Innovative, attentive, and effective. Dr Christian knows how to look at the big picture. He is compassionate and understanding and focused on helping you achieve your goals. You never feel rushed and always feel heard. He is truly one of a kind and I would highly recommend him.
PHYSICIAN-LED HORMONE OPTIMIZATION
Hormone Optimization
Low Testosterone. Menopause. Thyroid. Tested and Treated.
Fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, low libido, mood changes, hot flashes and night sweats often trace back to hormones. We test testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and cortisol, and treat imbalance with hormone replacement when it is right for you.
THE REAL REASON PEOPLE COME TO US
Looking for Answers, Not Just Hormones
Many patients come to us after doing everything right. They exercise, eat well, prioritize sleep, and take supplements, yet still struggle with fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, low libido, poor sleep, hot flashes or night sweats, mood changes, or slow recovery.
Often, the issue is not a lack of effort. It is a hormone imbalance: low testosterone, the estrogen and progesterone shifts of perimenopause and menopause, a sluggish thyroid, or cortisol that is out of rhythm. Stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and age can all push these off balance.
Hormone optimization is not about chasing youthful hormone levels. It's about understanding your biology through advanced diagnostics and restoring balance with personalized treatment, lifestyle interventions, and bioidentical hormones when medically appropriate.
UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE
What Is Hormone Optimization?
Hormones are the body's chemical messengers. They regulate energy production, metabolism, cognitive performance, body composition, recovery, sexual health, sleep quality, stress adaptation, and healthy aging.
As we age—or experience chronic stress, inflammation, poor sleep, metabolic dysfunction, or environmental exposures—hormone levels may decline or become imbalanced. Hormone optimization is not about chasing arbitrary youthful numbers.
It is about understanding your biology and restoring balance through advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment strategies, bioidentical hormones when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing medical oversight.
PRECISION DIAGNOSTICS
Every plan begins with understanding your unique hormonal biology.
THE AETHER APPROACH
Beyond Testosterone Replacement
At Aether Medicine, hormone optimization goes far beyond simply prescribing testosterone or estrogen. We evaluate thyroid function, cortisol rhythm, growth hormone pathways, insulin and blood sugar, inflammation, sleep quality, recovery, and markers of aging. Because hormones rarely operate in isolation. The goal is not simply to improve laboratory values. The goal is to improve how you feel, function, perform, and age.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
Hormones Are A System, Not A Single Number.
Testosterone
When it runs low: fatigue, low libido, lost muscle, and brain fog, in men and in women.
Estrogen
As it falls in perimenopause and menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, broken sleep, and brain fog.
Progesterone
When it drops: poor sleep, anxiety, irritability, and a sense of being off balance.
Thyroid
When it is sluggish: weight gain, fatigue, slow thinking, and a metabolism that will not budge.
DHEA
Supports resilience, energy, hormone production, and healthy aging.
Cortisol
Out of rhythm: wired at night, tired in the morning, slow to recover from stress.
Growth Hormone Pathways
Supports tissue repair, body composition, recovery, and performance.
Insulin & Metabolic Signals
Insulin resistance drives belly fat, cravings, and energy crashes after meals.
WHAT LIFE CAN LOOK LIKE
Potential Outcomes Of Hormone Optimization
Steadier Energy
The goal: waking rested, steadier energy through the afternoon, and recovering from a hard day without a crash.
Less Brain Fog
Finding words, holding focus, and keeping up under pressure the way you used to.
Weight That Responds Again
Holding on to muscle, losing stubborn fat, and a metabolism that is working with you instead of against you.
Recovery You Can Count On
Sore for a day, not a week. Better recovery from training, illness, and long weeks.
Steadier Mood
Fewer swings in mood and irritability, less anxiety, and the motivation to do what you planned.
Healthier Aging
Support for heart health, bone density, and blood sugar as you age, tracked on your labs.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Hormone Optimization Is A Catalyst, Not A Standalone Solution
Hormones can amplify the benefits of healthy habits. But they are rarely the entire answer. At Aether Medicine, hormone optimization is integrated into a broader strategy focused on metabolic health, nutrition, recovery, sleep quality, stress physiology, exercise, and long-term healthspan. The greatest results occur when hormone optimization is combined with foundational health practices and a personalized longevity strategy.
- Sleep Optimization
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Stress Management
- Recovery
- Supplementation
- Longevity Planning
WHY AETHER MEDICINE
Why Patients Choose Aether Medicine
Physician-Led Oversight
Every treatment plan is personally designed and supervised by Dr. Christian.
Advanced Diagnostics
We test hormones alongside thyroid, insulin, and inflammation, because they move together.
Root-Cause Integration
We address inflammation, insulin resistance, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, and stress physiology, not just hormone levels.
