As men and women grow older, many aspects of life can change. Some of those changes are positive, like having more discipline, financial freedom, and patience. Other changes are more difficult to deal with - particularly those we can't change. The fact of the matter is that as we age, the hormones in our bodies change, too. These changes can cause a range of issues for both men and women.
On the male side, testosterone often depletes. When testosterone levels drop, men often experience decreased energy, muscle mass, and even decreased sexual desire. Females go through a similar, albeit different experience called menopause, which can cause a litany of problems ranging from physical symptoms like vaginal dryness to mental health challenges like low self-esteem and even depression.
In the past, most people had to just "deal" with these symptoms and carry on as best they could for years. Their youth left, and with it, so did their joy in life. Fortunately, modern medicine has come a long way. Today, men and women don't have to settle for imbalanced hormones and the fallout that occurs thereafter.
Health clinics like LX Medical now offer HRT in Hopkins - a revolutionary treatment that rebalances hormones and gives many men and women a new lease on life.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment designed to supplement hormone levels in the body when they are insufficient. It is commonly used to address various conditions and symptoms in both men and women. These symptoms often become noticeable after the age of 40, although some individuals may experience declining hormone levels at an even younger age.
HRT should be customized to each person's specific health and lifestyle and can be administered in different forms, either in medical facilities or in the comfort of your home or workplace. Before beginning HRT, it's crucial to consult with a doctor who can perform the necessary lab tests to assess your hormone levels accurately.
Your body's messengers pull the strings on all male and female systems
Natural compounds that your body needs for disease prevention & performance optimization
How cleanly and efficiently your body converts food energy
How well your health, liver, and other key organs are performing
Overall Systemic health & potential for future health issues
Blood Draw At Your Convenience
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Consult With Our Medical Team To Build Your HRT Health Plan
Therapeutics Delivered/Administered Starts Your Journey Towards True Hormone Health Optimization
Unlike some HRT clinics, LX Medical doesn't take a reactive approach to hormone replacement therapy. What's the use in treating symptoms if they're going to keep coming back? Discovering and treating the root cause of your symptoms is key to long-term well-being. That's why our doctors and physicians take a custom, comprehensive approach to HRT in Hopkins. That way, you benefit from real results that last over time.
Using advanced testing and lab work, our medical providers conduct a 360-degree assessment of your health and your body to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms. We don't prescribe HRT regimens based on someone with a similar age and body type as yours. Instead, we examine 50+ essential biomarkers that affect your health and develop a custom HRT plan for you. No one-size-fits-all prescriptions or generic HRT plans. The best part? Once you've completed your initial labs and introductory consultation, you can begin HRT from the comfort of your home or office. That's the LX Medical difference.
Some of the biggest benefits that our male and female HRT patients report include:
When people mention hormone replacement therapy, they usually think of women tackling challenging symptoms during menopause. This reputation is well-deserved because HRT effectively alleviates night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related issues caused by a significant drop in estrogen levels.
But what about men? Don't hormone levels drop off when males hit a certain age, too? The answer to that question is undoubtedly "yes." Historically, the male population was overlooked in terms of HRT, but that's no longer the case. If you've been slogging your way through life and dealing with sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction or ED, you're not alone. Nowadays, there's greater awareness of men's hormone imbalances, and more and more men are discussing with their doctors how to reclaim their quality of life.
Certain underlying health conditions can impact the production of hormones in your body. For instance, imbalances in the thyroid can be caused by autoimmune diseases or medication, while men normally experience a decline in testosterone after the age of 30.
When a man's testosterone drops, they often experience a range of difficult symptoms, which can include the following:
It's important to note that hormones like testosterone play a crucial role in male sexual health. When levels are low, it can result in a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Have you ever been in the "heat of the moment" with your spouse but have been unable to "get it up?" If so, you may have imbalanced hormones or low T. The first step to reversing this embarrassing issue is to have your hormone levels checked with lab work from LX Medical. If we discover that your hormone levels are low, HRT in Hopkins could be a viable solution for improved sexual health.
Hormonal imbalances can impact mental health and mood regulation. If a man is experiencing increased irritability, mood swings, or symptoms of depression, it might be a sign of declining testosterone or other hormonal disruptions. Hormone replacement therapy has been found to stabilize mood by balancing hormone levels.
Sleep pattern changes, like difficulty in falling or staying asleep, can be a sign of hormone imbalances. Testosterone plays a role in regulating the sleep cycle, and a lack of it can disturb sleep, potentially causing additional health problems.
