Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
(BHRT)
in San Diego & La Jolla
Last Updated: October 24, 2025 | Medically Reviewed by Brooke Leverone, ND
Are you tired of feeling tired? Do you find yourself struggling with symptoms that seem to have no clear explanation—mood swings that catch you off guard, sleep that never feels restorative, or energy levels that just aren’t what they used to be? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t have to accept these changes as an inevitable part of aging.
Brooke Leverone, ND specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), offering a natural, personalized approach to restoring your body’s optimal hormone balance. Serving patients throughout San Diego County, Dr. Leverone combines the wisdom of naturopathic medicine with cutting-edge functional medicine to help you reclaim the vitality and well-being you deserve.
Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy represents a revolutionary approach to hormone optimization that works with your body, not against it. Unlike synthetic hormones created in laboratories, bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources and are molecularly identical to the hormones your body produces naturally.
This isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about addressing the root cause of hormonal imbalance and supporting your body’s innate ability to heal and thrive. When your hormones are in harmony, everything else begins to fall into place: your energy returns, your mood stabilizes, your sleep becomes restorative, and you start feeling like yourself again.
“I’ve witnessed thousands of transformations over my 19 years in practice,” shares Dr. Leverone. “When we restore hormonal balance using bioidentical compounds that your body recognizes and utilizes effectively, patients don’t just feel better—They reclaim their sense of self as the fog of hormonal imbalance clears, experiencing a newfound energy and vitality, as if they’ve finally come back to life.”
The Natural Difference
Traditional hormone replacement often relies on synthetic hormones or those derived from animal sources, which can create confusion in your body’s delicate hormonal messaging system. Bioidentical hormones, however, speak your body’s language fluently, integrating seamlessly with your natural physiology to restore balance from within.
Recognizing the Signs: Is BHRT Right for You?
Your body has an incredible ability to communicate when something isn’t quite right. Hormonal imbalances often manifest through a constellation of symptoms that may seem unrelated but are actually your body’s way of asking for support.
Women often experience:
- Hot flashes and night sweats that disrupt daily life
- Irregular periods or complete cessation of menstruation
- Mood swings, irritability, or feelings of overwhelm
- Decreased interest in intimacy and sexual discomfort
- Sleep disturbances that leave you feeling unrested
- Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection
- Mental fog that affects your clarity and focus
- Changes in skin texture and accelerated aging
- Bone density concerns and joint discomfort
Men frequently notice:
- Persistent fatigue that rest doesn’t resolve
- Loss of muscle mass despite maintaining exercise routines
- Decreased libido and performance concerns
- Mood changes, including increased irritability or depression
- Difficulty concentrating and mental sharpness
- Increased abdominal weight and body fat
- Sleep quality issues and reduced recovery
- Thinning hair and changes in physical appearance
- Decreased motivation and drive
Research published in peer-reviewed medical journals indicates that hormonal imbalances affect the vast majority of individuals as they age, with studies showing that up to 80% of women experience significant symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, while testosterone deficiency impacts nearly 35% of men over 45.1,2
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
Dr. Brooke Leverone provides customized hormone treatment plans using bioidentical options sourced from trusted compounding and standard pharmacies. These therapies are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal balance and symptom relief.
Delivery Methods Offered
Recognizing that preferences and physiology vary, Dr. Leverone offers a range of proven delivery options:
- Topical creams and gels for steady absorption through the skin
- Transdermal patches for consistent, convenient dosing
- Sublingual tablets for rapid absorption under the tongue
- Injectable hormones for precise, controlled administration
- Troches for convenient oral dosing when appropriate
Each method is carefully selected to match your lifestyle, health considerations, and desired outcomes.
The Science Supporting BHRT
Cardiovascular Wellness
Leading medical institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, have published research indicating that when hormone therapy is initiated within the optimal window—typically within 10 years of menopause onset—it may provide significant cardiovascular protection and reduce the risk of heart disease.3
Bone Health and Strength
The International Osteoporosis Foundation recognizes hormone therapy as an effective intervention for maintaining bone density and reducing fracture risk, particularly important for postmenopausal women who face increased osteoporosis risk.4
Cognitive Function and Mental Clarity
Emerging research suggests that appropriate hormone therapy may support cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline when initiated during the optimal treatment window.
Dr. Leverone’s Holistic BHRT Philosophy
“Every person who walks through our doors brings a unique story, a distinct set of circumstances, and individual health goals,” explains Dr. Leverone. “This is why I’ve developed a comprehensive, three-phase approach that honors your individuality while addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalance.”