Precision Dosing
Protocols are tailored to the individual rather than following generic templates.
Performance & Longevity Focus
Our goal extends beyond symptom relief toward long-term health optimization.
Concierge Experience
Exceptional communication, access, education, and support.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
You May Be A Candidate If...
Symptoms Addressed
- You feel exhausted despite adequate sleep
- You struggle to lose weight despite effort
- You notice declining strength or muscle mass
- Brain fog: you feel mentally slower than before
- Your libido has declined
- Your recovery is not what it used to be
- You experience hot flashes, night sweats, or broken sleep
- Your mood has shifted: irritable, flat, or anxious for no clear reason
- You have been told your labs are "normal" but still don't feel well
Expected Benefits
- More stable energy
- Improved body composition
- Enhanced mental clarity
- Healthier libido
- Improved recovery
- Greater strength
- Better mood resilience
- Improved sleep quality
- Greater vitality and confidence
Conditions We Address
Low Testosterone
Estrogen Dominance
Thyroid Dysfunction
Cortisol & Stress Hormone Imbalance
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Perimenopause & Menopause
PCOS
Insulin Resistance
Physician. Educator. Innovator.
Meet Dr. Asare B. Christian
- —Board-Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
- —Board-Certified Longevity Medicine Physician (ABAARM)
- —Harvard Medical School Fellowship
- —Johns Hopkins Residency
- —Harvard School of Public Health (MPH)
- —MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
At Aether Medicine, hormone optimization is not about chasing numbers.
It is about understanding how hormones influence energy, cognition, metabolism, recovery, body composition, and healthy aging.
Every recommendation is built around the individual sitting in front of us — not a generic protocol.
MEET DR. CHRISTIANPhysician. Educator. Innovator.
Meet Dr. Asare B. Christian
- —Board-Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
- —Board-Certified Longevity Medicine Physician (ABAARM)
- —Harvard Medical School Fellowship
- —Johns Hopkins Residency
- —Harvard School of Public Health (MPH)
- —MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
At Aether Medicine, hormone optimization is not about chasing numbers.
It is about understanding how hormones influence energy, cognition, metabolism, recovery, body composition, and healthy aging.
Every recommendation is built around the individual sitting in front of us — not a generic protocol.
MEET DR. CHRISTIANREAL PATIENT EXPERIENCES
Real People. Real Results.
Hear directly from patients who restored energy, confidence, vitality, and performance through personalized care.
5.0
Top Rated Service
verified with 101 reviews
Anonymous Patient
Dr. Christian is a friend and former colleague that I would trust with my life and those of my family. His professional skill and ethic in the field of physical medicine and rehab is truly special. His dedication to improving access to healing is one to be honored!
Dr Christian and his practice are hands down one of the best. His holistic approach to medicine is something you rarely see in healthcare. As a Physical Therapist, I often refer patients to physicians to collaborate and my number one answer is Dr. Christian at Aether Medicine. The time, care, and determination he shows to his patients is uncanny. Recommend 10/10.
Dr Christian has been my doctor for several years now. I was unable to walk when I first met him. 5 years later I am able to walk and I am again a functioning beyond anything I would have dreamt would be possible. I am walking again and also driving. I'm able to live my life again. Please allow Dr. Christian help you should you need his guidance.
Dr Asare Christian is taking care of my great aunt Inez who will be turning 102 years old this year. He has been very caring and compassionate. She has shown improvement since the treatment and continues to assist with her ADL's and gentle exercises. I would highly recommend Dr Christian to anyone who is experiencing pain.
Dr Christian is FANTASTIC! Very knowledgeable and works very well with his patients on trying to create well rounded approach to their health and wellness. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for help!
If you are looking for someone to truly listen to you as a patient, you need to schedule a visit with Dr. Christian. He does not simply type symptoms into his laptop and wait for the program to instruct how to treat your illness. He understands you are an individual, and considers all aspects of your health. He treats you as a whole person, not a list of symptoms. If you have been frustrated by the health care system, and have yet to find relief for your pain, I highly recommend Dr. Christian and Aether medicine.
My wife experienced a concussion in a car accident a few years back and was treated by Dr. Christian. She could not move her neck left or right for a month along with terrible pain and headaches, which led to vision problems. From her first visit, Dr. Christian helped her get her neck moving side to side again. From that point until now, she feels that after going through all that, she has a normal life today thanks to his treatment. He truly cares about the patients, they are not just numbers or statistics to him. She is totally grateful to him for getting the pain under control and now at his new practice, the peptide therapy has helped her get her Polycystic Ovary Syndrome under control. This helps her with weight loss (down 58 pounds), and the PCOS symptoms have almost disappeared. She is grateful to have an amazing physician like him in her life, we are both very thankful for everything he has done for us!