The signs above are only a few indicators of low T and imbalanced hormones. Keep an eye out for these symptoms as well:
If you're a man experiencing any of these symptoms, the first step toward a normal life is to consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about hormone health. Lab testing can determine whether there are hormonal imbalances in your body. If your hormones are imbalanced, a personalized hormone replacement therapy program can be designed to effectively address these imbalances.
Remember: It's crucial for men considering HRT to work with specialists in this field, such as those at LX Medical, who can offer a comprehensive approach to treatment. Proper testing, personalized therapy, and regular monitoring are crucial parts of a successful HRT plan.
Menopause begins when menstruation stops. During this transitional time in a woman's life, certain hormone levels decrease, leading to a variety of potential symptoms. Around 85% of women experience at least one symptom that affects their daily life. For some women, menopause can cause significant disruptions to work, relationships, and overall well-being. When you're going through menopause, it may seem like there's no end in sight.
If you're a woman struggling during this phase, it's important to recognize that your symptoms are valid and real. There are safe treatment options available, like hormone replacement therapy, which can rebalance your hormones and help you get back to a healthy quality of life. What's more, your treatment plan can be tailored to address the most significant symptoms for you both now and in the future.
If you suspect your hormone levels are low or unsteady, it's important to contact an HRT clinic like LX Medical that can conduct specific, robust tests to measure your hormone levels and get a better understanding of your body. Once your labs are complete and we've conducted a 360-degree assessment of your health, we can create a custom HRT program tailored to your needs so you can finally get long-term relief.
Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a natural part of the aging process, resulting from declining levels of sex hormones in women, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells and preventing pregnancy.
While most women experience menopause in their 40s or 50s, about 1% undergo premature menopause before the age of 40. Typically, women notice bodily changes a few months or years before entering menopause due to hormone deficiency. When that happens, many doctors suggest HRT to help alleviate the associated discomfort and pain.
Here are a few of the most common signs that may indicate a woman's hormones are imbalanced:
Irregular periods are a common indication that women are approaching menopause, and their hormones might be changing. Their menstrual cycle may occur more or less frequently, and the flow can be heavier or lighter than usual, as well as lasting for a shorter or longer duration.Women in perimenopause often struggle to anticipate when their period will start or how long it will last. It becomes challenging to determine whether the flow is light or heavy. Although the likelihood of getting pregnant decreases, it is still possible as long as they are having their period. Postmenopausal women should not experience any bleeding or spotting. If this occurs, it's crucial to promptly consult a doctor regarding unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Insufficient estrogen levels can lead to changes in libido, making it more challenging for some women to feel sexually aroused. Menopause commonly results in vaginal dryness and thinning vaginal tissues, leading to discomfort or even pain during sex. Fortunately, HRT in Hopkins can help rebalance your hormones and reignite your sexual desire, as well as improve your overall vaginal health.
During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can cause the urethra, which is the tube responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys out of the body, to weaken. Consequently, some women may struggle to reach the bathroom in time. It's also possible for urine to leak when coughing, sneezing, or laughing, a condition known as urinary stress incontinence.
The signs above are only a few indicators that your hormones might be changing during menopause. Keep an eye out for these symptoms as well:
If you're a woman trying to make it through the rigors of menopause, the first step you should take is to book lab work with a hormone healthcare expert from LX Medical. Advanced, custom testing that identifies relevant biomarkers can determine whether your female hormones need to be balanced properly. If your hormones are imbalanced, our team will develop a personalized hormone replacement therapy program tailored to your body to address the issue.
If you're a woman thinking about HRT, it's very important to work with experts - like those at LX Medical - who specialize in the field of hormone replacement therapy. There are a lot of clinics out there that will prescribe you HRT, but few do the right amount of testing and monitoring to begin a successful HRT plan.
Menopause for women and andropause for men are common biological processes. But going through changes as you age doesn't have to be the beginning of the end. When symptoms start getting in the way of your daily life, preventing you from doing what you want to do, affecting your productivity, or hindering your daily goals, you don't have to accept it. Why should you, when there are safe, effective, and easy treatments like HRT in Hopkins that can help?
If you're having problems keeping weight off, staying focused, or staying interested in sexual activity, hormones may be the culprit. Hormone replacement therapy and other hormone-balancing options can help give you a new lease on life, even after 40. Contact LX Medical today to schedule your lab tests and take the first step toward long-lasting relief.
West Central Area claimed the Class 1A title, Providence Academy won 2A, Benilde-St. Margaret’s took 3A. Jim Paulsen, Ron Haggstrom and...
