Dr. Brendan McCarthy
Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. He is a recognized expert in hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, infertility, and nutritional therapy. He is also the author of 'Jump Off The Mood Swing, A Sane Woman’s Guide To Her Crazy Hormones.' This podcast shares his extensive medical knowledge to help listeners improve their lives.
Episodes
Vaginal Estrogen, Menopause & Hormones: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling You
Vaginal and urinary symptoms are common during perimenopause and menopause—but understanding why they happen and how different forms of estrogen work can be confusing.
In Episode 8 of this hormone series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the relationship between systemic estrogen, vaginal estrogen, estradiol, estriol, testosterone, and the genitourinary symptoms many women experience during menopa
Is Estrone Really the “Bad Estrogen”? What Your Labs Actually Mean
An elevated estrone level can be alarming—especially when you search online and immediately find scary information about cancer, diabetes, or obesity. But does a high estrone level automatically mean something is wrong? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, takes a closer look at estrone and why it shouldn't be treated as a simple “good” or “bad” ho
The Biggest Mistake Women Make When Starting Estrogen Therapy
Should every woman take estrogen? Or should no one?
According to Dr. Brendan McCarthy, both extremes miss the point. The best hormone therapy is personalized, evidence-based, and designed around the individual—not headlines or trends.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains why today's growing "estrogen for everyone" movement can be just as concerning as the outdated fear created by the Women's Hea
Estrogen Isn't One Hormone: The Truth About Estradiol, Estrone & Estriol
When someone says, "estrogen causes cancer" or "estrogen causes blood clots," what estrogen are they talking about?
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains one of the biggest misconceptions in hormone replacement therapy (HRT): estrogen isn't a single hormone—it's a family of hormones. Understanding the differences between estradiol, estrone, and estriol can completely change how you view y
Don't Stop Your Hormone Therapy Because of Social Media
Every day, women are exposed to endless hormone therapy advice on social media, but not all of it is accurate.
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why fear-driven decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to unnecessary symptoms, confusion, and setbacks. He shares what he's learned after more than 20 years of prescribing hormones and why education, trust, and an ongoing
Why the Same Hormone Works Differently for Every Woman
Why does one woman feel incredible on hormone replacement therapy while another gains weight, feels anxious, or sees no improvement at all?
The answer isn't simply the hormone—it's how your body processes it.
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why the route of hormone delivery (oral, topical, injectable, or pellets) dramatically changes how hormones behave in the body. He also breaks d
The 5 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Before Starting Hormone Therapy
Many women are handed a prescription for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sign a consent form, and are sent on their way—but is that really informed consent?
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why true consent is much more than signing paperwork. Understanding what you're taking, why you're taking it, how it's being monitored, and when your treatment should change are essential parts
Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained: What Every Woman Needs to Know | Episode 1
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is far more than simply taking estrogen or progesterone.
In this first episode of a new 36-part series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why hormone therapy should never be viewed as a one-size-fits-all treatment. From puberty through menopause, he explores how hormones change throughout a woman's life, why lab testing matters, and how personalized care leads to bett
The Hidden Risks of Oral Estrogen: What Every Woman Should Know About Estrone
Many women are prescribed oral estrogen without ever being told what happens after it enters the body. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy takes a deeper look at estrone, the estrogen metabolite created when estradiol is taken orally, and explains why the delivery method of hormone therapy matters.
You'll learn:
The difference between estradiol and estrone
Why oral estrogen creates significantl
Estradiol Explained: The Truth About Oral Estrogen, Estrone, Testosterone & Informed Consent
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in hormone replacement therapy: estradiol.
Not all estrogen is the same—and how estradiol is delivered can dramatically affect hormone balance, inflammation, clotting risk, testosterone levels, and overall health outcomes.
Dr. McCarthy discusses:
• Why route of administration matters (oral, patch, injectable, to
What Every Woman Needs to Hear About Health, Food & Healing
After 16 episodes exploring food, metabolism, cravings, and health, Dr. Brendan McCarthy shares the most important lesson of all:
Your body is not broken.
