Hormones often go unnoticed, but they quietly keep our bodies running smoothly. From mood and sleep to metabolism, sex drive, and stress response, they’re the body’s silent multitaskers. Most people associate hormonal changes with aging, but imbalances can begin as early as our 30s or 40s, and they affect both men and women. Another myth? That hormone therapy is only for women or only for “older” adults. In reality, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as hormone therapy (HT), can benefit people of all ages and genders when tailored to individual needs.
As we age, our hormone levels naturally decline. For women, that shift often comes suddenly with menopause. For men, it’s a slower transition known as andropause. Symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, poor sleep, and changes in libido can disrupt daily life.
Hormone therapy is gaining renewed attention as a way to address these issues. Once met with skepticism, today’s HT has evolved thanks to new research, safer formulations, and personalized care. If you’ve been feeling “off” or are simply curious, it might be time to explore hormone therapy.
What Is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy supplements the hormones your body is no longer producing at optimal levels. For women, this often includes estrogen and sometimes progesterone, especially around or after menopause. For men, it typically involves testosterone replacement for those with clinically low levels.
HT can be delivered through pills, patches, gels, creams, pellets, or injections. The goal isn’t to reclaim youth, it’s to restore hormonal balance and improve daily well-being.
For Women: Navigating the Hormonal Rollercoaster
Menopause doesn’t ease in quietly. For many women, it can feel like everything is going haywire. Women often experience hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, vaginal dryness, and mood shifts. These symptoms are often driven by a sharp drop in estrogen. HT can provide significant relief, but it’s not just about easing symptoms.
Sharie Hiller, MSN, CNM, founder of Regenerate, a local wellness company, has more than 25 years of experience in women’s health and a decade of hormone-balancing expertise. “In my early fifties, I wasn’t on my game,” she explains. “I wasn’t showing up for my family the way I wanted. I was still delivering babies, not sleeping, under a lot of stress, so I decided to make myself an experiment.”
After testing different hormone formulations, including pharmaceutical patches and compounded options, HIller noticed a shift. “I got my energy and drive back,” she says. She began sharing her knowledge with patients and quickly found she wasn’t alone. “So many women were having the same experience.”
Hiller utilizes the DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) to evaluate hormone levels, melatonin, cortisol rhythms, and hormone metabolism, providing insight into overall hormonal balance and adrenal function.
Estrogen therapy, sometimes combined with progesterone or testosterone, doesn’t just ease symptoms. Many women report better sleep, sharper thinking, and improved sexual comfort. Research shows it also helps maintain bone density and reduces osteoporosis risk. “It’s not uncommon to hear women say, ‘I finally feel like myself again,’” says Hiller. She emphasizes her personalized approach. “What sets me apart is that I take time to understand each woman’s lifestyle. I want women to be the best version of themselves.”
Setting the Record Straight
Many still remember the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, which linked HT to increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, and blood clots. However, that study focused on older women using older, high-dose synthetic hormones. Today’s lower-dose, bioidentical hormones are believed to carry fewer risks.
Clinical guidelines now suggest HT is most effective and safest when started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. According to The Menopause Society, “the benefits particularly outweigh the risks when used in early menopause to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances.”
However, new research is also changing the conversation for women over 65. A 2024 Menopause journal study analyzing 10 million Medicare records (2007–2020) found that estrogen-only therapy beyond age 65 significantly reduced risks for breast and lung cancer, heart attacks, dementia, and more.
Still, HT isn’t right for everyone. Women with certain health histories may need alternatives. That’s why an individualized, informed approach is key.
For Men: Understanding Low Testosterone
Men often overlook their own hormonal changes. Starting in their 30s, testosterone levels decline gradually. By their 50s or 60s, they may notice fatigue, brain fog, reduced libido, muscle loss, and mood changes.
Gameday Men’s Health in Egg Harbor Township specializes in treating low testosterone and erectile dysfunction and offers support for weight loss and vitamin injections. While they don’t accept insurance, their membership model helps reduce treatment costs.
Dr. Richard Nussey, Gameday’s Medical Director, says testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing. “Benefits often include more energy, improved focus, a revived libido, increased muscle strength, and reduced body fat,” he explains.
TRT is commonly delivered via injections or long-acting pellets implanted under the skin. Gameday offers the first consultation on-site lab testing at no charge. The goal is not to exceed natural levels but to restore a sustainable baseline for better overall health. “We utilize today’s technology and knowledge to prescribe medicine aimed at wellness rather than treating sickness. That is really what we are about. We are a wellness company,” says Dr. Nussey.
It is important to note that there may be risks associated with testosterone therapy, especially for men trying to conceive, since TRT can reduce sperm production. But when closely monitored by a qualified provider, the benefits often outweigh the risks for many otherwise healthy men. “In my experience and based on current research, testosterone replacement is extremely safe when administered by qualified medical providers,” notes Dr. Nussey.
How to Start the Conversation
Whether you’re male or female, the first step is talking with a healthcare provider or hormone specialist. Be honest about your symptoms and ask what tests might be appropriate. A knowledgeable provider will explore the possible causes and recommend treatment options based on your individual health history.
Together, you can decide on the best delivery method, how to monitor hormone levels, and what outcomes to expect. With the right support, hormone therapy can be a powerful tool for reclaiming energy, balance, and vitality at any age. n
