The Thrive Program

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Nutrition Optimization

The Thrive Program consists of Hormone Replacement and Nutritional Optimization for both men and women - managed by our experienced medical providers. Hormone Replacement can be life changing for people struggling with the Menopause/Andropause transition – or for anyone seeking increased energy, improved mood, enhanced physical and mental performance, improved libido and overall vitality. See if you are eligible below!

See if you're eligible!

About The Thrive Program

FDA Approved

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been FDA approved since 1942 – with millions of people treated worldwide.

Professional Support

Our experienced medical professionals are with you every step of the way - monitoring your labs and dosing - with 24/7 support throughout the program.

Convenience

Medications are shipped directly to your home, with check-in appointments available in person and virtually.

Nutritional Support

As a part of your Thrive Program, we will assess your nutritional needs and build a comprehensive plan to optimize your supplements and vitamins

Enjoy Increased Vitality

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can improve energy, sleep, strength and endurance, well-being and libido.

Improved Health

Hormone Replacement Therapy will help you lose fat and gain muscle. This leads to significant long term health benefits - including reductions in heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia.

What is Hormone Optimization?

From the day we are born, our hormones act as our body’s natural “instruction manual” – and optimal hormone levels allow us to feel and function our best. Hormones are the messengers of our Endocrine system – but aging and disease can cause them to decline. When this happens, we begin an accelerated aging process. As we lose that “instruction manual” we experience fatigue, weight gain, decrease in mental sharpness, and decreased sexual desire and enjoyment. The quality of our sleep declines and our strength and endurance are not what they were.

We may feel anxious, depressed, or irritable and “grouchy” all the time. When we are injured or sick it takes us longer to heal - and we begin to lose the ability to do the activities that we used to enjoy. (While these symptoms happen to everyone - women also experience the symptoms of menopause – such as hot flashes, loss of vaginal lubrication, irregular bleeding, and brain fog.)

Hormone replacement therapy allows you to feel and function your best by recreating the hormone levels your body produced when you were younger - which has been shown to not only prolong life but prolong the quality of one's life. Hormonal support is beneficial at any age, but the best long term protective benefits are achieved if hormones are replaced when you begin to lose them, usually in our 40's.

What Hormones do for us?

Estradiol and Progesterone are the two hormones that most people are referring to when they discuss “taking hormones” or hormone replacement therapy (also called HRT or ERT). To learn more about HRT for Women click here.

ESTRADIOL. Estradiol is normally made by our ovaries...

Loss of estradiol causes many of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause – including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and infections, “brain fog” and depression/anxiety/loss of well-being. Treatment with Estradiol can alleviate these symptoms of menopause – and has also been shown to protect against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and some forms of dementia. Learn More

PROGESTERONE. Progesterone is made by our ovaries and acts as a necessary...

and natural balance to Estrogen. It is the 1st hormone that we start to lose in perimenopause – and loss of progesterone leads to the insomnia and anxiety that many women experience as their first peri-menopausal symptoms. Progesterone (not to be confused with synthetic Progestins which have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer) is protective against both breast and uterine cancer and acts as your brain’s natural anti-anxiety medication. Treatment with Progesterone will help rebuild your normal sleep patterns, prevent irregular vaginal bleeding and spotting, reduce hot flashes, and in the longer term, protect you from oesteoperosis. Learn More

TESTOSTERONE FOR WOMEN. While most people think of testosterone...

as a male hormone – and men do typically have levels 10 times higher than females do - but the truth is that testosterone is as vital to our health and well-being as it is for men. In fact – the average female makes more testosterone than she does estrogen! In females Testosterone supports strength and endurance, mental well-being and is the most important hormonal driver for sexual desire. Women typically begin to lose their testosterone in their late 30s and 40s – corresponding with the onset of middle-aged weight gain, fatigue and a decreased libido. Replacing your lost Testosterone can improve your energy levels, increase your energy and endurance, and restore your desire for intimacy with your partner. Learn More

THYROID HORMONES. Thyroid hormone regulates our...

metabolism – including our body temperature, energy levels and brain function. You can think of it as a thermostat that tells our body how fast our metabolism should run. Like all our major hormones – we produce less and less of this vital hormone as we age. When thyroid hormone production is low people will typically feel cold, sluggish, fatigued and experience decreased mental sharpness, depressed mood and weight gain. When thyroid hormone is optimized, you will feel energic and mentally sharp, with an increased sense of well-being. Thyroid hormone also increases fat breakdown, resulting in weight loss and lower cholesterol – leading to decreased risk for heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Learn More

Testosterone is the hormone that most people are referring to when they discuss optimization for men – but men often need thyroid hormone and DHEA as well. To learn more about HRT for Men click here.

TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN. Men’s Testosterone production peaks...

in their 20s and then begins to gradually decline – a condition that is known as “Andropause”. As your testosterone levels drop you will notice weight gain, decreased sexual desire and performance, fatigue, weight gain and depressed or irritable mood. Supplementing Testosterone will help you lose weight and gain muscle mass. You will have the energy to exercise more, and you will heal and recover more quickly – as you did in your 20s and 30s. Optimal testosterone levels will also help you regain your youthful libido and sexual function, and improve your mood and well-being. Learn More

FAQs

FAQ with Plus Sign

Are hormones dangerous?

Can HRT treat fatigue?

Can HRT help me lose weight?

Can HRT improve my sleep?

But isn't Menopause normal?

Am I too young to start HRT?

Am I too old to start HRT?

Can Testosterone improve my sex drive?

Can HRT improve my desire for intimacy?

How soon will I feel the effects of Hormone Optimization?

Some people notice a difference within a few days, but for the majority it is a slow and steady improvement over weeks and months. You may notice some physical symptoms get better first, for example, at the correct dose of estrogen, hot flushes and night sweats are often much better after 4-6 weeks. However psychological symptoms, such as low mood, energy levels or anxiety, can take a few more months to improve. We tell our patients that they will begin to feel better in 3 months, will definitely feel effects by 6 months – and should be fully optimized in a year. Remember – we are not applying a band-aid. We are allowing the body to re-build itself – and like all profound changes – this one will take time.

What are the problems with synthetic hormones, and why are Bioidentical hormones better?

When first developed, synthetic hormones were well received because they provided some of the benefits of hormone replacement in controlling the symptoms of menopause. However, synthetic hormones such as Premarin (Conjugated Equine Estrogen) and Provera (Medroxy Progesterone Acetate) are not native to the body. Long-term studies with these molecules (which as the Women’s Health Initiative) have shown that synthetic hormones can cause negative outcomes – specifically increased heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer. Additionally, some women can't tolerate synthetic hormones - often suffering with side effects such as bloating, bleeding or mood swings. BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) uses only bioidentical progesterone and estradiol – which are exact copies of the molecules that your body makes naturally. To date there have been no scientific studies using these exact molecules that show any increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or cancer – meaning that taking these SPECIFIC molecules is, in fact, safe.

Why doesn't my doctor prescribe bio-identical hormones?

Molecules that our bodies make naturally – such as hormones - are protected by federal regulation and may not be patented. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers are interested only in patentable drugs that are exclusive and profitable. In Medical school physicians are primarily taught only about synthetic products. Physicians must seek out education about BHRT on their own – which can be difficult, expensive and time consuming. Additionally – most insurance plans will not cover BHRT – so many physicians do the thing that is easy and simple for them and their patients and prescribe synthetic hormones instead.

Did the Women’s Health Initiative study really show that HRT is dangerous?