Too often, health conversations focus on calories, diets, lab results, and willpower. But lasting change isn't just about what you eat—it's about understanding why you eat, what your body is responding to, and replacing shame with compassion.
In
The 6-Week Nutrition Reset I Use With Patients
This episode is about more than food.
It's about understanding why we reach for certain foods, creating a realistic off-ramp from ultra-processed eating, and giving your body a chance to reset.
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still struggling with weight, energy, inflammation, or cravings, this episode is for you.
Citation:
Hall, Kevin D., et al. “Ultra-Proc
The 9-Minute Method to Break Food Cravings
Most diets fail because they never address what the food was doing for you emotionally.
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains the stress-craving loop behind emotional eating, why ultra-processed foods feel impossible to resist, and how shame actually reinforces the cycle.
You’ll learn:
• Why cravings feel automatic
• How stress drives food urges
• The “cue → urge → reward” loop
• A simple
The Exit Strategy: How to Escape the Ultra-Processed Food Loop
Why is it so hard to stop eating ultra-processed foods — even when you know they’re hurting you?
In Episode 13 of this 16-part series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why the real problem is not just the food itself. The real problem is the loop:
Cue or emotional state → Wanting → Bargaining → Consumption → Temporary relief → Crash/regret → Repeat.
This episode explores how ultra-processed and hyper
The Shame Trap of Ultra-Processed Foods
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy dives deep into the psychology of ultra-processed foods, compulsive eating, shame, and why so many people feel trapped in unhealthy food cycles.
This conversation goes far beyond calories and willpower.
Dr. McCarthy explains how ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods are intentionally engineered to drive repeat consumption, how emotional memories and stress
Trauma Is Driving Your Diet (Not Willpower) | Ultra-Processed Foods Explained
Why do so many people know what to eat… but still can’t follow through?
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the powerful connection between trauma, stress, and ultra-processed foods—and why willpower alone is not enough.
You’ll learn how the nervous system, PTSD, and chronic stress can rewire your relationship with food, driving cravings and behaviors that feel out of your control.
T
Women, Hormones & Cholesterol: The Hidden Role of Ultra-Processed Foods
Today, we’re diving into a topic that should be getting far more attention:
Cardiovascular disease in women.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women—yet it’s often under-addressed, oversimplified, and misunderstood in clinical practice.
Most women are told:
“Eat better. Take this prescription.”
But that approach misses something critical.
Full citation list: • Hall, Kevi
Ultra-Processed Foods & Autoimmunity
Today, we’re diving into autoimmunity—what it actually is, why it happens, and how ultra-processed foods may be contributing to the problem.
Autoimmune disease is often misunderstood. Some will tell you diet has nothing to do with it. Others claim diet is the cure. The truth is more nuanced—and that’s exactly what we explore in this episode.
You’ll learn:
What autoimmunity really is (and why it’s
The Truth About GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are everywhere right now—but are they actually solving the problem?
In Episode 8 of this 16-part series on ultra-processed foods, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the truth about GLP-1 medications: how they work, why they can feel like a “miracle,” and where things go wrong when they’re used without proper medical guidance.
This isn’t about shame.
This Was Never a Fair Fight: How Ultra-Processed Food Trains a Child’s Brain
Craving junk food when you’re stressed isn’t a lack of discipline — it’s biology.
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down what ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods actually do inside your body — from your metabolism to your hormones, your brain, and your stress response.
But this isn’t about guilt or shame.
It’s about understanding what you’re up against — especially as a parent try
This Isn’t a Willpower Problem: The Truth About Stress, Cravings & Weight Gain
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center—dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in health:
Why does it feel like you can’t stick to a diet… even when you’re trying your best?
This isn’t about willpower.
It’s not a character flaw.
And it’s not your fault.
Dr. McCarthy breaks down the biology behind stress, cravings, and weight gain—explaining how
The Real Reason You Crave Junk Food Under Stress
Is weight gain really about willpower… or is something deeper going on?
