Perimenopause + Menopause Clinic | Hormonal Weight Loss | Sexual Health + Wellbeing
San Diego's Top Perimenopause & Menopause Expert: Dr. Valerie Gafori
Welcome to a new era of wellness. HER era. Our approach at PRFCT is to empower and better serve women by marrying proven solutions with the unique factors that influence your well being - genetics, environment, age, and lifestyle. With a goal of total health for her, our mission is to change the conversation and approach to women’s wellness. Feeling 100% yourself into your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond takes a little tweaking (maybe even a little twerking), but it is absolutely within reach.
For over 22 years, our expert board-certified physician, Dr. Valerie Gafori, has practiced Obstetric and Gynecologic care. She has a passion for applying evidence-based medicine and integrative treatments to get you on your path to full feminine wellness.
HER Wellness Optimization: New Patient Consultation - $495
A 50-minute in-depth consultation which includes a comprehensive review of symptoms, health history, lifestyle, nutritional and current health issues. Dr. Gafori will conduct a physical exam and laboratory investigation as needed. Together, we will identify your best course of action to get you feeling your best within weeks, if not days.
Ongoing Care Visit: Established Patients - $195
For patients initiating hormonal therapies, a 20-minute follow up visit is required within 1-2 months, and once per year. This will help us to ensure optimal symptom management and dosing, as well as the ability to make any needed adjustments.
Testosterone Pellet Therapy - $400 Recommended every 3 months for women
Testosterone pellet therapy helps to alleviate symptoms of low testosterone such as low libido, fatigue, and headache to name a few. Benefits are far reaching and can lead to an improved overall well-being and improvement in muscle mass as well. Pellets are slightly larger than a grain of rice, and are easily placed with only local anesthesia in the buttock area. Pellets release a steady, low dose of testosterone over several months mimicking the body’s natural hormone production. If you are new to pellets, you must first schedule a New Patient Visit.
CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation - $1200 Single | Package of 3 - $3000
A non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) laser technology to improve vaginal health and address various vaginal issues. The procedure is quick and painless. Controlled laser energy to the vaginal tissues stimulates collagen production and promotes regeneration of healthy tissue. Benefits include enhanced lubrication, reduced vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia, reduced urinary tract infections and vaginal infections, and enhanced sexual satisfaction.
O-Shot - $1300
A non-surgical procedure that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood to rejuvenate and enhance the function of vaginal and clitoral tissues. Benefits can include enhanced sexual pleasure, improved lubrication and arousal, and reduction of urinary incontinence.
Cancer Risk Assessment & Myriad MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test - $495
At PRFCT’s HER Wellness clinic we empower you to take charge of your health with our comprehensive cancer risk assessment and genetic screening services. This 50-min appointment is designed to evaluate your cancer risk and determine if you may benefit from the Myriad MyRisk hereditary cancer test. The Myriad MyRisk is a quick and simple blood test that can be performed in the office during your visit.
Weight Optimization Consultation - $495
Achieve your weight management goals with tailored plans that may include GLP-1 treatments at PRFCT’s HER Wellness Clinic with Dr. Valerie Gafori. Personalized plans that are tailored to your needs will start with a holistic approach to your health, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
On-Site Lab Draw Service - $95
Experience convenience like never before with our on-site lab draw service. Whether you need routine blood work, specialized testing, or panels to support your health journey, we bring the lab to you. Skip the hassle of scheduling separate appointments or traveling to a blood draw station—our skilled professionals ensure a seamless, comfortable, and efficient experience right in the comfort of our office.
With a focus on comfort and care, we prioritize your time and health by providing personalized service and fast results. Let us take the stress out of lab work, so you can focus on what truly matters.
Our HER Wellness clinic focuses on evidence-based solutions to treat key symptoms and concerns such as:
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when a woman's body begins to undergo hormonal changes, specifically a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. It usually starts in the late 30s to early 40s and lasts until menopause (defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period), which typically occurs around age 51.
Symptoms of perimenopause can vary for each woman, but common symptoms include:
• Irregular periods: Changes in frequency, duration, or flow.
• Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden feelings of heat, often with sweating.
• Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, or depression.
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
• Vaginal dryness: Can lead to discomfort during intercourse.
• Decreased libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity.
• Weight gain: Especially around the abdomen.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness.
• Memory and concentration issues: Often referred to as "brain fog."
• Breast tenderness: Similar to symptoms of PMS.
• Joint pain or stiffness: Sometimes linked to lower estrogen levels.