Dr Christian is a fantastic pain management doctor. He looks at you holistically and is very compassionate and understanding. He listens to you and works with you to come up with the best treatment plan for you. Even if it requires referring you to another doctor. I have had 3 spine surgeries with constant epidurals and rhizotomies in between them. My last surgery was 3.5 years ago and afterwards Dr Christian came up with a new plan for my muscle spasms. It has been a life saver for me, as my falls had been less frequent for me and I haven't needed any additional therapy besides what I do at home. Plus the best part is, I do not want to be on narcotics yet and he respects that and treats me without ever needing to use a narcotic! He truly listens to you and works with you, to care for you! I wish there were more doctors like him!
Extraordinary. Brilliant. Innovative. Compassionate. He changed my life! Chronic cervical pain brought me to Dr. Asare B. Christian. For years doctors/surgeons restricted my movement and wrote pain prescriptions. I challenged Dr. Christian to help me eliminate the prescriptions (morphine), build the physical/mental strength to minimize the pain and live an active life. He became my partner on an amazing journey. We put together a plan for my recovery. He educated and encouraged me. He listened to my personal goals and got to know my family. He provided the latest practices and resources so I could accomplish what all the other doctors said was impossible. Dr. Christian's staff at Good Shephard are smart, dedicated, efficient, customer-centric professionals who treat each patient with warmth and kindness. I walk five miles every day. I dance, exercise, garden, do all the things I was told I should never do. He is, quite simply, remarkable.
Dr. Christian is hands down the best in the business. Not only in medicine, but healthcare. True reformative and proactive healthcare. His approach is integral, conscience, and thorough. He treats people like a human being and looks at ALL aspects of who you are to better understand how he can work WITH you to provide best outcomes. It's never just about the pain. It's about the body and how the mind perceives the pain. He equips all his clients with the tools to become your best self beyond the pain. If the pain is what brings you to Dr. Christian then consider yourself blessed. If you work with him and truly follow and use the tools and strategies he equips you with, prepare to be amazed that your quality of simply BEING renews itself and that you may even rise to new heights you never thought possible before you ever had the pain. It's possible. I promise. From one former chronic pain sufferer to another, not only is there hope with Dr. Christian on your team but a whole new world of wellness and possibilities.
Dr. Christian was very kind and thoughtful. His exam was thorough. He listened to my concerns and offered modalities to improve my condition that make good sense.
Dr. Christian is a very knowledgeable, compassionate and caring physician. He was very present when he met with my wife and me. You feel that he really cares and wants to help you heal. Highly recommended.
The Optimization Journey
From the first conversation to ongoing care, here is what the process looks like
Comprehensive Evaluation
A real conversation about your symptoms: sleep, energy, weight, mood, libido, hot flashes, and what has changed.
01
02
Advanced Laboratory Assessment
Comprehensive hormone panels including testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, cortisol, and metabolic markers.
Personalized Treatment Strategy
A customized protocol designed around your unique biology, goals, and risk profile, not a generic plan.
03
04
Protocol Initiation
Begin treatment: bioidentical hormone replacement, thyroid support, or targeted peptides, based on your results.
Optimization & Monitoring
Regular follow-ups and lab reassessments to fine-tune your protocol and ensure you are responding well.
05
06
Long-Term Performance & Longevity Planning
Ongoing strategy to sustain results, support healthspan, and adapt your plan as your biology evolves.
STEP 01
Comprehensive Evaluation
A real conversation about your symptoms: sleep, energy, weight, mood, libido, hot flashes, and what has changed.
STEP 02
Advanced Laboratory Assessment
Comprehensive hormone panels including testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, cortisol, and metabolic markers.
STEP 03
Personalized Treatment Strategy
A customized protocol designed around your unique biology, goals, and risk profile, not a generic plan.
STEP 04
Protocol Initiation
Begin treatment: bioidentical hormone replacement, thyroid support, or targeted peptides, based on your results.
STEP 05
Optimization & Monitoring
Regular follow-ups and lab reassessments to fine-tune your protocol and ensure you are responding well.
STEP 06
Long-Term Performance & Longevity Planning
Ongoing strategy to sustain results, support healthspan, and adapt your plan as your biology evolves.
Every treatment plan is personalized to your unique needs and goals. Your timeline may be adjusted based on your individual response.