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, breaks down the real biology behind stress, cravings, and weight gain—and why blaming yourself (or cortisol) is missing the point.
You’ll learn:
Why chronic stress rewires your metabolism
How stress drives cravings for ultra-processed fo
The Missing Piece in Weight Loss
We’ve all heard it: calories in vs. calories out.
And while that’s not wrong… it’s not complete.
Dr. McCarthy breaks down the three major approaches to weight loss:
1. Calorie restriction
2. Insulin management (low-carb, keto, etc.)
3. Exercise & performance
…and explains why each works—but still falls short on its own.
The missing piece?
The signal your food sends to your body.
This episode e
Why You’re Still Hungry After Eating
Why do you crave dessert after dinner? Why are you hungry again an hour after eating? And why does weight sometimes seem to accelerate even when you're watching calories?
In Episode 3 of this series on ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the biology behind cravings, hunger, and weight gain. This episode connects the dots between food engineering, blood sugar
Why You Can’t Stop Craving Ultra-Processed Foods (It’s Not Willpower)
In this episode, we’re diving deep into ultra-processed foods — and why cravings in your 30s, 40s, and 50s are not a character flaw.
If you’ve ever:
Felt compulsive around certain foods
Wondered why you “used to have more willpower”
Eaten for stress relief and felt ashamed afterward
Asked yourself why your partner can stop but you can’t
This episode is for you.
There are three major biol
Ultra-Processed Foods: Why You Can’t Stop Eating Them
If you're a woman in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you feel swollen, inflamed, stuck, exhausted, or like your body has completely turned against you — this series is for you.
Let’s be clear:
This is NOT a diet episode.
This is NOT food shaming.
This is NOT about willpower.
This is upstream endocrinology.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains:
Why weight gain in perimenopause is not a disciplin
The Progesterone Promise: Why Context Matters More Than the Hype
In this final episode of the Progesterone Promise series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, breaks down one of the most misunderstood hormones in women’s health: progesterone.
Progesterone is not “good” or “bad.” It’s contextual.
In today’s world of quick sound bites and social media medicine, hormones are often reduced to oversimplified claims like “progesteron
Progesterone & Breast Health: What Women Were Never Properly Taught
In this episode of the progesterone series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy — Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona — explores the often misunderstood relationship between progesterone, estrogen, and breast health.
For decades, women have been taught to fear their breasts and fear hormones. While awareness matters, fear is disempowering — and it has left many women confused about w
Prolactin: The Overlooked Hormone Behind Unexplained Infertility & Low Progesterone
Unexplained infertility, PMS, and low progesterone are often dismissed when labs fall “within range.” In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why prolactin may be the missing piece.
Learn how mildly elevated prolactin can suppress ovulation, lower progesterone, and impact fertility—even when labs appear normal. We also discuss common causes, symptoms, the role of stress and medications, and
Progesterone, Stress & the “Progesterone Steal” Explained
In this episode of our progesterone series (Episode 5), Dr. Brendan McCarthy — Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona — breaks down the often-misunderstood relationship between stress, ovulation, progesterone, and cortisol.
We explore the concept commonly referred to as the “progesterone steal” and why this term can be misleading. Rather than hormones being “stolen,” Dr.
Progesterone: Why Delivery Method Matters for Brain, Uterus & Breast Health
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, explains why progesterone delivery systems matter—and how different routes change what progesterone actually does in the body.
Part 4 of the progesterone series covers oral, topical, vaginal, rectal, injectable, and sublingual progesterone, breaking down which methods affect the brain, uterus, and breast tissue—
Reverse Responding to Progesterone: Why Your Body Isn’t Failing You
If progesterone makes you feel wired, anxious, angry, emotional, or unable to sleep, this episode is for you.
In this deeply important continuation of our reverse responding series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center—returns to clarify what was missing in Episode 3C and to walk you through the real physiology, compassion, and treatment strategy behind reverse respo
Why Progesterone Sometimes Backfires
Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, brings closure to an important and often misunderstood topic: progesterone reverse responders.
