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 Minneapolis - 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
Complete Predictive Health Questionnaire
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 Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.
Officials anticipate that the rinks will reopen next week when the weather is expected to cool down back into normal winter temperatures.William Bornhoft, Patch StaffMINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has announced the temporary closure of all outdoor ice rinks due to unseasonably warm temperatures.The current warm weather, along with forecasts predicting continued mild conditions, h...
William Bornhoft, Patch Staff
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has announced the temporary closure of all outdoor ice rinks due to unseasonably warm temperatures.
The current warm weather, along with forecasts predicting continued mild conditions, has made it difficult to maintain safe ice surfaces, officials said.
As a result, MPRB operations staff have closed all outdoor rinks until colder temperatures return.
Officials anticipate that the rinks will reopen next week when the weather is expected to cool down. Residents are encouraged to check the MPRB website for updates on rink status before heading out.
For the latest information, visit MPRB’s official rink status page.
Here's the full NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east southeast after midnight.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow before midnight. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 29. South southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: A slight chance of snow before 10am, then a chance of rain between 10am and 2pm, then a chance of snow after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. South southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. West northwest wind around 15 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. Northwest wind around 15 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
MINNESOTA — Public health officials are warning that a “quad-demic” — a contagious combination of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and the nasty stomach bug norovirus — is putting pressure on Minnesota emergency rooms and hospitals.Respiratory viruses are at high o...
MINNESOTA — Public health officials are warning that a “quad-demic” — a contagious combination of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and the nasty stomach bug norovirus — is putting pressure on Minnesota emergency rooms and hospitals.
Respiratory viruses are at high or very high levels across most of the country, according to the latest surveillance report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said in an update Friday that nationally, wastewater surveillance shows viral activity is high for influenza A and moderate for RSV.
While COVID-19 levels remain low across most of the nation, Minnesota is experiencing a surge, with high rates of both flu and norovirus, adding to the quadruple threat to public health.
Norovirus data from public health laboratories from around the country tallied by the CDC shows that Midwest states from Kansas to Michigan are the hardest hit by the highly contagious stomach bug, whose symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus positivity test levels in all regions of the country are as high or higher than last season’s peak nationwide.
In its most recent update on respiratory viruses, the CDC said COVID predictions for the next two weeks suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a lower level compared to prior winter seasons. Influenza predictions suggest that emergency department visits will be high and will increase in most states.
Here's the situation in Minnesota:
Minnesota Influenza Key Statistics
RSV: In Minnesota, the wastewater viral activity level for RSV is currently High
COVID-19: In Minnesota, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently Very High.
In mid-December, the Minnesota Department of Health reported more than 40 norovirus outbreaks — commonly known as the "stomach flu" — for the month, nearly double the typical number seen during this time of year.
Study: 20% of MN households are food insecureNew data shows a sobering reality for hunger in the state of Minnesota. One in five households are experiencing food insecurity. Second Harvest Heartland said this is the first-time ever it has conducted its own statewide hunger study.The BriefBROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) - New data shows a sobering reality for hunger in the state of Minnesota.O...
New data shows a sobering reality for hunger in the state of Minnesota. One in five households are experiencing food insecurity. Second Harvest Heartland said this is the first-time ever it has conducted its own statewide hunger study.
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) - New data shows a sobering reality for hunger in the state of Minnesota.
One in five households are experiencing food insecurity. Second Harvest Heartland said this is the first time it has ever conducted its own statewide hunger study.
By the numbers:
Second Harvest Heartland said organizations rely on federal statistics on hunger relief every 18 months or so to inform strategy, which can often be a delayed reference point.
Second Harvest Heartland partnered with Wilder Research to conduct its first ever statewide hunger study. The organization said it wanted to better understand the current state of food insecurity in Minnesota to try to keep up with the growing need.
"One of our greatest insights is that one out of five Minnesotans cannot afford the food they need to thrive," said Sarah Moberg, Chief Operations Officer of Second Harvest Heartland.
According to the study, 20% of Minnesota households are food insecure, 18% of the state is supported by the emergency food system, and 30% of households in Minnesota are not confident about having enough food in the next year.
Second Harvest Heartland said food shelf visits over the last year will set yet another record.
Understanding the issues::
Second Harvest Heartland said their mission is not just about providing food, they want to grow awareness about the root causes of hunger and affordability.
"It could be, do you have transportation to get to a job. It could be the job and the hours and the childcare, all of those pieces have to work together in order for a family to be able to afford the food they need," said Moberg. "Often times, we know if a family has to make a tough choice about what to afford, food is the first thing they pull back on."
The organization also points to rising costs as a challenge many of these households face.
"Times are tough right now, so the cost of items like childcare, healthcare, housing, energy, all of those have been increasing. They’re increasing at a rate that many families are having a hard time keeping up with," said Moberg. "We know it’s a really difficult choice right now that many families are having to make."