What Our Patients are Saying
Elena, Age 52
Elena arrived exhausted and discouraged, struggling with fatigue, anxiety, joint pain, low libido, and a loss of motivation. Her previous doctor dismissed her symptoms as “normal aging” and suggested an antidepressant, but she knew something else was wrong. Dr. Brooke addressed diet, gut health, and lifestyle, added targeted supplements, and initiated bioidentical hormone therapy. Within three months, Elena reported no anxiety, renewed energy, a stronger connection with her husband, and the return of her favorite hobbies. “I feel like I have my life back. Before I came here I thought my life was over,” she shared at follow-up.
Beth, Age 54
Beth sought help for anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, and persistent bloating. After implementing dietary changes, gut health support, supplements, and BHRT creams, her digestive issues and sleep improved within one month. By the two-month mark she was “sleeping great, in a better mood, and enjoying life again.”
Sarah, Age 49
Sarah experienced weight gain despite diligent efforts, plus hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, mood swings, and painful intercourse. Dr. Brooke recommended lifestyle support, targeted supplements, and BHRT creams. In just one month her vaginal dryness resolved, libido and energy increased, and hot flashes disappeared. After two months, she had lost 10 pounds, was sleeping soundly, and described finally “feeling like herself again.”
Our Comprehensive Three-Phase Journey
PHASE 1: Reset
Your path begins with a comprehensive intake to understand your medical history, current symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. In this phase we “reset” by addressing foundational health factors—cleaning up the diet, supporting gut health, optimizing liver function, and teaching sustainable habits to reduce symptoms and promote balance.
PHASE 2: Renew
With a strong foundation in place, we begin personalized treatment. Dr. Brooke designs a targeted plan that includes customized supplements and carefully calibrated bioidentical hormone therapy. During this phase, hormone dosing is fine-tuned while you continue building healthy routines that support long-term vitality.
PHASE 4: Refine
In the final phase we refine and streamline your program. Hormone dosing and supplement choices are adjusted to match your body’s optimal needs, and by this point you’ll have the knowledge and tools to maintain your health through diet and lifestyle.
After completing the Refine phase, most patients transition to ongoing maintenance, with periodic check-ins and hormone monitoring to ensure you continue feeling your best.
Safety and Monitoring: Your Well-being is Our Priority
Patient safety forms the foundation of everything we do. Our comprehensive monitoring protocols include:
- Regular hormone level assessments every 3-6 months
- Liver function assessments every 6 months
- Ongoing symptom tracking and quality of life measures
Understanding Potential Risks:
While BHRT is generally well-tolerated, we believe in complete transparency about potential considerations:
- Temporary breast tenderness during adjustment period
- Mood fluctuations as hormones optimize
- Individual variations in treatment response
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizes the importance of individualized risk assessment and ongoing monitoring, principles that guide every aspect of our care.5
Beyond Hormones: A Truly Integrative Approach
True healing extends beyond hormone replacement. Our practice addresses the foundational elements that support optimal hormonal function and overall wellness:
Nutritional Foundation
- Anti-inflammatory dietary guidance tailored to your needs
- Targeted nutritional supplementation based on testing
- Blood sugar optimization strategies
- Gut health restoration and microbiome support
Lifestyle Optimization
- Personalized stress management techniques
- Sleep hygiene improvement protocols
- Exercise prescriptions that support hormonal balance
- Environmental toxin reduction strategies
Advanced Therapeutic Support
- Nutrigenomics testing to understand your genetic predispositions
- Methylation pathway optimization
- Comprehensive detoxification support
- Adrenal health restoration
- Thyroid optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
About Bioidentical Hormones
- How do I find the best BHRT provider in San Diego? Choosing the right provider for your hormone therapy journey is crucial for achieving optimal results. Our practice serves patients throughout San Diego County, offering a unique combination of naturopathic wisdom and functional medicine expertise. Dr. Leverone’s approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just symptoms, ensuring that your treatment plan addresses root causes and supports your body’s natural healing abilities.
- Can BHRT be combined with other treatments I’m receiving? Absolutely. BHRT works beautifully in conjunction with many other therapeutic approaches. Dr. Leverone specializes in creating integrated treatment plans that may include thyroid optimization, adrenal support, nutritional therapy, stress management protocols, and targeted supplementation. This comprehensive approach often leads to more profound and lasting improvements in health and vitality.
- What can I expect during my BHRT journey? Most patients begin noticing improvements within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment, with optimal results typically achieved within 3-6 months. However, every person’s journey is unique. Some patients experience rapid improvements in sleep and energy, while others notice gradual changes in mood and cognitive function. We’ll work closely with you to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
- How does insurance coverage work for BHRT? Our practice does not bill insurance for visits, testing, or treatments. Because insurance plans rarely cover comprehensive hormone testing or bioidentical hormone therapy, we operate on a transparent, self-pay basis. We help patients find the most cost-effective options for laboratory testing and discuss all fees up front so you know exactly what to expect.