Some women take progesterone expecting calm, better sleep, and emotional balance — but instead experience anxiety, irritability, agitation, or feeling “wired but tired.” These responses are real, not imagined, and not
Sulfation, Trauma, and Why Progesterone Doesn’t Always Calm You
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona—continues his in-depth progesterone series with a deep dive into reverse responders and an often-overlooked mechanism: hormone sulfation.
Many women take progesterone expecting better sleep, calmer moods, and reduced anxiety—yet feel more alert, only mildly calmer, or see no benefi
Why Progesterone Makes Some Women Feel Worse
Have you taken progesterone expecting calm, better sleep, or relief from PMS… only to feel more anxious, wired, or worse overall? You are not a failure—and progesterone is not failing you. Your body is responding exactly as physiology dictates. The issue is how progesterone is being delivered and metabolized.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains:
What it means to be a progesterone reverse resp
Progesterone & Your Brain: The Missing Link
In Episode 2 of this deep-dive hormone series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, AZ—breaks down the part of progesterone almost no one talks about: its powerful role as a brain hormone.
Most women are only taught that progesterone is about fertility and uterine lining. But the truth?
Progesterone is a neurosteroid that influences your amygdala, hippocamp
Progesterone: The Breakthrough Women Deserve
In today’s episode, I’m opening the first chapter of what I believe is the most important series I’ve ever created — a deep dive into progesterone and why it became the heart of my medical practice.
For more than 20 years, I’ve watched this “simple, humble hormone” transform women’s lives in ways most conventional medicine overlooks. What started in two small treatment rooms has grown into a 25,00
The Truth About Estrone: What Your Lab Work Isn’t Telling You
Join Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, for a deep, practical breakdown of estrone—one of the most misunderstood and under-tested hormones in women’s health.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains:
Why estrone matters far more than most routine labs suggest
How estrone relates to inflammation, insulin resistance, body fat, and chronic diseas
The Estrone Pathways That Predict Your Health: Labs Your Doctor Isn’t Running
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, takes you deep into the science of Estrone metabolism, why it becomes dominant during perimenopause and menopause, and the exact lab tests that uncover real root causes of symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, breast tenderness, irritability, fatigue, and sleep disruption.
This is Part 4 of o
Estrone & Cancer: The Truth About “The Forgotten Estrogen”
In Part 3 of the Forgotten Estrogen series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona—dives deep into the misunderstood relationship between estrone and cancer.
For decades, women have been told to fear estrogen. But is estrogen really the enemy—or is it the environment within the body that determines risk?
Dr. McCarthy explains:
How estrone functions
Estrone Explained (Part 2): The “Forgotten Estrogen” and Why It’s Not the Bad Guy
In this episode — Part 2 of our Estrone Series — Dr. McCarthy takes a deeper dive into estrone, the often misunderstood and overlooked estrogen. Learn:
Why estrone isn’t the “bad” estrogen it’s made out to be
How body fat, inflammation, and lifestyle influence estrone levels
The connection between estrone, insulin resistance, and breast health
Why oral estrogen can worsen symptoms for some
Estrone Explained: How Lifestyle & Hormones Impact Women’s Health
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, dives deep into estrone, one of the three key estrogens, and explains why understanding it is crucial for women’s health.
Learn about:
The differences between estradiol, estriol, and estrone
How estrone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause
Why oral estrogen can dramatically increase estrone
Th
Healing the Divide Between MAHA & MAMA
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy dives deep into why women are turning away from conventional medicine and seeking care in alternative spaces.
He explores the growing Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) and Make America Medical Again (MAMA) movements, sharing his perspective as a naturopathic medical doctor trained in both conventional and integrative medicine.
Dr. McCarthy discusses
Why Conventional Medicine Failed Women
In this powerful episode, Dr. McCarthy continues his “Make America Healthy Again” series — exploring how conventional medicine has failed women through dismissal, invalidation, and profit-driven care. He discusses why so many women are turning to online influencers and alternative medicine for answers, and how we can begin to reconcile modern medicine with true, compassionate healthcare.
