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 causes of illness. He discusses the link between trauma, vagal tone, hormone balance, inflammation, and lifestyle habits—and why breaking the self-silencing cycle can be a powerful step toward healing. If you’ve been told “your labs look fine” but you still don’t feel well, this conversation will help you understand why.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he’s helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He’s also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you’re ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.   👇 Tap Subscribe to learn more about what’s actually happening in your body, and what to do about it.   📘 Read Dr. McCarthy’s Book: Jump Off the Mood Swing – A Sane Woman’s Guide to Her Crazy Hormones https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-Swing-Hormones/dp/0999649604   📲 Follow Dr. McCarthy: Instagram: @drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: @drbrendanmccarthy Website: www.protealife.com   💬 Got a question or topic for a future episode? Let us know in the comments!

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. This is a deeply personal and evidence-backed conversation rooted in decades of clinical experience and medical research. I discuss real patient patterns, the emotional layers behind common health complaints, and why this silent epidemic deserves more space in medicine. If you or someone you love has ever struggled with feeling unheard, unseen, or overwhelmed by caretaking roles, this is for you.   Citations: 13] Jakubowski, K. P., Barinas-Mitchell, E., Chang, Y.-F., Maki, P. M., Matthews, K. A., & Thurston, R. C. (2021). The Cardiovascular Cost of Silence: Relationships Between Self-silencing and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Midlife Women. *Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 56*(3), 282–290. DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab046 [27] Eyal, M. (2023, October 3). Self-Silencing Is Making Women Sick. *TIME*. [5] Jack, D. C. (2010, March 29). Silencing the Self Theory. *OUPblog*.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he’s helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He’s also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you’re ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.   👇 Tap Subscribe to learn more about what’s actually happening in your body, and what to do about it.   📘 Read Dr. McCarthy’s Book: Jump Off the Mood Swing – A Sane Woman’s Guide to Her Crazy Hormones https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-Swing-Hormones/dp/0999649604   📲 Follow Dr. McCarthy: Instagram: @drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: @drbrendanmccarthy Website: www.protealife.com   💬 Got a question or topic for a future episode? Let us know in the comments!

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 to the overlooked emotional toll men face, this episode is a candid call for men to stay in the room—with their partners and with themselves. 🔍 Topics covered: Why the fertility industry fails couples The emotional withdrawal reflex many men experience Microplastics, testosterone, and sperm quality What lab work men should request The truth about aging and male fertility Real steps to support your partner and reclaim your role Whether you're navigating fertility, supporting someone who is, or simply want to be a better partner, this episode offers insight and grounded advice.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he’s helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He’s also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you’re ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.   👇 Tap Subscribe to learn more about what’s actually happening in your body, and what to do about it.   📘 Read Dr. McCarthy’s Book: Jump Off the Mood Swing – A Sane Woman’s Guide to Her Crazy Hormones https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-Swing-Hormones/dp/0999649604   📲 Follow Dr. McCarthy: Instagram: @drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: @drbrendanmccarthy Website: www.protealife.com   💬 Got a question or topic for a future episode? Let us know in the comments!

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 journeys ✔️ How low testosterone and sperm count influence male behavior ✔️ Why fertility has been unfairly framed as a “women’s issue” ✔️ The connection between masculinity and fertility shame ✔️ What men can do TODAY to show up differently   Whether you're a woman looking for tools to help your partner understand the burden you carry, or a man ready to take ownership of your role in this shared journey, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.   💻 Learn more at https://protealife.com   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 progesterone and mood How self-silencing builds resentment What actually helps (and what doesn’t)   If this episode helps, share it with someone who needs to hear it.   💻 Learn more at https://protealife.com   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 globulin (SHBG) in blocking free testosterone The impact of chronic stress on hormone balance Why testosterone creams might not be effective for everyone How estrogen levels affect bone density and hormone optimization   🧬 Featuring insights backed by clinical experience and scientific literature, including:   🔬 Citations Zhu, Z., Zhao, J., Fang, Y. et al. (2021). Association between serum estradiol level, sex hormone binding globulin level, and bone mineral density in middle-aged postmenopausal women. J Orthop Surg Res 16, 648. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-021-02799-3 Reginster, J.Y., et al. (1992). Minimal levels of serum estradiol prevent postmenopausal bone loss. Calcif Tissue Int, 51(5), 340–343. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00316876   💻 Learn more at https://protealife.com   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 previews).   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 also addresses medical betrayal, the rise of influencer-driven misinformation, and what it means to receive care rooted in science, safety, and trust. If you've ever been confused, dismissed, or overwhelmed by hormone therapy conversations, this one’s for you.   🧬 Topics covered: TRT’s anti-proliferative effects on breast tissue The importance of lab work and metabolite monitoring DHT, estradiol, and aromatization explained The ethical issues around "lab-free" prescribing Why nuance matters more than ever in women’s hormone care   Citation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11EPfPIotgAeCTr69wHGvErBNafGUipF5/view?usp=sharing     Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 told what would happen to her body afterward. That moment shaped his lifelong mission to treat women with comprehensive, individualized care—not cookie-cutter patches or “blind firing” estrogen without context. In this episode, he explains: 🧬 Why FSH matters just as much as estrogen 🧠 How FSH affects metabolism, bone density, fat storage, and even Alzheimer’s risk 🩺 What truly responsible hormone therapy should look like 💬 And how we must challenge trends in medicine that ignore the full picture   Citations: Mao L, Wang L, Bennett S, Xu J, Zou J. Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on fat metabolism and cognitive impairment in women during menopause. Front Physiol. 2022 Dec 5;13:1043237. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1043237. PMID: 36545281; PMCID: PMC9760686. Spicer J, Malaspina D, Blank SV, Goosens KA. Follicle-stimulating hormone: More than a marker for menopause: FSH as a frontier for women's mental health. Psychiatry Res. 2025 Mar;345:116239. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116239. Epub 2024 Oct 28. PMID: 39892305; PMCID: PMC12094525. Sponton CH, Kajimura S. Burning Fat and Building Bone by FSH Blockade. Cell Metab. 2017 Aug 1;26(2):285-287. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.07.018. PMID: 28768167; PMCID: PMC9142816   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy is the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 explains the science behind hormone fluctuations, why labs do provide valuable insights, and the importance of individualized care. Learn why ignoring hormone labs isn’t just lazy — it’s harmful — and how true, affordable care should prioritize your unique hormonal balance, not profits. If you’re navigating perimenopause, this video offers critical clarity on your options and what you truly deserve from your healthcare provider.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 is unnecessary, Dr. McCarthy walks you through: ✅ Why objective data matters—especially for hormone care✅ The dangers of prescribing hormones without testing✅ How HRT can be safely and affordably customized✅ Real-life clinical scenarios that show the power of lab-guided treatment Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, or curious about functional medicine, this episode aims to inform—not attack—and to elevate the standard of care all patients deserve.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Citations: - O'Connell, Mary Beth. "Pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic variation between different estrogen products." The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 35.9S (1995): 18S-24S.. - Qureshi, Rehana, et al. "The major pre-and postmenopausal estrogens play opposing roles in obesity-driven mammary inflammation and breast cancer development." Cell metabolism 31.6 (2020): 1154-1172.. - Bagot CN, Marsh MS, Whitehead M, Sherwood R, Roberts L, Patel RK, Arya R. The effect of estrone on thrombin generation may explain the different thrombotic risk between oral and transdermal hormone replacement therapy. J Thromb Haemost. 2010 Aug;8(8):1736-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2010.03953.x. Epub 2010 Jun 14. PMID:   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 experience, Dr. McCarthy shares the insights no seminar or textbook can offer, including the emotional and psychological challenges women face when beginning testosterone therapy, and the very real fears around side effects and community stigma.   📌 Whether you’re a patient looking for answers, or a clinician wanting to deepen your knowledge, this episode is for you.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Citations: Popma, Arne, et al. "Cortisol moderates the relationship between testosterone and aggression in delinquent male adolescents." Biological psychiatry 61.3 (2007): 405-411 Likhtik, E., Stujenske, J. M., Topiwala, M. A., Harris, A. Z. & Gordon, J. A. Prefrontal entrainment of amygdala activity signals safety in learned fear and innate anxiety. Nat. Neurosci. 17, 106–113 (2014). Brannon, Skylar M., et al. "Exogenous testosterone increases sensitivity to moral norms in moral dilemma judgements." Nature Human Behaviour 3.8 (2019): 856-866.. M.H.M. Hutschemaekers, R.A. de Kleine, M.L. Davis, M. Kampman, J.A.J. Smits, K. Roelofs,Endogenous testosterone levels are predictive of symptom reduction with exposure therapy in social anxiety disorder,Psychoneuroendocrinology,Volume 115,2020,104612 Barel, E, Abu‐Shkara, R, Colodner, R, et al. Gonadal hormones modulate the HPA‐axis and the SNS in response to psychosocial stress. J Neuro Res. 2018; 96: 1388– 1397. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24259 Buades-Rotger, M., Engelke, C., Beyer, F. et al. Endogenous testosterone is associated with lower amygdala reactivity to angry faces and reduced aggressive behavior in healthy young women. Sci Rep 6, 38538 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep38538 Ando, Sebastiano, et al. "Breast cancer: from estrogen to androgen receptor." Molecular and cellular endocrinology193.1-2 (2002): 121-128. Somboonporn, Woraluk, and Susan R. Davis. "Testosterone effects on the breast: implications for testosterone therapy for women." Endocrine reviews 25.3 (2004): 374-388. Donovitz, Gary, and Mandy Cotten. "Breast cancer incidence reduction in women treated with subcutaneous testosterone: testosterone therapy and breast cancer incidence study." European journal of breast health 17.2 (2021): 150. Glaser, Rebecca L., Anne E. York, and Constantine Dimitrakakis. "Incidence of invasive breast cancer in women treated with testosterone implants: a prospective 10-year cohort study." BMC cancer 19.1 (2019): 1271.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 density, and even breast tissue - Its role after estrogen-suppressing breast cancer treatments - The difference between safe and unsafe TRT - What your provider should be doing to monitor and manage it effectively   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Citations: Popma, Arne, et al. "Cortisol moderates the relationship between testosterone and aggression in delinquent male adolescents." Biological psychiatry 61.3 (2007): 405-411 Likhtik, E., Stujenske, J. M., Topiwala, M. A., Harris, A. Z. & Gordon, J. A. Prefrontal entrainment of amygdala activity signals safety in learned fear and innate anxiety. Nat. Neurosci. 17, 106–113 (2014). Brannon, Skylar M., et al. "Exogenous testosterone increases sensitivity to moral norms in moral dilemma judgements." Nature Human Behaviour 3.8 (2019): 856-866.. * M.H.M. Hutschemaekers, R.A. de Kleine, M.L. Davis, M. Kampman, J.A.J. Smits, K. Roelofs,Endogenous testosterone levels are predictive of symptom reduction with exposure therapy in social anxiety disorder,Psychoneuroendocrinology,Volume 115,2020,104612 Barel, E, Abu‐Shkara, R, Colodner, R, et al. Gonadal hormones modulate the HPA‐axis and the SNS in response to psychosocial stress. J Neuro Res. 2018; 96: 1388– 1397. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24259 * Buades-Rotger, M., Engelke, C., Beyer, F. et al. Endogenous testosterone is associated with lower amygdala reactivity to angry faces and reduced aggressive behavior in healthy young women. Sci Rep 6, 38538 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep38538 Ando, Sebastiano, et al. "Breast cancer: from estrogen to androgen receptor." Molecular and cellular endocrinology193.1-2 (2002): 121-128. Somboonporn, Woraluk, and Susan R. Davis. "Testosterone effects on the breast: implications for testosterone therapy for women." Endocrine reviews 25.3 (2004): 374-388. Donovitz, Gary, and Mandy Cotten. "Breast cancer incidence reduction in women treated with subcutaneous testosterone: testosterone therapy and breast cancer incidence study." European journal of breast health 17.2 (2021): 150. Glaser, Rebecca L., Anne E. York, and Constantine Dimitrakakis. "Incidence of invasive breast cancer in women treated with testosterone implants: a prospective 10-year cohort study." BMC cancer 19.1 (2019): 1271.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Hurst BS, Jones AI, Elliot M, Marshburn PB, Matthews ML. Absorption of vaginal estrogen cream during sexual intercourse: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. J Reprod Med. 2008;53(1):29–32. PMID: 18251358   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 on hormone replacement therapy.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 issues - The emotional toll of being dismissed by doctors - Why libido and vitality matter at every age - How to advocate for yourself in a broken healthcare system   This episode is about more than medicine—it's about being seen, finding hope, and reclaiming the quality of life you deserve.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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 can backfire The role of allopregnanolone and the GABA receptor How trauma, PTSD, and adverse childhood experiences impact hormonal response Safer and more personalized treatment options—including transrectal delivery, low-dose titration, and supportive therapies like EMDR and testosterone modulation Why addressing hormone imbalances requires more than symptom management—it requires a deeper understanding of the brain-body connection   This science-driven, trauma-informed conversation offers vital insights for any woman who’s felt worse after starting progesterone—and for the healthcare providers who want to help them.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

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. McCarthy explores the science behind these responses, the emotional toll of being dismissed, and why deeper investigation and individualized care are essential. This episode is the first in a multi-part series where Dr. McCarthy shares:• What progesterone is supposed to do in the body• Why it can sometimes cause adverse effects• The importance of understanding hormone-brain interactions• A more compassionate and evidence-based approach to hormone therapy If you or someone you love has struggled with hormone treatments, this episode offers insight, validation, and a path forward.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.   Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!   Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...   -More Links- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy Clinic Website: www.protealife.com