West Central Area claimed the Class 1A title, Providence Academy won 2A, Benilde-St. Margaret’s took 3A.
Jim Paulsen, Ron Haggstrom and Cassidy Hettesheimer
For the Minnesota Star Tribune
Eight teams across four classifications play Saturday for the state championship.
The Class 2A and 1A semifinals took place Friday. The Class 4A and 3A semifinals were Thursday, along with the 1A quarterfinals.
Here’s a game-by-game recap of Wednesday’s 4A and 3A quarterfinal games, which include 2A.
Here’s the schedule for Saturday’s title games. The links will direct you to live scoring for each game:
At Williams Arena
Class 1A
12 p.m.: West Central 58, MACCRAY 41
Class 3A
2 p.m.: Benilde-St. Margaret’s 73, Marshall 57
Class 2A
6 p.m.: Providence Academy 81, Crosby-Ironton 63
High Schools
Class 4A
8 p.m.: Hopkins 81, Maple Grove 67
Below are live reports from state championship games, Class 1A-4A.
For the Minnesota Star Tribune
Reporter
Jim Paulsen is a high school sports reporter for the Star Tribune.
Prep Sports ReporterSee More
Sports reporter
Cassidy Hettesheimer is a high school sports reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune.
The Royals, with 28 points from sophomore Erma Walker, won their ninth title, breaking a tie with Rochester Lourdes.
247Sports Embed ResourceMinnesota has secured a verbal commitment from one of the best prep corners on the East Coast as Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth cornerback Justin Hopkins just announced for the Golden Gophers.Why Minnesota: Here's some of what Hopkins told 247Sports last month after Fleck visited him at his school...
247Sports Embed Resource
Minnesota has secured a verbal commitment from one of the best prep corners on the East Coast as Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth cornerback Justin Hopkins just announced for the Golden Gophers.
Why Minnesota: Here's some of what Hopkins told 247Sports last month after Fleck visited him at his school.
"It was a great chance for Coach Fleck and Coach Monroe to spend time with my family," Hopkins said to 247Sports. "It was pretty cool for Coach Fleck to take the time to come to Nashville just to check in with me. Aside from talking about my desire to play as a freshman and where they see me in their overall scheme, we mainly talked about when is the best time for me to visit in the spring and when I should take my official visit to Minnesota.
My family also had questions for him like, how important is it in being an early enrollee? They wanted to know more about his Life Program. They also asked how much of his recruiting classes would be from the transfer portal.
Coach Fleck likes the idea of enrolling early, but it's no pressure to do it. It would allow me to get acclimated with the defensive playbook faster and get used to the weight room and nutrition program. So that would be good. My parents really liked Coach Fleck's life program."
Why it matters: Landing a four-star prospect with legitimate committable offers from places like Tennessee, USC, Auburn, and Iowa among others is a big deal for Minnesota. Nick Monroe deserves a lot of credit for staying on Hopkins for many months and getting him to campus in late November last fall to see Minnesota for his own two eyes.
The state of Minnesota rarely produces any quality Big Ten corners, so the Gophers will seemingly always have to leave the state to bring in guys like that can blanket in coverage. Hopkins will bring versatility to Minnesota from the outside in.
How he fits: When you try to project him into where he'd fit into Danny Collins' defense, it'll be an interesting transition; as while Hopkins currently plays safety in high school, he projects more as a cornerback at the next level. His fluid movement and sharp change of direction set him apart. On top of that, Justin is also an impressive wide receiver, making plays across all three levels of the field.
Hopkins embodies the kind of versatile defensive back that will become increasingly valuable as college football evolves. He can take on multiple roles, whether inside or outside. This adaptability is especially crucial in today's game, where roster changes through the transfer portal are common. Having someone who can shift positions is incredibly valuable when a player departs or becomes injured.
Minnesota's corner room is currently wide open following the graduations of Justin Walley and Ethan Robinson, so Hopkins will have an opportunity to come in and compete Za'Quan Bryan, Jaylen Bowden, Mike Gerald, Sam Madu, and others. The Gophers have an extensive history under Fleck of playing young corners (see Justin Walley, Terell Smith, etc.), so if Hopkins can impact the game early on, he'll find a way onto the field.
My direct comp would be if Jordan Howden played corner.
