By Optimal Body & Health
Led by Cindy Viers, DNP, APRN, CNP
Mount Vernon Location:
60 Parrott Street, Suite B, Mount Vernon, Ohio, 43050
Mansfield Location:
1183 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio 44907
Phone: (740) 263-7178
Website: www.optimalbodyandhealth.com
Do you feel like you’re constantly fighting an uphill battle with your own body? You’re not just managing symptoms—you’re managing frustration, confusion, and the feeling that you’ve tried everything, only to be left with the same lingering problems.
At Optimal Body & Health in Mount Vernon and Mansfield, Ohio, we hear this story every day. Patients arrive feeling exhausted, anxious, and burned out. Their bodies feel out of sync—hormones, digestion, and sleep cycles are a constant source of disruption. They’ve lost the energy to enjoy life and have often been told by other doctors that their labs are “normal,” yet they still don’t have the answers or relief they desperately seek.
If this is your story, please know this: you are not broken, and you are not alone. You have simply reached the limit of conventional, one-size-fits-all approaches. And that is exactly why you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of hormone health, the science of optimization, and how a functional medicine approach—like the one pioneered by our founder, Cindy Viers—can help you reclaim your vitality.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Hormonal Landscape
- Key Hormones and Their Roles
- Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
- The Functional Medicine Approach vs. Conventional Care
- Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
- Hormone Optimization for Women
- Hormone Optimization for Men (Testosterone Therapy)
- The Role of Peptide Therapy
- Integrating Hormone Health with Medical Weight Loss
- Your Journey at Optimal Body & Health
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Take the First Step
Understanding the Hormonal Landscape
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. Produced by various glands—including the thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and reproductive organs—they travel through your bloodstream to tissues and organs, regulating everything from metabolism and mood to sleep and reproductive health.
Think of your endocrine system as a finely tuned orchestra. When every section plays in harmony, the result is vibrant health: steady energy, sharp focus, restful sleep, and a stable mood. But when even one section falls out of rhythm—when estrogen declines, cortisol spikes, or testosterone drops—the entire symphony can suffer.
This is why we focus on functional integrative care. At Optimal Body & Health, we embrace a holistic, patient-centered approach that addresses the root causes of health concerns, not just the surface-level symptoms .
Key Hormones and Their Roles
To understand optimization, you must first understand the key players:
| Hormone | Primary Role |
|---|---|
| Estrogen | Regulates the menstrual cycle, supports bone density, influences mood and skin health. |
| Progesterone | Balances estrogen, supports pregnancy, promotes calmness and sleep. |
| Testosterone | Drives libido, builds muscle mass, boosts energy, supports bone density (vital for both men and women). |
| Cortisol | The primary stress hormone; regulates metabolism, inflammation, and the sleep-wake cycle. |
| Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4) | Control your metabolic rate, heart rate, and body temperature. |
| Insulin | Allows cells to use glucose for energy; key player in metabolism and weight management. |
When these hormones are in balance, you feel like yourself. When they are not, life can become a struggle.
Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
How do you know if your hormones are out of sync? The signs are often dismissed as just “getting older” or “being stressed,” but they are your body’s way of signaling a deeper imbalance.
In Women:
- Perimenopause/Menopause: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings .
- PCOS / Endometriosis: Irregular periods, pelvic pain, infertility, unwanted hair growth .
- General Imbalance: Unexplained weight gain (especially around the middle), brain fog, fatigue, loss of libido, irritability, insomnia .
In Men (often related to Low Testosterone):
- Sexual Health: Erectile dysfunction, low libido .
- Physical Changes: Loss of muscle mass, weight gain/increased body fat, lack of energy .
- Mental/Emotional: Depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability .
In Both Genders:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleep disruptions
- Anxiety and burnout
- Digestive issues
- Feeling like your body’s natural rhythms are “out of whack”
If you see yourself in these descriptions, it is time to look beyond “normal” lab ranges and find a provider who will dig deeper .
