Understanding Your Changing Hormones

From irregular periods and PMS to PCOS, perimenopause and menopause, HM Medical offers testing, answers and personalized treatment plans — including care from a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.

WHAT WE OFFER

Answers and Relief for Hormone Changes

Hormones affect your periods, sleep, mood, energy and sexual health. We listen, test when it helps, and build a plan around your symptoms and your goals.

Hormone Level Testing

Testing, when it is helpful, to look for hormonal causes of your symptoms.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Evaluation and treatment of irregular cycles and other symptoms of PCOS.

Perimenopause Support

Help with irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep changes and mood shifts in the years before menopause.

Menopause Care

Personalized treatment options for menopause symptoms, from lifestyle changes to medication.

Premenstrual Tension Syndrome

Support for the monthly mood, energy and physical symptoms that can disrupt your life.

Sexual Health

Compassionate care for changes in desire, comfort or function.

Support Through Every Change

Personalized care for the hormonal transitions that come with midlife.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Signs Your Hormones May Be Changing

Hormone changes can show up in many ways. If any of these sound familiar, you do not have to simply put up with them.

Changes in Your Periods

Cycles that are irregular, heavier, lighter or more frequent than usual.

Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Sudden warmth and sweating, and sleep that is interrupted.

Mood & Energy Changes

Irritability, anxiety, low mood or fatigue that feel out of character.

Body & Intimacy Changes

Vaginal dryness, changes in desire, weight changes or thinning hair.

Your Path to Feeling Like Yourself Again

We start by listening, then use testing and a clear plan to help you feel better. Here is how care typically unfolds.

1. We Listen

Your symptoms, cycle history, sleep, mood and health goals — your story guides everything.

2. Exam & Testing

A physical exam and, when helpful, hormone level testing and other labs.

3. Understanding Your Results

We explain what is going on — whether it is PCOS, PMS, perimenopause or menopause — in plain language.

4. A Personalized Plan

Lifestyle and nutrition support, supplements and, when appropriate, medication or hormone therapy, decided together.

5. Follow-Up

We check how you are feeling and adjust your plan as your body changes.

6. Ongoing Support

Continued care through midlife and beyond, including bone health and sexual health.

YOUR CARE TEAM

Support From a Menopause Specialist

Our team is here to help you understand your options — with care from a provider who has earned a specialized menopause credential.

Menopause Society Certified Practitioner

Dr. Candace Howe holds the Menopause Society’s certified practitioner credential.

A Whole-Person Approach

Nutrition, lifestyle and integrative support, including professional-grade supplements, alongside medical treatment.

Treatment Options, Explained

We talk through the benefits and risks of each option, including hormone therapy, so you can decide what is right for you.

Open, Private Conversations

Hot flashes, sleep, mood and intimacy are all fair topics. You will never be rushed or judged.

Care for Every Stage of Life

Personalized support from pregnancy through postpartum care.

WHEN TO CALL

When to Call Us

Contact our office if you notice any of the following. For a medical emergency, call 911.

  • Very heavy bleeding, or bleeding between periods or after menopause
  • Hot flashes, sleep problems or mood changes that disrupt your daily life
  • Pain with intercourse, or new vaginal dryness
  • Periods that stop for several months when you are not pregnant

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911 right away.

Hormone & Menopause Questions

Answers to common questions about hormone health at HM Medical.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, often beginning in a woman’s 40s. Periods may become irregular, and symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep changes and mood shifts can begin.

Menopause is reached after 12 months in a row without a period. Many women notice symptoms for some time before and after. We can talk through what you are experiencing and what testing, if any, would help.

Not always. Your symptoms and history often tell us a lot, but testing can help when your cycles or symptoms are unclear. We recommend it when it will help guide your care.

Options range from lifestyle and nutrition changes to non-hormonal medications and hormone therapy. We review the benefits and risks of each so you can choose what fits you.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone condition that can cause irregular or missed periods and, for some women, acne, extra hair growth or trouble ovulating. We evaluate your symptoms and build a plan for you.

Yes. We help women whose mood, energy or physical symptoms before their periods disrupt daily life, with practical strategies and treatment when needed.

Yes. Changes in desire, comfort or function are common during hormonal transitions, and they are treatable. You can talk with us in confidence.

Yes. Dr. Candace Howe is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

Schedule a visit to talk about your symptoms and your options — we are here to listen.

Book An Appointment

Provide your details below to begin your appointment request.

Profile

Dr. Candace Howe, M.D.

Dr. Candace Howe, M.D. is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist with extensive experience providing comprehensive women’s healthcare. She completed her medical education and residency at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.

During her training, Dr. Howe was recognized with multiple scholarships and academic awards and was involved in teaching, research, and medical education. Her residency work included research and publications in gynecologic oncology and chronic pelvic pain.

Following residency, Dr. Howe served as an attending physician at Ventura County Medical Center, where she also educated family medicine residents and served as Department Chief. Her clinical experience has included chronic pelvic pain, high-risk pregnancy, infertility, urogynecology, and menopause management. HM Medical OBGYN

Dr. Howe is a Menopause Society™ Certified Practitioner. She is committed to providing thorough, compassionate, evidence-based care and personalized treatment that considers each patient’s individual health needs and goals.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Howe enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, running, and being with her children and dog.