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Hopkins, with 28 points from sophomore Erma Walker, won its ninth title, breaking a tie with Rochester Lourdes.Hopkins players rush the court to celebrate their victory over Maple Grove and their Class 4A championship. (Leila Navidi/The Minnesota Star Tribune)When Hopkins leading scorer Tatum Woodson got out of surgery after tearing her ACL in December, she already had multiple texts from teammates letting her know that coach Tara Starks had them working harder than before.Now, Hopkins is officially record royalty....
Hopkins, with 28 points from sophomore Erma Walker, won its ninth title, breaking a tie with Rochester Lourdes.
Hopkins players rush the court to celebrate their victory over Maple Grove and their Class 4A championship. (Leila Navidi/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
When Hopkins leading scorer Tatum Woodson got out of surgery after tearing her ACL in December, she already had multiple texts from teammates letting her know that coach Tara Starks had them working harder than before.
Now, Hopkins is officially record royalty.
With Saturday’s 81-67 Class 4A championship win over No. 1 Maple Grove, the No. 3 seed Royals set a record for most girls basketball titles in Minnesota history with nine — breaking their deadlock with Rochester Lourdes, which won its latest title in 2005.
After winning a 2022 championship, the Royals finished as runner-up the past two seasons. But thanks to graduations (of Florida standout Liv McGill) and injuries (to senior Woodson and sophomore Ava Cupito), only two of last year’s top seven Hopkins scorers featured in this year’s postseason.
That mean little to Starks.
“You got to show them that you believe in them, and then they’ll start to believe that,” she said.
“I’m not the team,” Woodson said. “They work their butts off. They don’t need me.”
Instead, patient returners and core underclassmen stepped up.
Sophomore forward Erma Walker fought through pain and had her way in the paint, scoring a game-high 28 points on 13-for-15 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds.
“I just basically told my kids they didn’t have an answer for her,” Starks said. “Erma is strong, so you’ve to put a strong physical body on her.”
Sophomore guard Jaliyah Diggs scored 15 points and had a game-high seven assists. Seniors Lauren Hillesheim, London Harris and Maliyah White all scored in double figures. White hit back-to-back threes that helped Hopkins pull away in the second half.
That late surge was needed, too, after an early Hopkins lead. Seeking its first state title, Maple Grove tied the game 46-46 with 12:55 to play. Michigan State commit and Crimson all-time leading scorer Jordan Ode had 26 points and 12 rebounds.
Scrappy in its defense, dictating what Maple Grove head coach Mark Cook called “90 feet of chaos,” Hopkins held Maple Grove to 1-for-7 shooting on three-pointers. The Royals, meanwhile, shot 9-for-18 from beyond the arc and 57% overall.
The Royals (27-5) were one of only two teams to beat Maple Grove (28-3) this season, in addition to Class 2A champion Providence Academy.
“Everybody was saying that we’re not going to make it,” Harris said. “A lot of people were having doubts about us, but we still live by, ‘We’re still Hopkins.’ ”
Sports reporter
Cassidy Hettesheimer is a high school sports reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune.
First look: The popular pop-up is now a popular Italian American family restaurant in the suburb, which has a growing culinary scene.The Minnesota Star TribuneEditor’s note: The restaurant opened as Bar Siena but has since changed its name to Hendrix & Siena. The story has been changed to reflect the new name.It’s hard to tell who was more excited for Hendrix & Siena, the newest addition to the Hopkins dining scene, to open.Was it owners Rhett and Emily Roberts, who held post-holiday sne...
First look: The popular pop-up is now a popular Italian American family restaurant in the suburb, which has a growing culinary scene.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
Editor’s note: The restaurant opened as Bar Siena but has since changed its name to Hendrix & Siena. The story has been changed to reflect the new name.
It’s hard to tell who was more excited for Hendrix & Siena, the newest addition to the Hopkins dining scene, to open.
Was it owners Rhett and Emily Roberts, who held post-holiday sneak peeks serving takeout and drinks while gearing up for opening day? Or was is the diners, who have been snapping up prime-time reservations weeks out? Let’s call it a draw.
The popular pop-up opened as a modern Italian American restaurant on Jan. 9, serving up fresh pasta, pizza and shareable plates, adding more culinary firepower to the western suburb. Inspired by Rhett Roberts’ travels to Italy, it’s the first solo venture for the chef, who is a veteran of fine-dining kitchens throughout the Twin Cities, including Vincent, 112 Eatery and most recently Petite León.
“We want [Hendrix & Siena] to evoke a feeling of sitting at the family dinner table and enjoying the presence of the people you’re there with,” the couple write on Hendrix & Siena’s website. And you’ll find familial touches throughout, from the approachable menu and dishes named for family members to the restaurant’s moniker and color palette.