👉 Topics
How Medicine Lost Its Way with Women
In this episode, I dive deep into “Mama vs. Maha” — the Make America Medical Again movement versus the Make America Healthy Again movement — and explore how both emerged from a broken medical system. We’ll trace how modern medicine drifted from its original purpose, focusing more on economics than empathy, and how that shift has profoundly impacted women’s health over the past 60 years. From the “
Understanding the Divide in Modern Medicine
Join Dr. Brendan McCarthy, as he dives into Part 2 of our series on understanding the divide in modern medicine.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explores:
How education, corporate influence, and lobbying have shaped medicine and nutrition advice
The history and impact of the food pyramid and dietary guidelines
Why trust in traditional medicine has eroded and how alternative approaches gained popular
Why Patients Lose Trust in Medicine | Radical Transparency
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, opens up about why so many patients lose trust in traditional, insurance-based medical care—and why they often turn exclusively to alternative medicine.
Dr. McCarthy shares personal experiences and patient stories that reveal the deeper issues in today’s healthcare system: short appointment times, lack of empath
Why I Practice Medicine Differently
In this episode, I open up about my personal journey into medicine, how my son’s health crisis during medical school shaped the doctor I am today, and why I believe in practicing medicine with time, care, and accountability. As a licensed naturopathic medical doctor and primary care provider, I share how I balance conventional treatments with holistic approaches, and why I think medicine needs bot
From Self-Silencing to Healing: Women's Health, Stress & Weight Gain
In this powerful series finale, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, shares a personal story about the humble beginnings of his practice—and then dives deep into a critical but often overlooked topic in medicine: self-silencing in women and how it profoundly impacts health.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How emotional suppression and chronic stress affect weight ga
The Silent Stress That’s Harming Women’s Health
Why do so many women struggle with autoimmune issues, fertility challenges, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain—despite following medical advice?
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, NMD, explores the overlooked connection between self-silencing—the habit of suppressing your voice, needs, and emotions—and women’s health. Drawing on years of patient care and research, he explains how chronic
The Hidden Link Between Self-Silencing and Fertility
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, explores how self-silencing—the cultural pressure for women to suppress their voices and needs—can directly affect fertility.
Dr. McCarthy discusses:
The emotional toll of self-silencing on women’s identity and value
How chronic stress impacts ovulation, progesterone, and conception
Why the med
Self-Silencing in Women: The Hidden Link to Stress, Hormones & Heart Health
Why do so many women struggle with stress-related health issues without ever speaking up?
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy continues his series on self-silencing in women—a powerful yet often overlooked cultural and psychological pattern.
Dr. McCarthy breaks down:
What “self-silencing” really means and how it shows up in everyday life
The four categories of self-silencing
How chronic stress a
Self-Silencing, Stress & Autoimmunity in Women
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explores how self-silencing behaviors—putting others first, suppressing your own needs, and avoiding conflict—can contribute to chronic stress and trigger autoimmune conditions in women. From the science of immune misfires to the cultural pressures women face, Dr. McCarthy shares how deep, patient-centered care goes beyond prescriptions to address the root cau
The Hidden Cost of Self-Silencing: How It Impacts Women’s Health
Welcome to the first episode in a five-part series on self-silencing and its profound effect on women’s health. I’m Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, and in this episode, I break down how self-silencing — the learned suppression of one’s needs, emotions, and voice — directly influences weight gain, hormone disruption, autoimmunity, cardiovascular risk, and more.
Men & Fertility: What No One Tells You About Showing Up for Her
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the role men play in fertility and women’s health. Too often, the fertility journey places the burden entirely on women, physically, emotionally, and medically. Dr. McCarthy unpacks why that’s both inaccurate and damaging, and shares what true masculinity looks like during this chapter: support, presence, and courage. From hormone imbalances and sperm health
Male Fertility & Emotional Avoidance: Why Men Need to Show Up
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy opens up about the psychological hurdles men face when it comes to reproductive health, how avoidance can create deep relationship wounds, and why it's critical for male partners to step into fertility conversations with courage and compassion.
