General Medicine

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Hormones play a key role in regulating many functions in the body, and even small changes in hormone levels can significantly impact your overall health. Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, with convenient locations across Southern California, is a full-service family practice and urgent care clinic offering in-house lab testing for hormone evaluations. Our patient-focused team provides professional and affordable care to the communities we serve. Schedule your hormone check online, call the nearest clinic, or walk in today.

What do hormones do?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by your endocrine glands. They travel through the bloodstream to organs and tissues, directing important processes such as:

• Metabolism
   
• Sleep-wake cycles
   
• Stress response
   
• Reproduction
   
• Body temperature
   
• Mood regulation
   
• Hunger and appetite
   

When hormone levels are balanced, your body functions properly. Even minor hormonal imbalances can affect both physical and mental well-being.

When should I consider a hormone check?
A hormone evaluation may be helpful if you’re experiencing unexplained changes in how you feel. Hormonal shifts can lead to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue or low energy
   
• Trouble sleeping
   
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
   
• Mood swings or irritability
   
• Hair thinning or loss
   
• Dry skin
   
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
   
• Excessive hunger or thirst
   
• Joint discomfort
   

Hormonal changes can occur due to various health conditions, including thyroid disorders, diabetes, and metabolic issues. Additionally, sex hormone levels naturally change with age — testosterone in men and estrogen and progesterone in women — which can affect libido, body composition, and hair health.

What does a hormone check involve?
At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, your provider will recommend tests based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. Hormone testing may include evaluations of:

• Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)
   
• Thyroid hormones
   
• Adrenal hormones (stress hormones)
   

Our clinics perform lab draws in-house for fast, convenient testing.

When will I get my results?
Most hormone test results are available within 1–3 days. Your provider will review the results with you and discuss any recommended treatments or lifestyle adjustments.

Why choose Costa Mesa Medical Clinic?
We are committed to providing accessible, affordable care. Our bilingual staff (English and Spanish) ensures patients from diverse backgrounds receive personalized support. Call your nearest clinic or schedule your hormone check online today.

One in every two American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension. While about half of those affected keep it under control, the other half face increased risks of serious health issues like heart attack and stroke. At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, our experienced providers, including Shruti Patel, MD, and Jose Ruiz, PA-C, help patients manage blood pressure so they can maintain a healthy, active life. Schedule your appointment online, call the nearest office, or walk in—no appointment needed.

What is hypertension?
Hypertension refers to consistently high blood pressure, the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries. Normally, blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. When it stays elevated for long periods, it can lead to serious complications. Because hypertension often has no symptoms, it is sometimes called a “silent killer.” If left untreated, it can:

• Increase the risk of heart disease, heart failure, and heart attacks
   
• Raise the risk of chronic kidney disease
   
• Increase the likelihood of stroke
   

What causes hypertension?
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure:

• Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and prehypertension
   
• Excess body weight
   
• Sedentary lifestyle
   
• Poor diet and nutrition
   
• High alcohol consumption
   
• Tobacco use
   

High cholesterol can also contribute. Plaque and calcium buildup in the arteries can narrow them, forcing the heart to work harder and raising blood pressure. At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, providers explain how these factors interact and teach patients how to manage them effectively.

How is hypertension managed?
A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of controlling high blood pressure and reducing risks of heart disease and stroke. Recommended strategies include:

• Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet
   
• Maintaining a healthy weight
   
• Engaging in regular physical activity
   
• Limiting alcohol consumption
   
• Avoiding tobacco
   

Medications are also available to lower blood pressure, typically with few or no side effects. It is crucial to take these medications exactly as prescribed and not stop them without your provider’s guidance.

With proper management, lifestyle changes, and medication when necessary, people with hypertension can enjoy a full, healthy life.

If you or a loved one has high blood pressure or risk factors for hypertension, contact Costa Mesa Medical Clinic today to schedule an appointment online, call the nearest location, or walk in for care.

At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, our experienced providers, including Shruti Patel, MD, and Jose Ruiz, PA-C, help patients manage cholesterol levels through regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and medications when necessary. Our goal is to help patients reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. Schedule an appointment online, call the nearest clinic, or walk in for affordable, high-quality care today.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the body needs for various functions. It is essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones, generating digestive fluids, and making vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from both the foods we eat and the liver, which naturally produces it.

What is the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol?
There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL can accumulate along the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques that make arteries stiff and narrow. High levels of LDL increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
   
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream, lowering the risk of plaque buildup. Low HDL levels may indicate a higher risk for heart disease and can be influenced by genetics or conditions like type 2 diabetes.
   

Why should I get my cholesterol checked?
High cholesterol typically causes no symptoms, making regular testing crucial. Without screening, you may be at risk for heart disease or stroke without knowing it. Most adults should have cholesterol checked annually as part of a routine physical. Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease or other risk factors may need testing more frequently.

How is high cholesterol treated?
Lifestyle changes are the first step: a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and regular physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol. If lifestyle modifications are not enough, your provider at Costa Mesa Medical Clinic may prescribe medication to help bring your cholesterol to a safe, healthy level.

Take control of your heart health—call Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, schedule your appointment online, or walk in to have your cholesterol checked and learn more about managing it effectively.

About 20 million people in the United States are affected by thyroid disorders, which can impact both physical and emotional health. At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, our experienced medical providers offer in-house lab testing to screen for and manage thyroid conditions. Schedule a consultation online, call the nearest clinic, or walk in today for personalized thyroid care.

What is the thyroid and what does it do?
The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating metabolism — the energy your body uses to function. When the thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, your metabolism can be disrupted, which may lead to difficulty managing weight, fatigue, and other health issues.

When should I schedule thyroid testing?
Consider thyroid testing if you experience symptoms that could indicate a thyroid problem, including:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
   
• Persistent fatigue
   
• Trouble sleeping
   
• Anxiety or low mood
   
• Dry skin
   
• Thinning hair
   
• Sensitivity to temperature changes (hot or cold)
   

Thyroid disorders can affect anyone but are more common in women and individuals with a family history of thyroid problems or autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

What are common thyroid diseases?
Several conditions can affect thyroid function, including:

• Hashimoto’s disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes underproduction of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism).
   
• Graves’ disease: An autoimmune disorder that leads to overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
   
• Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid due to nodules or iodine deficiency.
   
• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
   

At Costa Mesa Medical Clinic, we perform blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels and help diagnose thyroid disorders accurately.

How is thyroid disease treated?
Treatment depends on the type of thyroid disorder and hormone levels. Providers at Costa Mesa Medical Clinic develop a personalized plan for each patient.

For hypothyroidism, treatment usually includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy and regular hormone monitoring to ensure proper balance.

Call Costa Mesa Medical Clinic or use our online booking system today to schedule your thyroid evaluation and learn more about managing thyroid health.

Our mental health services at Costa Mesa Medical Clinic provide specialized care and treatment to individuals struggling with a range of mental health issues.

Our nutrition and fitness experts at Costa Mesa Medical Clinic provide personalized plans to help you achieve your health goals and live a healthier life.

Our registered dietitians provide personalized nutrition counseling to help you achieve your health goals. We focus on creating sustainable lifestyle changes, not quick fixes.