• Dry skin and thinning hair: Changes in texture or density.
• Urinary symptoms: Increased frequency, urgency, or incontinence. Mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, defined as occurring when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It is a natural biological process resulting from a significant decline in ovarian function and the production of estrogen and progesterone.
Menopause symptoms often overlap with perimenopause but can persist or evolve:
• Hot flashes and night sweats: Persistent episodes of sudden warmth and sweating.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
• Vaginal dryness: Can cause discomfort, itching, or painful intercourse.
• Mood changes: Increased risk of irritability, anxiety, or depression.
• Reduced libido: Lower sexual drive.
• Memory and concentration issues: Often referred to as "brain fog."
• Joint pain or stiffness: Sometimes linked to lower estrogen levels.
• Dry skin and thinning hair: Changes in texture or density.
• Urinary symptoms: Increased frequency, urgency, or incontinence.
Hormone imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of one or more hormones in the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, reproduction, mood, and growth. Even small imbalances can significantly affect physical and emotional health.
Symptoms vary based on the specific hormones involved, but common signs include:
• Irregular periods or missed periods.
• Hot flashes and night sweats.
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially around the abdomen.
• Fatigue or low energy levels.
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
• Decreased libido.
• Vaginal dryness or painful intercourse.
• Hair thinning or hair loss.
• Acne or oily skin.
Sexual well-being and enhancement treatments focus on improving physical, emotional, and intimate aspects of sexual health to foster confidence, satisfaction, and overall quality of life. At PRFCT, we offer personalized treatments designed to address common concerns such as reduced libido, vaginal dryness, or difficulty achieving arousal, often caused by hormonal changes, aging, or lifestyle factors. Our holistic approach combines evidence-based therapies with compassionate care to help individuals and couples rediscover intimacy, enhance pleasure, and build stronger connections.
Decreased libido, or a reduced desire for sexual activity, is a common concern that can affect both men and women at various stages of life. It can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, fatigue, aging, or medical conditions. Symptoms may include a lack of interest in sex, difficulty becoming aroused, or a sense of detachment from intimate relationships. At PRFCT, we understand that sexual health is a vital part of overall well-being, and we offer tailored treatments to address the underlying causes of decreased libido. From hormone optimization to advanced therapies, our goal is to help you regain confidence, enhance intimacy, and restore balance in your life.
Dyspareunia, or pain during intercourse, is a condition that can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being, often leading to discomfort, anxiety, or difficulty maintaining intimacy. Common causes include hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, pelvic floor dysfunction, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may range from mild irritation to sharp, persistent pain during or after intercourse. At PRFCT, we offer compassionate, personalized care to identify and treat the root causes of dyspareunia. With advanced treatment options such as CO2 laser and hormone optimization, we aim to alleviate discomfort, improve intimacy, and help you enjoy a pain-free and fulfilling intimate life.
Irregular sleep, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing unrefreshing rest, is a common issue for middle-aged women, often linked to hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and a weakened immune system, significantly impacting overall quality of life. Additionally, disrupted sleep can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, increasing the risk of weight gain, anxiety, and even chronic health conditions like heart disease. At PRFCT, we recognize the critical role of restorative sleep in maintaining vitality and well-being. We offer tailored solutions, including but not limited to hormone optimization and stress-relief therapies, to help you achieve balanced, rejuvenating rest and restore your energy and focus.
Hormonal weight gain, often caused by shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and other key hormones, is a common challenge for middle-aged women, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. This type of weight gain typically affects the abdomen and can feel resistant to diet and exercise, leading to frustration and impacts on self-confidence. At PRFCT, we offer a science-backed solution with Semaglutide medication, a proven treatment that supports weight loss by regulating appetite and improving metabolic function. Paired with personalized support and guidance, Semaglutide can help you overcome hormonal weight challenges, achieve sustainable results, and feel confident in your body again.
Decreased energy and fatigue are common concerns for middle-aged women, often stemming from hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, or the demands of a busy lifestyle. These factors can lead to persistent tiredness, difficulty focusing, and reduced motivation, impacting daily life and overall well-being. At PRFCT, we understand the importance of feeling energized and vibrant. Through advanced therapies like hormone optimization and customized wellness plans, we address the root causes of fatigue to help restore your energy, improve mental clarity, and revitalize your zest for life.
Postpartum wellness is essential for new mothers navigating the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that follow childbirth. Common challenges such as fatigue, hormonal imbalances, hair thinning, mood swings, and changes in skin or weight can impact overall well-being during this transformative time. At PRFCT, we offer personalized postpartum care to support your recovery and rejuvenation. From hormone optimization and energy-boosting therapies to treatments that promote skin and hair health, our holistic approach is designed to help you regain balance, feel confident, and embrace motherhood with vitality.
