Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that match the molecular structure of the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone your body makes. The label covers both FDA-approved products and custom-compounded preparations, as the Endocrine Society explains in its position statement. Medical Aesthetics & Laser offers it to help ease symptoms tied to perimenopause, menopause, and low testosterone.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Meet Dr. Safoora Zaka, MD
Dr. Safoora Zaka, MD, founded Medical Aesthetics & Laser after starting out with one goal: helping people. She is board certified in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine and in obesity medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and her training is in internal medicine, not emergency care. While working ER shifts after residency, she noticed how much patients cared about how they look and feel, and her first Botox injection showed her where to focus. Today she leads a team of nurses, trains students at the Allergan Medical Institute, and builds every plan around what you want and what fits your budget. Clients describe her as friendly and a great listener.
Learn About Your Doctor!
Signs You May Need Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Perimenopause and Menopause
Roughly 75% of women experience hot flashes during the menopause transition, according to The Menopause Society. Night sweats, restless sleep, brain fog, mood swings, weight changes, and lost motivation often come along with them.
- Low Testosterone in Men
Men with low testosterone often notice fatigue, less muscle, more belly fat, and a drop in drive. Researchers writing in the New England Journal of Medicine say lower testosterone in older men may contribute to reduced mobility, sexual function, and energy.
In both cases, care starts with your history and lab work. That way, your plan targets what is actually driving how you feel.
You're Not Alone in This
If you have been blaming stress or age, you are in good company. The Office on Women’s Health reminds readers that “Menopause symptoms go beyond hot flashes.” It also points to a review of 37 studies in which 57% of women in perimenopause reported muscle or joint pain, compared with 40% of women before perimenopause. Aches, brain fog, and restless nights are common, and they are worth mentioning to a clinician.
When should you see a professional?
Timing is personal, and there is no deadline. NIH News in Health says men considering testosterone therapy “should discuss potential benefits and drawbacks with a health care provider.” That advice, written for men, fits anyone weighing hormone options. If symptoms disrupt your sleep, work, mood, or relationships, a conversation makes sense. A visit does not commit you to treatment. It simply gives you information.
Prevention & Lifestyle Support
You cannot stop hormones from changing with age, but daily habits can shape how you feel. The CDC notes that many women gain weight before, during, and after menopause, possibly because of falling estrogen. It adds that regular exercise benefits the heart and bones and helps control weight. Its midlife guidance also highlights sleep and stress management. Small habits you can repeat, like walking, strength training, and a steady bedtime, usually work better than strict plans.
Popular Home Remedies and DIY Approaches
Many people try over-the-counter “natural” creams, herbal supplements like black cohosh, and online supplement stacks before seeing a doctor. They are easy to find and need no appointment, which makes them appealing. Others track their triggers, switch to lighter bedding, or cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which cost little and carry little risk. Supplements are less predictable, so it helps to know what the research says.
Myth Busting
Research indicates black cohosh may not deliver the relief its labels suggest. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements reports that a 2016 meta-analysis found “no significant associations” between black cohosh and fewer hot flashes or other vasomotor symptoms. It also notes that available preparations vary considerably in their chemical makeup. “Natural” on a label does not guarantee a product works or is consistent, so check with a clinician before starting one.
Your Care With Dr. Zaka, Step by Step
Sit Down and Talk Through What You’re Feeling
Your first visit starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. Safoora Zaka, MD, reviews your symptoms, health history, and goals, and she listens before she suggests anything. We then order comprehensive lab testing to check your hormone levels and rule out other causes of how you feel. You leave with a clear picture of your options and no pressure to decide that day.
Review Your Results and Choose a Plan Together
Once your results are in, we build a plan around your body, your preferences, and your budget. FDA-approved and custom-compounded hormone products are not the same thing, and a National Academies review found insufficient evidence for the clinical value of compounded versions. So we explain every option, the evidence behind it, and the cost before anything begins. The final choice is always yours.
Treatment Day with Our Nursing Team
For pellet therapy, our team numbs the area and places small custom-compounded pellets under your skin during a brief in-office visit. Dr. Zaka oversees your care, and our nurses keep you comfortable from start to finish. The pellets are designed to release hormones over about four to six months. Most people return to normal activity soon afterward, following a few simple guidelines.
Simple Habits That Support Your Results
Keep the insertion site clean and dry for the first few days, and skip heavy workouts or soaking in water until we say it is safe. Protein, sleep, and regular movement help your body get the most from treatment. Call us if you notice redness, swelling, or drainage at the site. We send written instructions home, so you never have to guess.
Ongoing Monitoring with Dr. Zaka
Regular check-ins keep your plan on track. We repeat lab testing, review how you feel, and adjust your dose when needed. Because pellets last about four to six months, we plan your next visit before their effects fade. Dr. Zaka stays involved through ongoing monitoring, so your plan keeps pace with changes in your body and your life.
FAQs
How much does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy cost?
Your cost depends on which hormones you need, your dose, and how you take them. Labs, visits, and the delivery method all shape the total, so ask for the full picture, not just one line item. We review every cost during your consultation, before you commit to anything. Our goal is an effective plan that fits your budget.
What is the difference between HRT and bioidentical hormone therapy?
Traditional HRT usually means FDA-approved hormone products, and some of those are bioidentical too. Bioidentical hormone therapy describes hormones that match the structure of the ones your body makes, and it can include FDA-approved or custom-compounded options. The FDA’s summary of the National Academies review notes a lack of rigorous evidence on compounded versions. We walk you through each option so you can choose with confidence.
Can bioidentical hormone replacement therapy help with weight loss?
It is not a weight loss treatment on its own. Hormone changes may make weight harder to manage, so addressing an imbalance can support your efforts, but nutrition, movement, and sleep still do the heavy lifting. Dr. Zaka is also certified in obesity medicine, so she can build a plan that looks at your whole picture. Results vary, and we set realistic expectations at your consultation.
Does bioidentical hormone therapy improve sexual response?
It may, depending on the cause. In the NIH-funded Testosterone Trials, older men with low testosterone saw gains in sexual activity, desire, and erectile function, though the trials also found more coronary artery plaque, and its clinical meaning is uncertain. For women, sexual health depends on several factors, including comfort, mood, and sleep, so we start with a full evaluation. Results vary, so we discuss expectations and risks before treatment.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy safe for older women?
It depends on your age, health history, and how long ago menopause began. Harvard Health notes that guidelines recommend starting hormone therapy before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause, and that starting later may raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, or dementia. We review your history and labs first. Product choice matters too, since FDA-approved options have more safety data than compounded ones.
Find Out if Hormones Are Behind How You Feel
Not sure hormones are the cause? A short call can show whether testing makes sense for you. Dr. Safoora Zaka, MD, and the team at Medical Aesthetics & Laser answer questions Monday through Friday at (925) 322-5460, or you can message us through our contact page. You can also set up an account in our online store and browse what the practice shares on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