Location: 1601 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 612-489-7211, hendrixandsiena.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat., 4-9 p.m.
The food: The menu accommodates both adventurous eaters and the risk-averse.
For the more cautious, starters like mozzarella in carrozza ($13), which translates to fried mozzarella sandwich, housemade giardiniera focaccia ($10) and a Caesar salad with an anchovy vinaigrette ($16) are all good bets. For the more adventurous, there’s eggplant ‘nduja bruschetta ($14), steak tartare ($16) and lemony beans ($16), a cold dish of marinated beans and broccolini showered with cheese — and a nod to chef Roberts' social media handle.
A menu of pizzas ($18-$21) range from cheese and housemade sausage to all-the-rage dill pickle and chicken tikka, which was our pick. Bits of chicken, apricot mostarda and garlic butter topped the crowd-pleasing New York-style crust; crunchy chickpeas added texture.
The seven housemade pastas are the main event. The runaway favorite at our table was the Lasagna Duefoglie ($25), a blend of wild mushrooms and creamy cheese nestled under two sheets of pasta (it’s not the traditional tall, layered lasagna) that was inspired by the first dish chef Rhett ate in Italy. The cavatelli ($21) was a close second, with “melted” butternut squash, housemade boursin cheese and nuts hitting all the flavor and texture notes. “It’s kind of like a grown-up version of mac and cheese,” our server said, which was underselling it.
The pillowy ricotta gnocchi with Calabrian chiles and honey butter ($16) was too spicy for us; the Pappardelle alla Lisa ($27), made with a three-day meat sauce that includes Peterson Farms' beef and ribs, was plentiful and flavorful. We chalked its barely lukewarm temp up to new restaurant kinks, and will eagerly try again (leftovers heated beautifully). Other dishes: cacio e pepe, a tortelli cremaschi and orecchiette with sausage and broccoli ($15-$23), as well as a chicken Parmesan and a hanger steak with potatoes and creamed greens ($25-$38).
If you save room for dessert, there’s a choice between fresh silk pie cannoli (two for $8) and a tapioca budino ($9), which was our favorite. Rounding out the post-dinner menu are affogato, fernets, espressos and a handful of apertivos.
The drinks: A well-curated list of sparklings, whites, reds and rosés available by the glass ($10-$17) or bottle ($40-$68), plus a couple of beers from Minnetonka’s Unmapped Brewing Co. ($7-$10). Cocktails come courtesy of Roberts’ former Petite León colleague Travis Serbus, who helped craft the menu. We enjoyed the Fiore (gin, basil, lime and herb-infused olive oil) and the Solstice Cosmo, with vodka, cranberry, pamplemousse, winter spices and lemon ($14-$15). There are a couple of spritzes and frozen drinks, too ($10-$14). NA offerings were a sparkling red wine ($6) and a sparkling fermented tea ($10). Side note: The glassware was on point.
The vibe: “It feels like we’re in someone’s basement, in the best possible way,” said one of my dining companions. The low ceilings and low lights combine to provide a cozy atmosphere in the intimate 70-seat restaurant. On a cold wintry night, it feels like a warm embrace.
Designer/architect Aaron Wittkamper was tasked with connecting the former Jasmine Garden restaurant and a three-bedroom apartment next door into one eatery.
To the left of the entrance is the bar, set aside for walk-ins, and several two-top tables. Look past the bar and you’ll find a snug nook with a small couch, a couple of chairs and a curtain for privacy — an ideal spot for catching up with friends. (It’s a drinks-only spot for now, our server told us.) Amid all the tables in the dining room, to the right of the entrance, is a butcher-block counter that’s workspace during the day and bird’s-eye seating looking into the kitchen come dinner.
Accessibility: The restaurant is all one level, with ample room in the dining room to navigate. The noise level was comfortable during our recent visit; we had no issues conversing on a Saturday evening. There’s plenty of street parking, too, with accessible sidewalks in front of the entrance.
Worth noting: The restaurant opened as Bar Siena, but thanks to a legal challenge from Bar Siena in Chicago, it’s now Hendrix & Siena, the owners’ twins.
Taste Editor
Nicole Ploumen Hvidsten is the Minnesota Star Tribune's senior Taste editor. In past journalistic lives she was a reporter, copy editor and designer — sometimes all at once — and has yet to find a cookbook she doesn't like.
To opponents, he was Ben the Baker. To pie fans, he’s Ben Neumann, a dad making flavorful pies in his White Bear Lake garage.
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