Safety & Medical Oversight
Hormone optimization is a medical intervention that requires informed consent, continuous monitoring, and physician oversight
Medical Standards & Monitoring
Clinical Supervision: All protocols are designed and overseen by Dr. Ace Christian, MD, MPH
Continuous Lab Monitoring: Regular assessment of hormone levels, metabolic markers, cardiovascular markers, and liver/kidney function
Risk Mitigation: Protocols are adjusted based on individual response and risk factors
Direct Access: You have ongoing communication with the medical team for questions and concerns
Understanding Potential Risks
Cardiovascular: Elevated blood pressure, changes in lipid profile, or increased hematocrit (testosterone)
Hormonal: Estrogen conversion (aromatization), suppression of natural production, or imbalanced ratios
Metabolic: Insulin resistance, liver enzyme elevation, or kidney strain (in rare cases)
Fertility: Testosterone therapy can suppress sperm production (fertility preservation strategies available)
These risks are mitigated through proper dosing, regular monitoring, and proactive adjustment. We will discuss your individual risk profile during consultation.
Telehealth Available
You do not have to live near Philadelphia to be our patient.
Hormone and metabolic care is mostly conversation, laboratory work and adjustment over time. All three travel well. Patients across Pennsylvania do this with us on video, with their blood drawn close to home.
Where this is available. Dr. Christian is licensed in Pennsylvania, so telehealth is available to patients who are in Pennsylvania at the time of the visit. If you are elsewhere, the office in the Philadelphia area sees patients in person.
- Step 1
A consult on video
Your history, your symptoms and what you want to change, with the physician rather than an intake form.
- Step 2
Labs drawn near you
We send the order to a draw site close to home. You do not travel for a blood test.
- Step 3
Results read together
We go through the panel on screen, and you leave with the plan written down rather than a portal message.
- Step 4
Follow-up on video
Re-testing and adjustments happen on the same schedule they would in the office.
Aether Medicine · Checklist
The Hormone Symptom Check
The symptoms worth acting on, the panel that explains them, and what a real evaluation measures.
Asare B. Christian, MD, MPH · 2 pages
Read before you decide
Print it. Bring it. Ask for what is on it.
- Symptom checklists for men and for women
- The hormone and metabolic panel a physician actually orders
- What treatment involves, including who it is not for
- How the same evaluation works by telehealth
It is yours. If it did not open in a new tab:
Open “The Hormone Symptom Check”Latest Articles
Latest From Our Blog
Evidence-based insights on longevity, hormones, and regenerative medicine — from our physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers to help you make an informed decision
Hormone optimization is physician-led testing and treatment of the hormones behind energy, thinking, weight, libido, mood, and sleep: testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and cortisol. Treatment is guided by your labs and monitored over time.
Hormone replacement is part of it. Hormone optimization is broader than traditional HRT: it includes bioidentical hormones, peptides, and targeted lifestyle strategies, and it is guided by comprehensive testing rather than prescribing on symptoms alone.
Adults with fatigue, brain fog, low libido, weight gain, hot flashes or night sweats, poor sleep, or mood changes, especially when conventional testing has come back 'normal' while they still feel unwell.
We evaluate testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid (TSH, free T3, free T4), cortisol, DHEA, growth hormone markers, insulin, and more, depending on your symptoms.
Treatment may include bioidentical hormone replacement (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone), thyroid support, peptides, adrenal support, and targeted supplementation, all designed around your lab results and goals.
Many patients notice early changes in energy and sleep within 2 to 4 weeks. Changes in body composition and brain fog typically take 8 to 12 weeks of treatment, with lab rechecks along the way.
When properly supervised with regular lab monitoring and dosage adjustment, hormone optimization is safe for most adults. All protocols at Aether Medicine are physician-designed and continuously monitored.
Potential risks include cardiovascular changes, hormonal imbalances, fertility impact (with testosterone), and metabolic effects. These are actively managed through monitoring and protocol adjustments.
Not necessarily. Goals, protocols, and duration are individualized. Some patients transition to maintenance, others cycle on and off. Your plan is reviewed regularly.
Yes. Hormone consultations can be done by video, including the first one. We send your lab order to a draw site near you, then go through the results and the plan together on screen. Follow-ups and dose adjustments work the same way. Dr. Christian is licensed in Pennsylvania, so telehealth is available to patients who are in Pennsylvania at the time of the visit. If you are elsewhere, we see patients in person at the office in the Philadelphia area.
Hormone optimization programs at Aether Medicine are typically cash-based. We can provide documentation for HSA/FSA reimbursement where applicable.
Schedule a hormone optimization consultation. We begin with comprehensive lab work and a thorough intake review, then design a protocol tailored to your biology.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Is Hormone Optimization Right For You?
During your consultation, Dr. Christian will review your symptoms, goals, laboratory findings, lifestyle factors, and overall health strategy to determine whether hormone optimization belongs in your personalized care plan.
Prefer to call? Reach us at 484-806-1101
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your health goals. We will contact you within 1 business day to schedule your consultation with Dr. Christian.
Your request has been received. We will contact you within 1 business day. For immediate questions, call 484-806-1101.