Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.
When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.
This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in La Mesa, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.
Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.
Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in La Mesa, CA.
Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:
If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.
Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.
As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:
If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.
The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in La Mesa, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.
Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:
You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.
Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.
We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.
When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.
At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.
When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.
Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.
Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.
Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.
Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.
When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in La Mesa, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.
Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.
Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.
Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:
IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in La Mesa, CA include the following:
IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.
IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.
IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.
IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.
IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.
Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging
Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.
As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in La Mesa, CA may be perfect for you.
At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.
Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:
Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.
When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.
When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.
Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.
Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:
Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.
When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.
You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.
A group of advocates in La Mesa are pushing for an expanded off-leash dog area at MacArthur Park following what they say is an increase in citations and patrols by enforcement officers.It is illegal in San Diego County to walk your dog off-leash outside of an enclosed dog park, with the exception of some beaches.The San Diego Humane Society is responsible for issuing off-leash citations, which includes responding to complaints and patrolling parks in the county.The rise in citations and patrols is what brought a 30-perso...
A group of advocates in La Mesa are pushing for an expanded off-leash dog area at MacArthur Park following what they say is an increase in citations and patrols by enforcement officers.
It is illegal in San Diego County to walk your dog off-leash outside of an enclosed dog park, with the exception of some beaches.
The San Diego Humane Society is responsible for issuing off-leash citations, which includes responding to complaints and patrolling parks in the county.
The rise in citations and patrols is what brought a 30-person group informally dubbed “Friends of MacArthur Dog Park” to recent La Mesa City Council meetings, where they have said they feel confined by the current park regulations.
Martha Birtles, a longtime La Mesa resident who leads the advocacy group, said she regularly walks her dog Churro at MacArthur Park. She said the area has been “resoundingly used as an off-leash dog park” since it was turned into a public recreational area.
The area that is now MacArthur Park was once Sun Valley Golf Course. The city repurposed it as an outdoor recreation space after the former owner terminated the lease in 2017, with the goal of eventually redeveloping it into a 22-acre park.
“We have a unique space at MacArthur Park; it feels like an urban park and it feels like a hike in the mountains,” Birtles said. “Don’t change anything. Leave the enclosures where they are, build a fence through the middle of the park where the row of trees are and designate the northern half of the park for off-leash play.”
This change would be transformative for dog lovers in La Mesa, Birtles said.
In the last few years, an uptick in citations for off-leash play has left park regulars on edge and feeling confined by tight regulations, she continued.
“Ticketing has scared people off, but they haven’t been replaced by those who don’t have dogs,” Birtles said. “If there is ever an endorsement of making it more of a dog park, that is it.”
Off-leash ticketing is a controversial issue in San Diego County. The SDHS is responsible for enforcing off-leash laws and issuing citations, which are a notice to appear and can range up to $300.
A recent grand jury report found that the city of San Diego’s off-leash laws were not being properly enforced, largely blaming SDHS for the lack of citations.
At the same time, some county residents say citations have gone too far, with most large off-leash parks being too far away for them to regularly use.
This has put the Humane Society at the center of an argument about a lack of larger spaces for off-leash play in La Mesa.
SDHS enforcement officers patrolled MacArthur Park 29 times in fiscal year 2023-2024, 90 times in fiscal year 2024-2025 and 37 times so far in fiscal year 2025-2026, according to their data.
Twenty off-leash citations were issued at the park from fiscal year 2024-2025 and six have been issued so far in fiscal year 2025-2026. Nina Thompson, director of public relations for SDHS, said the organization was unable to quickly provide earlier citation data specific to MacArthur Park.
La Mesa resident Steve Bindell said enforcement at MacArthur Park has unfairly targeted the owners of dogs who are not problematic.
“Nobody has an issue with them giving tickets to those problem dogs out there, but when there’s no problem, there’s no reason to issue a ticket,” Bindell said.
For example, he said he has witnessed citations being issued to individuals sitting on a picnic blanket with their unleashed dog.
Nina Thompson, director of public relations for SDHS, said their officers are “not responsible for determining whether a dog is well behaved,” just for enforcing laws the way they were written.
“We encourage community members to work with their elected officials to create designated spaces where dogs can exercise safely, whether on-leash or off-leash,” Thompson said.
In the case of MacArthur Park, however, Thompson noted that the city of La Mesa has told SDHS that they “routinely receive complaints” about “that park specifically,” and requested they maintain a presence to address ongoing off-leash issues.
There are few to no large off-leash dog areas in the city of La Mesa. Besides the dog park at MacArthur, which is less than an acre, there is a one-acre off-leash area at Harry Griffen Regional Park.
The advocates’ request for a larger designated area comes at the same time the city is working on its Parks Master Plan, which will guide long-term priorities across the entire park system.
Once the master plan is complete, the city will “resume work on the MacArthur Park Master Plan,” Grecia Aguilar, communications director for the city of La Mesa, said.
Future plans include a project to expand the MacArthur Dog Park, Aguilar said, but she did not specify when that would take place.
Advocates hope the new plan will vastly increase the area where off-leash activity is permitted.
The city proposed two concepts for the redevelopment of MacArthur Park in 2020. One would have generally accommodated the park’s existing topography, while the other would manipulate the land more drastically. The first proposal included one dog park, while the second included a dog park with an adjacent dog training area.
A 2021 MacArthur Park Master Plan survey conducted by the city showed that, of the 145 respondents, 25 wanted to keep the open space. Seven respondents said they wanted more off-leash space to be added and two said they wanted the whole park to be designated for dogs.
“It seems the dog park got the short end of the stick,” one respondent wrote. “That stinks! We all know that there are currently a lot of dogs that frequent that park and a large dog area is a must.”
For the record: A previous version of this story had the incorrect name for Harry Griffen Regional Park.