Treatments · Hormones & Wellness
Hormone Replacement Therapy in San Antonio
Lab-guided hormone optimization for men and women, designed and monitored by a board-certified physician. HRT can help restore energy, mood, sleep, libido and body composition when hormones are the cause.
Medically reviewed by Francisco Cardona, MD, board-certified physician
Best for
Fatigue, low libido, mood & weight changes
For
Men and women
Starts with
Evaluation and lab work
Monitoring
Ongoing labs and follow-up
Overview
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormones regulate energy, metabolism, mood, sleep, muscle and sexual health. As levels decline with age, menopause, andropause or other medical causes, many people notice fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, poor sleep and lower libido.
Hormone replacement therapy restores hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and thyroid to healthier, physiologic levels. We use only bioidentical hormones, which are molecularly identical to the hormones your body makes. At Vita Nova, every plan starts with a medical evaluation and lab work, and is adjusted over time based on your symptoms and follow-up labs. It is never a one-size-fits-all dose.
What it treats
- Low energy and fatigue
- Low libido and sexual function
- Mood changes and brain fog
- Poor sleep
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Loss of muscle and weight gain
Who it’s for
- Men with symptoms of low testosterone
- Women in perimenopause or menopause
- Adults whose labs show a hormone imbalance
- Patients who want physician oversight, not a quick fix
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
01
Your Evaluation
A detailed review of your symptoms, medical history and goals, plus comprehensive lab work.
02
Your Treatment
Dr. Cardona designs a personalized protocol based on your labs and symptoms, and explains the options, benefits and risks.
03
Results & Follow-Up
Follow-up visits and repeat labs fine-tune your dose and keep treatment safe and effective.
Patient Stories
In our patients’ words
★★★★★
Doctor Cardona took the time to answer all the questions I had about treatment options and to fully explain the benefits and potential side effects of TRT, including the ways to minimize the risks associated with the treatment.
Julio P., TRT patient · Google review
★★★★★
I have been coming here for several years for HRT and it has made such a difference in how I feel. Dr Cardona is great and his staff is amazing.
Leslie S., HRT patient · Google review
★★★★★
I’ve been under Dr. Cardona’s care for at least the last 12 years. He’s open and honest, doesn’t sugar coat things… Anytime I’ve had any questions, he always takes time to listen and give an honest opinion.
Lawrence G. · Google review
How do I know if I need hormone therapy?
Symptoms alone aren’t enough. Your evaluation combines your symptoms, history and lab work to determine whether a hormone imbalance is the cause and whether HRT is appropriate for you.
Do you use bioidentical hormones?
Yes. Every hormone plan at Vita Nova uses bioidentical hormones only, meaning they have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces. Your dose and delivery method are chosen at your evaluation and adjusted based on your symptoms and follow-up labs.
Is hormone therapy safe?
When it is prescribed after a proper evaluation and monitored with regular labs, hormone therapy is well established. We review your personal risks, including cardiovascular, prostate and breast health, before starting and throughout treatment.
How soon will I feel a difference?
Many patients notice improvements in energy, sleep and mood within a few weeks, while changes in body composition and libido can take a few months.
Do you offer an HRT membership?
Yes. Our Hormone Therapy Membership includes ongoing provider guidance and regular progress monitoring. Ask about it at your evaluation.
How do I know if I have low testosterone or a hormone imbalance?
Symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, weight gain, poor sleep, brain fog or mood changes can point to a hormone problem, but only lab work confirms it. We check your levels at your evaluation.
What labs do you check before starting HRT?
Panels are tailored to you and commonly include testosterone or estradiol and progesterone, thyroid, metabolic markers, a blood count and, for men, PSA.
How is hormone therapy given?
Options may include injections, creams or pellets, depending on your labs, preferences and medical history. We explain the pros and cons of each.
How often will I need follow-up labs?
We recheck labs after starting therapy and periodically after that to keep your levels in a safe, effective range.
Can my lab work be billed to insurance?
Yes. Labs can be drawn here at our office and billed to most insurance plans. Physician visits are self-pay; we do not bill insurance for them.
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Begin Here
Your plan starts with an evaluation
Meet with our physician-led team to find out whether hormone therapy is right for you.
Individual results vary. Results are not guaranteed. This page is for general education and is not medical advice.