He breaks down:
✔️ The emotional weight women carry in fertility journey
Understanding PMS: A Guide for Men on Hormones, Relationships & Self-Silencing
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
PMS isn’t just a hormone issue—it affects relationships too.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy breaks down how hormone shifts impact emotions, communication, and connection. It’s a message for men who want to understand what’s really going on—and how to show up better.
💡 Topics:
Why PMS can trigger relationship tension
The science behind progesteron
Why Your Doctor Says You're "Fine" (When You're Actually Not) | Testosterone Q&A Pt. 2
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
Today he continues answering your most pressing questions about testosterone and hormone therapy in Part 2 of our Testosterone Q&A series.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy dives into:
Why your labs can look "normal" while you still feel terrible
The difference between DHEA and actual testosterone therapy
The role of sex hormone-binding globul
Testosterone in Women: FSH, Hair Loss & Real Questions Answered
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
In this episode, I’ll be responding to your questions and comments. As always, thank you for being part of this community. Your questions fuel these episodes — and I’m honored to keep showing up for you. 🧪 Have questions about your labs? Drop them in the comments — I may cover them in the next episode. 💬 Yes, I do read them (even in movie previe
What We’re Learning About TRT and Breast Cancer Risk
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
In this episode, he dives deep into the powerful potential, and the necessary precautions, of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in women. He shares why this once-taboo treatment is gaining traction, how it may reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 50%, and why lab testing and clinical nuance are absolutely non-negotiable. Dr. McCarthy a
Why I Always Run Labs Before Hormone Therapy: The Real Risks of Skipping FSH
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
In this deeply personal episode, he shares why lab work—especially testing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)—is non-negotiable in hormone replacement therapy.
This is not about gatekeeping. It’s about understanding. It’s about caring. Dr. McCarthy recounts a formative memory of meeting a woman who underwent surgical menopause and was never to
Why Perimenopausal Hormone Labs Do Matter — Debunking Dangerous Myths
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
In this video, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down common misconceptions about hormone testing and treatment during perimenopause — including why many influencers and physicians get it wrong. From the misuse of expensive boutique tests like the Dutch test, to the dangers of suppressive hormone therapies without proper lab monitoring, Dr. McCarthy e
Should You Get HRT Without Lab Work? Why I Always Test First
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
Can you start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or bioidentical hormones without lab testing? Technically—yes. But should you? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, shares his medical perspective on why skipping labs could put your health at risk.
Responding to viral videos that suggest lab work i
Testosterone in Women: Dosing, Labs & What Most Doctors Miss
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
This episode takes you deep into the real-world practice of prescribing testosterone therapy for women.
This is not a high-level overview—this is a nuts and bolts breakdown:
✅ Who it's for
✅ How it's dosed
✅ What labs to run
✅ What delivery methods are safest
✅ Why it's often done wrong—and how to get it right
With over 20 years of clinical ex
The Truth About Testosterone in Women: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling You
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
In this episode we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in hormone health: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for women. You may have heard horror stories—or glowing reviews. But what’s the truth?
Dr. McCarthy discusses:
- Why testosterone matters for women’s health
- How it affects brain chemistry, mood, bone dens
Testosterone Therapy for Women: Breaking the Stigma
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
Today’s episode is all about testosterone therapy in women—a topic that’s often misunderstood, highly debated, and rarely taught in depth. I’m sharing what I’ve learned over my years of clinical experience, how I approach testosterone use in women safely, and why the conversation around it needs to evolve.
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea M
Progesterone Delivery Methods Explained: How It Actually Works in Your Body
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
Explore how progesterone travels through the body depending on the method of delivery—oral, transdermal, or injection. Dr. McCarthy explains why certain forms may not be effective for all patients and discusses how the body metabolizes progesterone, influencing its therapeutic impact. This episode is essential for anyone considering or currently
Answering Your Hormone Questions: Progesterone Reactions, MTHFR, Estrogen Detox & More
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
Today’s episode is all about answering YOUR submitted questions — real concerns from real women — about hormone therapy, reverse responses to progesterone, MTHFR, estrogen detoxification, and more. This episode is packed with insights to help you better understand your body and your options.
