Stem Cell Therapy in Pasadena
What Are Stem Cells?
Understanding Their Role in Regenerative Medicine
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells naturally found in the body. They are unique because of their ability to:
- Differentiate into specialized cell types (e.g., muscle, bone, or nerve).
- Release growth factors and signaling molecules that may influence cellular environments.
- Self-renew, making them potential building blocks in tissue support and repair.
Scientists are actively studying stem cells in regenerative medicine for their investigational potential. While research is ongoing, no stem cell therapy is FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease beyond established uses in blood disorders.
At Alpha Hormones® in Pasadena, California, our role is to provide education, transparency, and personalized consultations so patients can better understand this evolving field.
Why Stem Cell Therapy Is Generating Interest in Regenerative Medicine?
Researchers worldwide are exploring how stem cells may play a role in supporting the body’s natural processes. Current investigational areas include:
- Cell differentiation → how stem cells may transform into specific types.
- Growth factor secretion → whether stem cells release molecules that influence repair environments.
- Tissue regeneration → exploring their role in natural recovery processes.
⚠️ Important Note: All of these applications remain investigational. Stem cell therapies are not FDA-approved for any medical use outside of hematopoietic (blood-forming) indications.
Educational Overview: Umbilical Cord–Derived Regenerative Components
Over the past several years, umbilical cord stem cell therapy has gained growing interest in regenerative medicine. These biologic materials—sometimes called “products of conception”—contain growth factors and cytokines that may support tissue repair and recovery.
Commonly used biologic sources include:
- Umbilical Cord: Connects mother and baby; rich in structural cells and natural growth factors.
- Umbilical Cord Blood: Contains hematopoietic stem cells used in blood and immune support.
- Wharton’s Jelly: Gel-like substance inside the umbilical cord containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote regeneration.
- Placental Membrane: Provides natural anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties for tissue support.
- Amniotic Fluid: Rich in peptides and exosomes that may aid healing and cell communication.
Source classifications:
- Autogenic (Autologous): Derived from the patient’s own tissues (e.g., PRP or adipose-derived stem cells).
- Allogenic (Allograft): Derived from donor umbilical or placental tissue, screened and processed to remove DNA and ensure safety.
Stem Cells: What’s FDA-Approved vs. Investigational
FDA-approved uses:
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (bone marrow / cord blood) are FDA-approved for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, and for certain inherited blood and immune disorders.
- These are hospital-based, highly regulated procedures.
Investigational uses:
- Stem cells are being studied for congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary fibrosis, neurological conditions, orthopedic recovery, and more.
- These uses are not FDA-approved and remain investigational.
National Regulatory Landscape for Stem Cell Therapy
In the U.S., stem cell therapies outside of hematopoietic transplants are considered investigational under FDA rules.
- Florida: Allows physicians to offer certain non–FDA-approved stem cell therapies (e.g., orthopedics, wound care, pain management) if they meet disclosure, consent, and cGMP sourcing requirements. Federal oversight still applies.
- As of 2025, several other states are adopting similar approaches. Texas, Utah, and Mississippi have passed “medical freedom” laws expanding access to certain investigational stem cell treatments, and additional states—including Montana—have pending or proposed legislation to broaden experimental access. In contrast, states like California emphasize regulated, research-driven pathways through programs such as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
Stem Cell Therapy Consultations at Alpha Hormones Pasadena
At Alpha Hormones Pasadena, our regenerative-medicine team offers comprehensive stem-cell therapy consultations designed for clients seeking natural, biologic solutions to healing and longevity. Whether you’re dealing with joint pain, soft-tissue injuries, early degenerative changes, or simply want to explore advanced regenerative options — we begin with a careful evaluation of your medical history, imaging, and goals. During your visit, we:
- Review your health history and prior treatments
- Assess suitability for autologous or allogeneic stem cell therapy
- Create a customized treatment plan, timeline, and recovery protocol
- Integrate hormone and metabolic optimization for best results
Process
What patients report
Sourcing & quality
Monitoring
Concierge Access to International Research Programs
While investigational stem cell therapy in the U.S. is limited to minimally manipulated cells, some countries permit the use of expanded or manipulated stem cells prepared in cGMP-certified facilities.
At Alpha Hormones®, we provide a concierge service for patients interested in exploring overseas clinical research opportunities.
This may include:
- Coordinating with international research centers
- Educating patients about investigational protocols
- Explaining what is known, what is still being studied, and what remains uncertain
⚠️ These opportunities are outside the United States, regulated under their host countries, and remain investigational. They are not FDA-approved.
