For years, patients everywhere, especially women, were expected to deal with the inevitable symptoms of aging. Brain fog, joint pain, mood swings, decreased libido, and poor sleep were written off as “normal.” But what if “normal” isn’t good enough?
That question is what drives Optimize U, a growing network of wellness clinics helping people thrive throughout their lifespans. Using science-backed hormone therapy, the latest in recovery modalities, and personalized care for both men and women, Optimize U is changing the way we approach aging, hormones, and longevity.
Their latest location, now open in Memphis, is led by Dr. Brian Hawkins and physician assistant Richard Randolph, both experienced in emergency medicine.
“In the ER, we often see people who are at the tail end of their illnesses, or the worst day of their life,” says Brian. “It kind of breaks your heart. I kept noticing opportunities to intervene earlier and prevent those emergencies.”
Unlike most clinics that serve only one sex, Optimize U supports both. “We regularly treat couples, seeing patients between the ages of 20 and 80, and we look at the whole picture — not just testosterone or estrogen in isolation,” explains Richard.
Hormone therapy’s benefits go far beyond just symptom alleviation, however. A growing number of data demonstrate their role in reducing the risk of heart disease, muscle degeneration, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer’s. “Decades of fear around hormones are being reversed by real data,” says Richard, citing a recent study that shows estrogen’s positive impact on women’s lifespans.
In tandem with hormone therapy, Optimize U offers infrared sauna, red light, cold plunge, cryotherapy, and compression treatments. These modalities are designed to reduce inflammation, a root cause of many age-related illnesses. “These modalities work similarly, but from opposite ends of the spectrum,” Brian explains.
Other special services include the PNOE metabolic test, a technology typically reserved for elite athletes, which measures resting and active VO2 rates. They also provide peptide treatments like GLP-1, which, in addition to weight loss, is currently being studied for its neuroprotective effects.
“That is why we have our multi-pronged approach,” adds Brian. We do hormones well because we have data from other clinics, and we follow patients closely to give them the best care. My wife was told to just ‘tough out’ her menopause symptoms for years. Hormone therapy changed her life.”
New patients at Optimize U can expect a thorough intake process. “We spend a full hour with each new patient,” Richard explains. “We run extensive lab panels and tailor everything to the individual. Our goal is to make people partners in their own health.”
To learn more, visit Optimizeucenters.com. or call 901.303.0503.
IG: @optimizeumemphis.
By Shlomit Ovadia