Details

Specialty:
Obstetrics & Gynecology


Education:
MD — David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA


Certification:
Menopause Society™ Certified Practitioner

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

Call: (949) 646-2800

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Dr. Marina Maslovaric, M.D.

Dr. Marina Maslovaric, M.D. is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist dedicated to providing thoughtful, personalized care for women at every stage of life. Originally from Croatia, she moved to the United States with her family at the age of sixteen.

Dr. Maslovaric earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of California, Irvine, graduating with honors and Cum Laude while receiving multiple merit-based scholarships. She later attended the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and completed her internship and residency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles.

Throughout her education and residency, Dr. Maslovaric developed a strong passion for teaching and patient education. She believes patients should have the time and information they need to understand their health, discuss their concerns, and actively participate in medical decisions. Her commitment to education was recognized with the Distinguished Resident Teaching Award.

Dr. Maslovaric is deeply committed to women’s health and believes in empowering patients to make informed healthcare decisions that align with their individual needs and values. She brings enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, and compassion to every patient interaction.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Maslovaric enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, traveling, and being with family and friends. She is fluent in Croatian and is semi-fluent in medical Spanish.

Details

Specialty:
Obstetrics & Gynecology


Education:
MD — Keck School of Medicine of USC


Residency:
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

 

Call: (949) 646-2800

 

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Jennifer Rawson, PA-C MSPA

Jennifer (Jenn) Rawson, PA-C MSPA brings more than nine years of experience providing patient care in both emergency room and medical office settings. She joined HM Medical in January 2017 after working at Huntington Beach Hospital.

Before joining HM Medical, Jenn worked at Hubert H. Humphrey Health Center in Downtown Los Angeles, where she discovered her passion for women’s health while counseling and educating underserved female patients. Her approach to care centers on education, prevention, and helping women feel confident and informed about their health.

Her clinical interests include preconception care, pregnancy care, preventive women’s health, and adolescent care. Jenn is passionate about empowering patients through education and believes that understanding your body and health is an important part of making informed healthcare decisions.

Jenn earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University and her Master of Physician Assistant Practice from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

As a patient herself at HM Medical, Jenn has a personal understanding of the compassionate care the practice strives to provide. She experienced her own pregnancies through the practice and continues to bring that firsthand perspective, along with her clinical experience, to the care of her patients.

Outside of medicine, Jenn is active in her community and enjoys running, working out, and traveling with her family. She lives in Belmont Shore with her husband and two sons.

Details

Specialty:
Physician Assistant — Women’s Health


Education:
Master of Physician Assistant Practice — Keck School of Medicine of USC


Undergraduate Education:
B.S. in Biology — San Diego State University


Experience:
9+ years of patient-care experience

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

Call: (949) 646-2800

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Chantalle Garcia, PA-C

Chantalle Garcia, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant from Los Angeles, California, with a passion for providing compassionate, patient-centered women’s healthcare. She is dedicated to helping women feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Chantalle completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where she later continued her education and earned her Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies.

Before beginning her career in women’s health, Chantalle gained valuable clinical experience in San Diego. She worked as a medical assistant in an orthopedic office and also as a dental assistant, experiences that strengthened her commitment to patient care and helped build a broad foundation in healthcare.

Now practicing in Southern California, Chantalle is proud to focus on women’s health, providing thoughtful and individualized care for women at every stage of life. She believes in creating a welcoming environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and feel heard throughout their care.

Outside of medicine, Chantalle enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Details

Specialty:
Physician Assistant — Women’s Health


Education:
Master of Health Sciences — Physician Assistant Studies, UC Davis


Certification:
Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com

Call: (949) 646-2800

Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Profile

Melissa Heavirland, PA-C

Melissa Heavirland, PA-C grew up in Southern California and developed an early appreciation for community, wellness, and helping others. Her first job as an ocean lifeguard introduced her to the importance of vigilance, teamwork, and calm decision-making in high-pressure situations, helping inspire her path toward a career in medicine.

Melissa earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University Glendale and developed a strong foundation in comprehensive medical care and women’s health. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University, graduating Cum Laude.

Before entering women’s health, Melissa gained valuable clinical experience in urgent care, where she developed skills in acute evaluation, diagnostics, and collaborative care for a diverse patient population. This experience allows her to approach both routine and more complex healthcare needs with thoughtful and efficient care.

Melissa believes that compassionate care begins with understanding each patient as an individual. Her clinical experience, communication skills, and dedication to women’s health allow her to provide supportive care in a welcoming environment.

Outside of the clinic, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and son. Her family enjoys exploring the beach, staying active outdoors, and discovering local restaurants throughout Orange County. She values maintaining a healthy balance between her professional and family life.

Details

Specialty:
Physician Assistant — Women’s Health

 

Education:
Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies — Midwestern University Glendale

Undergraduate Education:
B.S. in Biology — San Diego State University, Cum Laude

Contact

Email:
info@hmmedicalobgyn.com


Call: (949) 646-2800


Availability:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Visit Our Office

500 Superior Ave, Suite 330
Newport Beach, CA 92663

Office Hours

Monday - Friday : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday - Sunday : Closed

Email Us

info@hmmedicalobgyn.com