How Stem Cells and Exosomes Are Being Studied Together
Researchers are exploring potential synergies between stem cells and exosomes:
- Stem cells → provide a living cellular foundation, with potential for differentiation and renewal.
- Exosomes → act as messengers, carrying proteins, RNA, and growth factors that influence cell communication.
In some investigational settings, stem cells serve as the foundation, while exosomes may enhance signaling effects. Both remain investigational.
At Alpha Hormones®, our providers can help patients understand these concepts and discuss options available locally and internationally.
Patients who explore stem cell therapy often:
- Follow developments in regenerative and longevity medicine
- Want to learn about innovative but investigational options
- Value transparency and education from licensed providers
- Seek clear guidance on what is established versus still under research
Every patient begins with a dedicated one-on-one consultation to review their medical history, treatment goals, and the current state of stem cell research so they can make an informed decision.
Who Might Consider a Stem Cell Consultation?
Stem Cell Therapy FAQs | Research, Safety, and Patient Education
Most stem cell treatments are not FDA-approved.
Currently, the FDA only approves stem cell use for certain blood and immune disorders (such as bone marrow or cord blood transplants).
Umbilical cord–derived cells contain growth factors and signaling molecules believed to support:
Tissue repair
Modulation of inflammation
Cellular communication
Research is ongoing, and results vary from patient to patient.
- Support joint, tendon, and ligament healing
- Improve chronic inflammation and pain
- Encourage skin, hair, and tissue rejuvenation
- All procedures remain investigational and are customized to each patient’s case.
Insurance companies currently classify these therapies as investigational rather than standard treatment. It often takes 5–10 years for new medical technologies to be accepted by commercial payers or Medicare.
Alpha Hormones® offers financing and flexible payment options to make care accessible.
Exosomes are not cells — they are tiny vesicles secreted by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material to help with cell-to-cell communication. Unlike stem cells, exosomes cannot replicate or change DNA.
Some research is exploring combined approaches. Exosomes may amplify signaling, while stem cells may provide a cellular foundation. Both remain investigational.
At Alpha Hormones®, stem cell products come from umbilical cord tissue donated after healthy, full-term births. All tissues are screened, tested, and processed by FDA-registered facilities that follow strict safety and quality standards.
- Autologous: From your own body (e.g., PRP, fat-derived stem cells).
- Allograft: From ethically donated umbilical or placental tissue.
Most patients tolerate treatment well.
Possible side effects may include:
Temporary soreness at the injection or IV site
Mild inflammation
Fatigue
Severe reactions are rare but possible. A full medical review is done before treatment to assess suitability.
Response varies. Some patients notice early improvement within weeks; others experience gradual benefits over several months.
Via injection, IV infusion, or topical/microneedling depending on clinical goals.
We provide consultations with licensed medical providers at our Pasadena clinic. During the consultation, patients can learn about investigational options such as IV delivery, injection, or topical application.
Response time varies widely. Some patients report changes within weeks, while others may notice gradual improvements over several months. Since these therapies are investigational, there is no guaranteed outcome.
Most patients start with one treatment. Some may benefit from a second session depending on their goals and response.
Stem cell therapy may not be recommended for patients who:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have active infections
Are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
Have certain autoimmune or blood disorders
A provider will review your history to determine eligibility.
Yes. Some patients may benefit from:
PRP
Exosomes
Peptide therapy
Your provider can design a personalized regenerative plan.
A consultation with one of our licensed medical providers will help determine:
Whether your goals align with what stem cell therapy can realistically offer
If you are medically appropriate
What alternative or complementary therapies may be better suited
Our clinic combines licensed medical providers, a focus on patient education, and access to investigational regenerative medicine options. Every consultation is designed to help patients make an informed decision with transparency and safety as priorities.
Schedule Your Stem Cell Consultation in Pasadena
At Alpha Hormones®, our mission is to guide patients through regenerative and wellness options with safety, transparency, and personalized care.
Interested in exploring stem cell therapy?
Book your consultation today with one of our licensed providers in Pasadena.
Ethical & Safety Statement
All exosome products recommened by Alpha Hormones® are ethically sourced from full-term, healthy births with informed donor consent. Each product is processed in FDA-registered facilities, screened for sterility, and tested for purity and potency. No embryonic or fetal tissue is used.
Disclaimer
Stem cell and exosome therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease (except for certain blood cancers and immune disorders treated with hematopoietic transplants). Information is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. No outcomes are guaranteed, and individual results vary. Overseas treatments may involve manipulated stem cells from cGMP-certified facilities regulated under foreign laws, not the U.S. FDA.