The Functional Medicine Approach vs. Conventional Care
Why have you likely struggled to get answers elsewhere? Because conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms rather than finding causes.
Conventional Approach:
- Your labs come back “within normal range.”
- You are told your issues are just due to stress or aging.
- You might be prescribed a medication to manage a specific symptom (e.g., a sleeping pill for insomnia), without addressing why you can’t sleep.
The Functional Medicine Approach at Optimal Body & Health:
- We view you as a whole person, not a collection of symptoms .
- We use advanced testing to get a comprehensive picture of your unique biochemistry .
- We look for the interconnections between your hormones, gut health, lifestyle, and environment .
- We create a personalized, science-based plan to treat the root cause and restore balance .
As Cindy Viers, DNP, puts it, her job is about “listening deeply, connecting the dots, and solving the complex puzzles of chronic health issues that so often go unaddressed” .
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
One of the most powerful tools in hormone optimization is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) .
Unlike synthetic hormones, which have a different molecular structure than those your body produces, bio-identical hormones are derived from plant sources and are chemically identical to the hormones you make yourself . This allows your body to recognize and utilize them more effectively, often with fewer side effects.
BHRT can be used to:
- Alleviate menopausal symptoms: Reduce or eliminate hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness .
- Restore libido and energy in both men and women .
- Protect against long-term health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease associated with hormonal decline .
- Improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function .
At Optimal Body & Health, Cindy expertly balances estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to create a customized plan that restores your body’s natural rhythm .
Hormone Optimization for Women
A woman’s hormonal journey is dynamic, with significant shifts during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis can further complicate this picture .
Optimization for women is not about turning back the clock; it’s about smoothing the transition and ensuring your body has the support it needs. This might involve:
- Balancing estrogen and progesterone to alleviate mood swings and heavy bleeding.
- Using low-dose testosterone to revive libido and energy.
- Supporting adrenal health to manage cortisol, which often rises as reproductive hormones decline.
- Incorporating targeted nutrition and lifestyle advice to support hormonal balance.
Our goal is to help you navigate these changes with grace, comfort, and vitality, rather than suffering in silence .
Hormone Optimization for Men (Testosterone Therapy)
Testosterone is often thought of as purely a male sex hormone, but its effects are systemic. It is crucial for muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and a general sense of well-being .
As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline. However, when levels drop too low, it can significantly impact quality of life.
Testosterone Therapy at Optimal Body & Health is not a one-size-fits-all protocol. We use advanced testing to determine your baseline and then carefully design a plan to:
- Restore healthy testosterone levels.
- Improve body composition, helping you lose fat and gain muscle .
- Enhance energy, motivation, and mental clarity .
- Safely and effectively address sexual health concerns like erectile dysfunction and low libido .
We monitor your progress closely to ensure therapy is safe, effective, and tailored specifically to your body’s needs .
The Role of Peptide Therapy
At the forefront of medical science, Peptide Therapy is an exciting and powerful tool we use to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules, telling your cells to perform specific functions .
Cindy Viers incorporates cutting-edge peptide protocols to address a wide range of concerns, including:
- Cellular Repair & Regeneration: Helping tissues heal from injury or stress.
- Immune Function: Modulating and strengthening the immune system.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Improving focus, memory, and mental clarity.
- Fat Loss & Muscle Building: Supporting a healthy metabolism and body composition.
- Sleep & Recovery: Promoting deep, restorative sleep .
Peptide therapy is another example of how we move beyond symptom management to provide your body with the precise signals it needs to heal and thrive .
Integrating Hormone Health with Medical Weight Loss
Hormones and weight are inextricably linked. You can diet and exercise diligently and still not lose weight if your hormones are out of balance. Insulin resistance, high cortisol, low thyroid, and estrogen dominance can all cause stubborn weight gain, especially around the midsection.
That’s why we integrate our services. Our Medical Weight Loss program is not about fad diets. It is a sophisticated, metabolic approach that works hand-in-hand with hormone optimization .