What you can do:
Learn more here about the organization’s goal to cut the number of food insecure households in the state in half by 2030 by clicking here.
The Source: Second Harvest Heartland, Wilder Research.
Updated: 3 hours ago62 investigations underway involving federally-funded Minnesota child care centersThe Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS its Office of Inspector General has 62 active investigations into family child care and child care centers in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) across the state.5 EYEWITNESS NEWS looked into some of the child care centers that receive the most of the federal funding available in the CCAP program which is regulated by DHS.One d...
Updated: 3 hours ago
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS its Office of Inspector General has 62 active investigations into family child care and child care centers in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) across the state.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS looked into some of the child care centers that receive the most of the federal funding available in the CCAP program which is regulated by DHS.
One day care center in Minneapolis, Quality Learning Center Daycare, had 95 violations between 2019 and 2023, according to DHS records. Those violations range from “failure to keep hazardous items away from children” to “no records for 16 children.” In 2022, DHS placed the facility on a conditional license.
But, state records showed Quality Learning Center Daycare still received $7.8 million in federal tax money since 2019 despite its regulatory issues. Its conditional license was removed in 2024.
Another business in Minneapolis, Minnesota Child Care Center had 36 violations between 2021 and 2023—some of them serious. The child care center’s violations included failure to request initial background checks on six staff members in 2023 and failed to request repeat background checks on eight staff members in 2024. Ultimately, the state accepted corrective documentation on the violations.
Minnesota House Speaker Designate, Rep. Lisa Demuth (R) told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS this showed “oversight is incredibly lacking.”
Demuth asked, “Are we keeping kids safe in Minnesota? And, what you have showed me here, brings that very much into question.”
Demuth also said the Legislature needs to take a closer look at the information provided by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
“You have pages here that are publicly available, with repeated failure to keep hazardous items away from children,” said Demuth. “Failure to maintain adequate staff-to-child ratios. Background checks. Failure to keep personnel files. These are repeated violations.”
DHS declined an interview request but issued the following statement:
DHS Licensing monitors licensed child care centers, like Quality Learning Center, Inc., for compliance with licensing or certification requirements, including health and safety standards. This monitoring is conducted during an unannounced annual visit, and the results of the visit, including the type of visit, date of visit, and any violations, are posted to the DHS Licensing Information Lookup site. Licensors and/or Investigators may also visit the program in response to licensing violation or maltreatment allegations.
When it is determined that one or more licensing violations has occurred, a correction order may be issued. The correction order lists citations for the violations and specifies corrective actions the childcare provider must take. Programs are typically ordered to correct the violation immediately. DHS also evaluates the nature, severity, or chronicity of licensing violations and the effect of the violation on the health, safety, and rights of persons served by the program to determine whether a more serious sanction, such as a conditional license, is warranted.
A conditional license requires compliance with special terms for the program to continue to operate. Licensors also conduct additional reviews during the conditional license period to monitor for compliance with the terms of the conditional license, and health and safety standards. If any additional violations are noted, a correction order or more serious sanction may be issued.
Quality Learning Center, Inc.’s license was placed on conditional status for two years, beginning on June 8, 2022. In addition to annual licensing visits, licensors conducted additional licensing reviews to monitor for compliance with the terms of the conditional license and assist the program in elevating their level of compliance with licensing requirements overall. During this time, when one or more licensing violations were found, a correction order was issued, which includes information as to what corrective action the facility needs to take to come into compliance with the violations. DHS continued to evaluate the nature, chronicity, and severity of the additional violations and corrective actions taken by the provider during the 2-year conditional period to determine whether additional licensing sanctions were necessary. It was determined that no action beyond a correction order was warranted at that time, and the program’s conditional license expired on June 7, 2024.
KSTP reached out to the two day care centers by calling the phone numbers listed on their licenses but has not yet heard back.
Information about stopping CCAP payments
Typically, if a provider’s license is active, licensing violations alone would not affect a provider’s ability to receive child care assistance payments (CCAP), except when licensing officials issue an order of suspension, revocation, or decertification to that provider. For example, a provider with a conditional license may receive CCAP if they meet all other registration requirements.
DHS staff work with local agencies to monitor providers’ compliance with CCAP laws, policies and rules. If there are CCAP violations, DHS’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) actions can include providing technical assistance, issuing a child care assistance correction order, assessing an overpayment or terminating a provider from the program.
DHS’s OIG can only act to stop or end a provider’s payments in specific circumstances allowed by state laws, including when a provider intentionally gives false information on its CCAP billing forms or submits false attendance records; a provider is operating after a suspension or revocation of its license; there’s a credible allegation of fraud; and/or a provider refuses access to attendance records. Providers under a payment stop can continue operations and billing, but the CCAP payments are suspended until the basis for the withhold no longer exists.”