-
Pricing Information
- Initial Consultation: $500 per hour
- Lab Review: $500 per hour
- Check-In Visits: 30 minutes at $250
- Laboratory Testing: Cash-pay, typically $200–$500 depending on the specific panels ordered
- Insurance: We do not bill insurance, and most plans do not cover the advanced hormone testing we provide. Paying cash is often less expensive than using insurance.
- Superbill & Payment Options: A detailed superbill is available for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. FSA and HSA payments are accepted.
- Comprehensive Coaching Packages: Optional health coaching packages offer bundled services and discounts on supplements for patients seeking an ongoing, holistic approach.
All fees are discussed up front so you know the exact cost before any labs or treatments are ordered.
- What makes bioidentical hormones different from synthetic options? The difference lies in molecular structure and how your body recognizes and utilizes these hormones. Bioidentical hormones are identical in structure to the hormones your body produces naturally, allowing for seamless integration with your existing hormonal systems. This often results in fewer side effects, more predictable responses, and better overall outcomes compared to synthetic alternatives that your body may not recognize as readily.
Begin Your Journey to Hormonal Wellness
You don’t have to accept feeling less than your best as an inevitable part of aging. Patients throughout San Diego County have discovered renewed energy, restored vitality, and improved quality of life through our comprehensive BHRT programs.
Your journey to optimal health begins with a single step. We invite you to schedule a consultation and discover how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help you reclaim the vibrant health and vitality you deserve.
New Patient Appointments: We welcome new patients and typically can schedule initial consultations within 1-2 weeks.
About Brooke Leverone, ND
Education & Professional Training:
- Bachelor of Science, University of California, San Diego (2002)
- Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, Seattle (2008)
- California Licensed Naturopathic Physician
- Advanced Training in Functional Medicine and Nutrigenomics
Clinical Experience & Expertise:
Dr. Brooke Leverone brings over 19 years of dedicated clinical experience to her San Diego practice, with a special focus on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional medicine. As a La Jolla native, she has deep roots in the community and understands the unique health needs and lifestyle factors that affect San Diego residents.
Dr. Leverone’s approach combines the best of naturopathic medicine—which focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing abilities—with cutting-edge functional medicine testing and treatment protocols. This unique combination allows her to address not just symptoms, but the underlying root causes of hormonal imbalance.
Additional Credentials and Achievements
- Completed a two-year residency in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and Functional Medicine in Seattle
- Member, California Association of Naturopathic Doctors
- Faculty & Educator: Taught hormone therapy and methylation genetics to medical students at Bastyr University California
- Professional Training Leader:
- Instructed physicians in hormone replacement therapy with La Vita Compounding Pharmacy
- Presented advanced coursework on methylation genetics for providers with EpigeneticsRX
- Pursues 20–40 hours of continuing hormone-therapy education annually through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
Areas of Specialization:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for men and women
- Perimenopause and menopause management
- Andropause and male hormone optimization
- Nutrigenomics and personalized medicine
- Methylation pathway optimization
- Functional medicine and root cause analysis
- Integrative women’s health
- Thyroid and adrenal optimization
Philosophy of Care:
“I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing and vitality,” shares Dr. Leverone. “My role is to support and guide that natural healing process, providing the tools, knowledge, and personalized care needed to help each patient achieve their optimal health. Hormone balance is often the key that unlocks this potential, but true wellness encompasses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.”
1 Peacock K, Carlson K, Ketvertis KM. Menopause. [Updated 2023 Dec 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/. Accessed September 3, 2025.
2 Endocrine Society. Hypogonadism. Available: https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hypogonadism. Accessed September 3, 2025.
3 Mayo Clinic. Menopause hormone therapy: Is it right for you? Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372. Accessed September 3, 2025.
4 International Osteoporosis Foundation. MHT & SERM. Available: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/health-professionals/treatment/mht-serm. Accessed September 3, 2025.
5 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Hormone Therapy for Menopause. Available: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause. Accessed September 3, 2025.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary based on personal health factors, adherence to treatment protocols, and other variables. All medical treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Editorial Review: This content has been medically reviewed by Brooke Leverone, ND, for accuracy, clinical relevance, and current medical standards. Last medical review: September 3, 2025.
Privacy & Safety Commitment: Our practice maintains strict HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality standards. All treatments are performed in accordance with California medical regulations, safety protocols, and established medical guidelines. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and professional environment for all patients.