- Identify the Root Cause: We first use advanced testing to identify if hormonal imbalances are hindering your weight loss.
- Optimize Hormones: We use BHRT, peptide therapy, and lifestyle interventions to correct these imbalances.
- Personalized Plan: We then create a nutrition and lifestyle plan that works with your optimized biology to help you shed pounds and, most importantly, keep them off for good .
Your Journey at Optimal Body & Health
When you walk through our doors—whether in Mount Vernon or Mansfield—you are entering a partnership. Here is what you can expect:
- Deep Listening: We take the time to truly understand your history, your struggles, and your goals. You are the priority .
- Advanced Testing: We go beyond standard lab work to get a complete picture of your unique biochemistry.
- Root Cause Analysis: We connect the dots between your symptoms and their underlying causes .
- Personalized Roadmap: We craft a fully customized, science-backed plan using tools like BHRT, peptide therapy, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle medicine .
- Ongoing Support: We walk with you every step of the way, adjusting your plan as you heal and your needs evolve .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between bio-identical hormones and synthetic hormones?
A: Bio-identical hormones are derived from plant sources and have a molecular structure identicalto the hormones your body naturally produces. Your body recognizes and metabolizes them easily. Synthetic hormones are created in a lab and have a different structure; they may work similarly but can have different effects and side effects. At Optimal Body & Health, we prioritize bio-identical options for a more natural and effective approach .
Q2: My regular doctor said my hormone levels are “normal.” Why would I need optimization?
A: “Normal” lab ranges are very broad and based on a statistical average of the population, which includes people who are not feeling well. “Optimal” ranges are narrower and tailored to how you feel. A level that is statistically “normal” might be too low for you to feel energetic, have a good libido, or think clearly. Our goal is to get you to your personal optimal level, not just a number on a chart .
Q3: Is hormone therapy safe for women after menopause?
A: When prescribed appropriately, monitored closely, and using bio-identical hormones, therapy can be a safe and highly effective way to manage menopausal symptoms and protect against long-term health risks like osteoporosis. The key is individualized care. We conduct thorough assessments and regular monitoring to ensure the therapy is safe and beneficial for your specific health profile .
Q4: Is Testosterone Therapy only for older men?
A: No. While testosterone levels naturally decline with age, younger men can also suffer from low testosterone due to stress, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical conditions. If testing confirms clinically low levels and you are experiencing symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass, you may be a candidate regardless of age .
Q5: What are peptides, and are they safe?
A: Peptides are small chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. They tell your cells to perform specific functions, like repairing tissue or releasing growth hormone. The peptides we use are carefully selected, prescribed based on scientific evidence, and monitored by Cindy Viers to ensure safety and efficacy .
Q6: How does hormone optimization help with weight loss?
A: Hormones control your metabolism, appetite, and where your body stores fat. For example, insulin resistance makes it hard to burn fat; high cortisol encourages belly fat storage; low thyroid slows metabolism. By optimizing these hormones, you remove the biological barriers to weight loss, making it possible to succeed with a proper nutrition and exercise plan .
Q7: What can I expect during my first visit?
A: You can expect to be truly heard. Your first visit is a comprehensive consultation where we listen to your complete health history, discuss your goals in detail, and explain how our approach works. We will likely discuss advanced testing options to get to the root of your issues and outline the beginning of a personalized roadmap to reclaim your vitality .
Take the First Step
You don’t have to keep fighting that uphill battle. You don’t have to accept fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or low libido as a normal part of aging. At Optimal Body & Health, we provide a clear, step-by-step, scientifically-backed plan designed to do what others have not: get to the undeniable root cause of your issues and help you become the greatest version of yourself.
Visit us at one of our convenient Ohio locations:
Mount Vernon
60 Parrott Street, Suite B
Mount Vernon, Ohio, 43050
Mansfield
1183 Lexington Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio, 44907
Call us today: (740) 263-7178
Visit our website: www.optimalbodyandhealth.com
Invest in your health and reclaim your vitality. Your journey starts here.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
