Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, influencing everything from metabolism and mood to sleep, skin, and sexual health. When hormone levels shift—whether from aging, stress, or medical conditions—the effects can ripple through the entire body. Many people live for years with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and emotional changes, never realizing that a hormonal imbalance may be at the root of their struggles.

This is where Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can make a profound difference. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use carefully tailored hormone therapies to restore balance, improve vitality, and support long-term wellness. In this blog, we’ll explore what HRT is, how it works, and how it can impact your overall health.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy involves supplementing or restoring hormones that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. The most common hormones addressed are:

• Estrogen and Progesterone – often for women experiencing menopause or perimenopause.
• Testosterone – for both men and women who experience declines with age.
• Thyroid Hormones – sometimes adjusted to correct metabolism and energy problems.
• DHEA, Pregnenolone, and Growth Hormone Peptides – in certain cases to support energy, memory, or tissue repair.

Rather than offering a “one-size-fits-all” prescription, functional medicine providers customize therapy to meet each patient’s unique needs.

The Health Impacts of Hormone Replacement

1. Restores Energy and Reduces Fatigue

One of the most common complaints of hormone imbalance is unrelenting fatigue. Low testosterone, estrogen shifts, and thyroid imbalances can leave patients dragging through the day. HRT helps restore energy production at the cellular level, improving stamina and reducing the “afternoon crash.”

2. Improves Mood and Cognitive Function

Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone interact with brain chemistry. Low levels can contribute to depression, irritability, anxiety, or brain fog. By restoring balance, patients often notice sharper focus, steadier moods, and less emotional volatility.

3. Supports Healthy Weight and Metabolism

Declining hormones often slow metabolism, leading to stubborn weight gain, especially around the midsection. Optimized hormone levels help regulate blood sugar, support muscle maintenance, and improve fat metabolism—making weight loss efforts more effective.

4. Protects Bone and Joint Health

Estrogen and testosterone play crucial roles in maintaining bone density. Without them, bones become fragile and the risk of osteoporosis increases. HRT can slow or prevent bone loss while also improving joint health by reducing inflammation and supporting connective tissues.

5. Enhances Cardiovascular Health

The relationship between hormones and heart health is complex, but research suggests that balanced hormone therapy may help lower cholesterol, improve blood vessel function, and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Properly monitored HRT may support long-term cardiovascular protection.

6. Improves Sexual Health

For many men and women, hormone decline leads to low libido, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, or painful intimacy. By restoring hormone levels, HRT can rejuvenate sexual health, increase desire, and improve quality of life in relationships.

7. Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair

Hormones regulate collagen production, hydration, and circulation. Low estrogen or testosterone often accelerates wrinkles, skin laxity, and hair thinning. Patients on HRT frequently notice their skin looking healthier and hair regaining fullness. Pairing HRT with aesthetic therapies such as Fotona lasers or PRF facials can amplify these benefits.

Different Approaches to HRT

There are several ways to deliver hormone replacement, each with pros and cons. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we tailor the approach to patient preferences and medical needs:

• Topical Creams and Gels – absorbed through the skin.
• Injections – common for testosterone therapy, with steady dosing schedules.
• Pellet Implants – placed under the skin, releasing hormones gradually over several months.
• Oral Capsules – available for certain hormones, though not always ideal for liver metabolism.
• Peptide Support – to naturally stimulate hormone production in some cases.

The right choice depends on your unique biology, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Risks and Safety Considerations

Like any therapy, HRT is not without considerations. Potential risks vary depending on the hormone, dosage, and delivery method. These may include blood clots, changes in lipid levels, or unwanted tissue stimulation.

However, under careful medical supervision—with individualized dosing, regular lab testing, and ongoing monitoring—HRT can be both safe and highly effective. Functional medicine prioritizes balance and precision, not just symptom suppression.

The Functional Medicine Difference

What sets our approach apart at Sheen Vein is that we don’t simply prescribe hormones in isolation. Instead, we view HRT as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy. This means:

• Comprehensive Lab Testing – measuring not just sex hormones, but thyroid, cortisol, insulin, inflammation, and nutrient status.
• Lifestyle and Nutritional Optimization – supporting your body with the right diet, exercise, sleep, and supplements to maximize results.
• Cutting-Edge Therapies – pairing HRT with regenerative approaches like red light therapy with PEMF, peptide therapy, or Alma TED hair restoration for synergistic results.
• Personalized Care – every treatment plan is unique, adjusted to your body’s needs and goals.

Who Can Benefit from HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate for:

• Women in perimenopause or menopause experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes.
• Men with low testosterone experiencing fatigue, weight gain, or low libido.
• Anyone with hormone-related fatigue, brain fog, or mood shifts that have not responded to lifestyle changes alone.
• Patients seeking to protect long-term bone, brain, or cardiovascular health.

Hormone Replacement in St. Louis

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we see patients across the St. Louis area who are ready to reclaim their energy, vitality, and confidence. Many come to us after years of being told their symptoms were “just part of aging.” Once we evaluate their hormone levels and restore balance, they often feel like themselves again—sometimes better than they have in years.

Final Thoughts

Hormones shape nearly every aspect of health, from energy and mood to skin and longevity. When levels decline or fall out of balance, the effects are noticeable—and often life-altering. Hormone Replacement Therapy can be a powerful way to restore balance, protect long-term health, and improve overall quality of life.

If you’ve been struggling with symptoms that don’t have clear answers, consider whether hormone imbalance may be the underlying issue. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we combine the science of hormone therapy with the art of personalized care—helping you feel strong, vibrant, and renewed at every stage of life.

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