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center
Progesterone, Testosterone & HRT Questions You’re Afraid to Ask
Welcome to the podcast! In this deeply personal Q&A episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center—responds to your most powerful and vulnerable questions about hormone replacement therapy, including:
- Why some women reverse-respond to progesterone
- What to do when testosterone creams trigger migraines
- How to safely navigate HRT with MTHFR or methylation issue
When Progesterone Backfires: Understanding Reverse Responders
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Welcome to Part 3. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy dives deep into the complex world of reverse responders—women who experience increased anxiety or worsened symptoms from progesterone instead of the calming effects it typically provides.
If you’ve felt forgotten or unsupported in your hormone journey—this episode is for you.
Dr. Brendan McCarthy
When Progesterone Backfires: The Hidden Link Between Hormones, Anxiety & Trauma
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
While progesterone is often prescribed for its calming and hormone-balancing effects, some women experience the exact opposite—increased anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. This phenomenon, known as reverse responding, is more common than many realize.
In this episode we explore:
The neurological effects of progesterone and why it
Why Progesterone Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!
Today he addresses a topic many women have been waiting to hear more about: why some people don't tolerate progesterone well.
Often overlooked in both conventional and alternative medicine, "reverse responders" experience heightened anxiety, insomnia, or mood shifts when taking progesterone — a reaction that defies the standard approach. Dr. McCart
Migraine Series Q&A
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we're wrapping up our migraine series by answering your most frequently asked questions. Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, dives deep into the science behind progesterone, its effects on the brain, and why some people experience negative reactions. He also discusses estrogen therapy, common side e
Triptans and Beyond: Understanding the True Causes of Migraines
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, we dive into the complexities of migraines, particularly the role of triptans in treating them. Dr. McCarthy addresses a common misconception about migraine pathophysiology, discusses the importance of lifestyle and genetic factors, and explains why understanding the root causes of migraines is crucial for effective treatment. He e
Unlocking the Root Cause of Migraines: The Role of Progesterone and GABA
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we dive deep into the root causes of migraines in women, with a focus on the powerful role of progesterone and the GABA pathway. Learn why simply treating symptoms with medication isn’t enough and how understanding hormone balance can lead to long-term relief. This is part two of our migraine series, where we explore how estrogen an
The Role of Estrogen in Migraines: Understanding the Link & Treatment Options
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we go over the connection between estrogen and migraines. He explores how hormone fluctuations can trigger migraines, the role of serotonin, and how proper medical testing can lead to better treatment options. Dr. McCarthy also addresses common failures in traditional medicine, the importance of a full neurological workup, and why b
Understanding Headaches
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we dive into headaches—particularly how women suffer from them more frequently than men. If you’ve been dealing with headaches that no one seems to understand, you’re not alone. This series is designed to offer insight and actionable advice, empowering you with the information you need to address the root causes of your pain.
Dr.
Your Voice Matters—Let’s Talk Menopause
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona. Your feedback and comments shape the discussions we have here—because your voice matters.
In this episode, Dr. McCarthy addresses some of the most common questions and misconceptions about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). He breaks down the science, clears up misunder
Menopause & Hormone Therapy: Treatment Pt. 2
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! We continue our menopause series as we dive into the treatment segment! Struggling with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep issues? Hormone therapy (HRT) could be the solution! In this video, we break down how hormone treatment works, its benefits, risks, and who it’s best for. Learn the facts and take control of your health
Menopause & Hormone Therapy: Treatment Pt. 1
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! We continue our menopause series as we dive into the treatment segment! Struggling with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep issues? Hormone therapy (HRT) could be the solution! In this video, we break down how hormone treatment works, its benefits, risks, and who it’s best for. Learn the facts and take control of your health
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