Depression, moodiness, and irritability are common struggles for many women, particularly during periods of hormonal change such as perimenopause, menopause, or postpartum. These emotional shifts can disrupt daily life, strain relationships, and reduce overall well-being. At PRFCT, we understand that emotional health is deeply tied to hormonal balance and physical vitality. Our personalized approach includes hormone optimization, stress-relief therapies, and wellness solutions designed to address the root causes of these mood changes, helping you restore emotional stability, improve resilience, and feel like yourself again.
Emotional well-being and quality of life are essential components of overall health, influencing how we navigate relationships, manage stress, and experience joy. Factors like hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, and life transitions can affect emotional health, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, or disconnection. At PRFCT, we prioritize a holistic approach to enhance your emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Through personalized treatments, including hormone optimization, stress management, and rejuvenation therapies, we help you achieve balance, improve resilience, and rediscover a sense of vitality and happiness.
Gut health plays a vital role in overall wellness, affecting digestion, immunity, energy levels, and even mood. An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to bloating, irregular bowel movements, food sensitivities, fatigue, and inflammation, which may contribute to chronic health issues over time. At PRFCT, we offer personalized solutions to support optimal gut health, including advanced testing, dietary guidance, and targeted therapies. By improving digestion and restoring balance to your gut, we help enhance your overall vitality, boost energy, and promote long-term well-being.
Longevity is about more than just living longer—it’s about thriving with energy, vitality, and wellness throughout every stage of life. Factors like hormonal changes, chronic stress, poor sleep, and inflammation can accelerate aging and diminish quality of life. At PRFCT, we focus on personalized, science-backed strategies to support healthy aging, including hormone optimization, advanced therapies, and lifestyle guidance. By addressing the root causes of aging and promoting cellular health, we help you look and feel your best, so you can enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling life for years to come.
Well-aging planning is a proactive approach to embracing the aging process with vitality, confidence, and optimal health. It focuses on addressing the physical, hormonal, and lifestyle changes that naturally occur over time, helping you maintain energy, clarity, and radiance. At PRFCT we offer personalized plans that include hormone optimization, advanced skin rejuvenation, nutrition guidance, and wellness therapies tailored to your unique needs. With a focus on prevention and restoration, our well-aging planning empowers you to look and feel your best at every stage of life.
Hair loss during perimenopause and menopause is a common symptom caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. These changes can lead to thinner, finer hair, increased shedding, and slower growth. This type of hair loss, known as androgenic alopecia or female pattern hair loss, typically presents as overall thinning or widening of the part line, rather than complete baldness.
An on-site laboratory workup may help identify underlying contributors such as thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D, and biotin), or elevated androgen levels. Treatment options can include topical or oral medications such as minoxidil, hormone replacement therapy, spironolactone or finasteride. Additionally, advanced therapies like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections can help promote healthier, fuller hair. Customized treatment plans ensure an approach tailored to each individual's needs.
Treatments to optimize quality of life and wellbeing will be individualized to your needs, and your plan structured for your goals. Dr. Gafori’s tailored approach may include a protocol that involves intelligent labs, topical or oral medications, bioidentical hormone treatment (estrogen/progesterone), testosterone pellet placement, feminine rejuvenation treatments, natural supplements and/or lifestyle adjustments.
We do not believe in running experiments or ordering a laundry list of labs. Rather we will order and review specific lab tests that are relevant and actionable. Because we are not beholden to insurance companies, we are able to spend adequate time to provide the care that you deserve. Our appointment length is 2-3x that of conventional medical office visits.
Q&A
I feel OK, what do I have to gain?
The goal is not for you to survive, we want you to thrive! Plus, a little tweaking can often result in far-reaching benefits including improved cardiovascular, bone, cognitive, and sexual health.
How is a HER Wellness visit different?
Because we are not beholden to insurance companies, we are able to spend adequate time to provide the care that you deserve. Our appointment length is 2-3x that of conventional medical office visits. We take a whole-self approach before identifying a course of action.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not. And that’s on purpose. We want to be able to fully focus on you, and your wellness, without constraints of insurance. We’d be happy to provide you with a receipt in case you’d like to submit for reimbursement.
Should I use my Health Savings Account?
If you have a health savings account, we encourage you to explore using a HSA debit, or submitting for reimbursement.