Men’s Hormone Replacement Therapy in Spokane Metro
- Otto Shill, DO, FACP, DABOM
- Jan 10
- 5 min read
Testosterone is probably the most important hormone affecting how you feel day in and day out. But too many men have low T levels. If that’s you, then you feel tired, foggy, unmotivated, and a little apathetic.
It’s time to get your spark back.
ShillMed is the top men’s hormone replacement clinic in the Spokane area. Our therapies are a safe, effective, and science-backed way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. Our personalized testosterone therapy programs offer lasting results that go far beyond symptom relief—they help you reclaim your vitality and purpose.
Testosterone | The Foundation of Men’s Wellness
Testosterone is the cornerstone of male health. It’s responsible for building muscle, maintaining energy levels, supporting mood, and fueling sexual performance. Unfortunately, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline around age 30, and they can drop by up to 1-2% per year. Environmental toxins, stress, poor sleep, and diet can make that decline happen even faster.
When testosterone levels fall, it’s not just a number on a lab test—it’s a shift that impacts nearly every system in the body. Optimal testosterone helps you do the following:
Build and maintain lean muscle mass
Improve fat metabolism and maintain a healthy weight
Support bone density and joint health
Regulate mood and mental focus
Enhance libido and sexual function
Without enough testosterone, your energy, motivation, and metabolism can slow to a crawl—but that doesn’t have to be your new normal.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low T often creeps in gradually, leaving many men feeling “off” without realizing why. If you read this list and think, “Yeah, that’s me,” then it’s time to take action. Common symptoms of low testosterone include the following:
Decreased energy and motivation
Loss of muscle mass and strength
Increased belly fat
Irritability or mood swings
Loss of facial/body hair or decreased beard growth
Tenderness or swelling in the breast tissue
Brain fog or poor focus
Diminished sexual desire or performance
Poor sleep or fatigue even after rest
If you recognize several of these signs, it’s time to check your hormone levels. At ShillMed, our advanced testing looks beyond standard lab ranges to assess your functional hormone health, not just whether you fall within “normal.”
Andropause—Yes, It’s a Real Thing
Most people are familiar with menopause in women, but few realize that men go through a similar process called andropause. This gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones usually starts between ages 40 and 60, but it can begin earlier.
Unlike the sudden hormonal shift of menopause, andropause develops slowly. You might notice it as a drop in motivation, lower energy, or loss of sexual drive over several years. Left untreated, andropause can lead to stubborn weight gain, poor recovery, and accelerated aging.
Men’s hormone replacement therapy in the Spokane area helps rebalance your system, restoring youthful hormone levels that support physical performance, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
Beyond Testosterone: Four Other Hormones That Impact Men’s Health
While testosterone is a major player, it’s not the only hormone that matters. At ShillMed, we take a full-spectrum approach, evaluating all hormones that influence your vitality.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
A precursor hormone that supports testosterone production, DHEA declines with age. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, mood issues, and poor immune function.
Cortisol
Known as the stress hormone, cortisol imbalance—whether too high or too low—can interfere with testosterone production, cause weight gain (especially around the midsection), and impair sleep.
Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)
These hormones regulate metabolism, energy, and brain function. Many men with low testosterone also experience suboptimal thyroid function that amplifies fatigue and sluggishness.
Estrogen
Men also need a small amount of estrogen for brain, heart, and sexual health. However, when testosterone converts to estrogen too readily (a process called aromatization), it can lead to fat gain, water retention, and irritability. Balancing estrogen is crucial in any effective HRT plan.
By optimizing this hormonal network, ShillMed helps men regain peak performance in body and mind. Talk to us about getting a full hormone panel.
Hormone Administration: Injections and Creams
ShillMed offers both testosterone injections and topical creams, allowing you to choose the delivery method that best suits your lifestyle and comfort.
Injections: Usually administered weekly or bi-weekly, testosterone injections provide a steady, predictable dose that helps maintain consistent levels.
Transdermals (Gels, Creams, Patches): Applied daily, these offer a convenient and steady release of testosterone through the skin.
Orals: Newer formulations are safe for the liver and
Nasal: Improved maintenance of fertility vs other forms
Your provider will determine the ideal method based on your lab results, symptoms, and preferences. Follow-up appointments ensure that your hormone levels stay balanced and your treatment remains safe and effective.
FAQ: Men’s Hormone Therapy at ShillMed
Is testosterone therapy safe?
When properly managed by experienced professionals, yes. At ShillMed, we use precise lab monitoring to ensure your hormone levels stay in optimal—not excessive—ranges.
Does testosterone therapy increase my risk of heart disease or prostate cancer?
A 2023 article in the New England Journal of Medicine addresses the cardiovascular and prostate cancer safety of testosterone replacement therapy.This confirms an earlier study on heart health and TRT. In short, the article shows that cases of heart disease and prostate cancer were about the same whether men received testosterone therapy or not.
How long does it take to feel results?
Most men notice improvements in energy, focus, and libido within 3–6 weeks. Full physical benefits, such as increased muscle mass and fat loss, typically develop over 3–6 months.
Will testosterone therapy cause hair loss or aggression?
No. These side effects are often linked to misuse or unmonitored dosing. Our programs are carefully supervised to promote balance—not extremes.
Is hormone therapy just about testosterone?
Not at ShillMed. We analyze your entire hormone panel to ensure your thyroid, DHEA, cortisol, and estrogen are balanced for full-body health.
The Power of Hormone Therapy + Lifestyle
Hormone therapy works best when combined with healthy daily habits. Testosterone alone can spark change—but pairing it with nutrition, sleep, and exercise multiplies results.
Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients such as zinc and magnesium to naturally support hormone function.
Exercise: Resistance training helps your body respond more efficiently to testosterone, improving muscle tone and metabolism.
Sleep: Quality rest (seven to nine hours per night) is when your body produces most of its testosterone.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can suppress testosterone production; mindfulness, breathing exercises, or short breaks during your day can make a real difference.
At ShillMed, we help you integrate these habits into your routine for a truly transformative experience.
Hormone Therapy and Weight Loss
Many men notice stubborn weight gain, especially around the abdomen, as their testosterone declines. Low T slows metabolism and promotes fat storage. Restoring healthy testosterone levels reverses that trend—helping you build lean muscle and burn fat more efficiently.
When paired with our personalized health recommendations, hormone therapy can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, sustainable weight—while feeling better than you have in years.
Get Started with ShillMed in Spokane Metro
Low testosterone doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, loss of strength, or diminished drive, men’s hormone replacement therapy can help you regain your edge and confidence.
At ShillMed, we take a science-based, compassionate approach to men’s health—addressing your hormones, lifestyle, and overall wellness to create lasting change.
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