The Womens' Health Initiative (WHI) is a large, long-term study that used synthetic estrogen (Premarin) and progestin (Provera). There were different "arms" of the study using different drug combinations. The arm of the study using Premarin and Provera (Prem/Pro) was discontinued before completion because of a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer. We now know that this risk was a result of the synthetic progestin Provera – and is not found when giving bioidentical Progesterone. Sadly this was not the first time progestins have shown a higher risk profile. The arm of the study using Premarin did not show an increased risk of breast cancer, but was discontinued because of an increased incidence of strokes in older women due to the fact that Premarin (which comes from the urine of pregnant horses and includes 23 different types of estrogen which are not found in humans) upregulated the body’s clotting system. Several other large studies that shown that estradiol – the estrogen that is native to the human body does not have the same negative effects. Unfortunately, the media interpreted this study to mean that all HRT was dangerous and should be discontinued. Again, the culprits were the synthetic progestin, Provera, and a horse estrogen (equilinin) - not bioidentical Estradiol or Progesterone. There are numerous studies showing the long term benefits of hormone therapy. You just need to make sure you are receiving the right hormones (bio-identical) in the right balance. It is also important to begin hormone replacement as soon as you begin to lose the hormones to avoid any length of time without their protective benefits.

Is taking Testosterone dangerous for men?

Similarly to HRT for women – there has been controversy about whether Testosterone optimization is safe for men. Ironically, the health risks of NOT taking Testosterone are arguably more life-threatening than TRT itself. Longitudinal data suggests that males with lower testosterone generally have a shorter lifespan (i.e., are at a higher risk of all-cause mortality) than those with testosterone levels in the healthy range. However – let us address these concerns: There was a study done in the 90s – not a randomized controlled study but a review of an insurance database – that showed that men taking Testosterone has a slightly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The FDA responded by placing a black-box warning on Testosterone and its use in older men dropped precipitously. To further evaluate this claim – the TRAVERSE study was initiated - and the results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in early 2023 (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215025) showing that there was no increased risk of cardiovascular disease while taking Testosterone. As a result – 23 medical bodies have petitioned the FDA to remove this black-box warning as there is no longer good literature to support it. There has also been concern that taking Testosterone would increase the risk of Prostate cancer. This has been definitively disprover by the exceptional work of Dr. Morgantaler et al. at Harvard (https://grandroundsinurology.com/testosterone-prostate-cancer-link/). While Testosterone does not cause Prostate cancer (PCA) – it will stimulate an existing cancer to grow more quickly. Therefore – before you can start Testosterone Replacement Therapy we will do blood levels of PSA (a screening test to rule out PCA) to make sure you are a good candidate. Additionally - we will be monitoring your PSA levels on a regular basis to evaluate for the possible development of PCA. And if those levels did rise we would stop your Testosterone until you have concluded your treatment.

Read the Scientific Literature supporting Hormone Replacement Therapy

We are building a library of the best and most up to date medical literature on HRT, TRT, and Hormone Optimization to help our patients make the best choices for their health. Please check back soon for updates!

What To Expect

Thrive Program Medical Evaluation

At your Thrive Program Medical Evaluation, one of our experienced providers will review your medical history, labs, and goals for your health. We will use a sophisticated scoring system to determine which hormones and nutrients you may be deficient in. We will pair this information with you laboratory studies to build a comprehensive care plan designed to acheive your goals.

Bloodwork

Before we build your personalized care plan, we will do extensive screening bloodwork to assess your currently health status, risk factors, and any existing nutritional deficits.

We will assess your labs frequently during our program - to ensure that your overall health status is being fully optimized.

*If you do not have labs, you can come in for a consultation, however you will not be able to begin the Thrive Program until your labs have been reviewed. Eligibility is not guaranteed.

Pre Screening Questions

1. Do you have a history of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, or any genetic clotting disorder?

2. History of prostate cancer in the last 5 years (for men) or Breast/Endometrial cancer in the last 5 years (for women)?

3. Are you planning on having more children in the future (for men)?

4. Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant (for women)?

5. Are you under the age of 35 or over the age of 70? *

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you are not eligible for the Thrive program at RESTOR.

* If you are under the age of 35, or over the age of 70 you must meet additional criteria to be eligible. Please book a consult to learn more.

Interested?

After you complete the pre-screening questions to see if you are eligible above, you can set up your initial Thrive Program consultation to learn more about what this exciting and groundbreaking form of medicine can do for you!

*If you do not have completed labs, we can do the initial Thrive Program consultation but cannot start the program until the necessary lab are complete.

Not A Member?

If you want to hear about our Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetic treatments in addition to our Thrive Program (Hormone Replacement Therapy and nutritional optimization) - please book a consultation below.!

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