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 a personal failure. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains: What progesterone reverse responding actually is (and what it is not) Why this reaction is not an intolerance or allergy How progesterone’s downstream metabolites affect the brain The difference between the 5-alpha reductase pathway and sulfation pathways Why labs can look “normal” while symptoms feel anything but Common mistakes providers make (pushing the dose, “waiting it out,” or masking symptoms) Why stress physiology plays a major role How thoughtful, patient-centered medicine can help women heal Most importantly, this episode emphasizes listening to women, validating lived experiences, and practicing medicine with curiosity, humility, and care. 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 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 benefit at all. This episode explains why that doesn’t mean progesterone is wrong for you. Dr. McCarthy breaks down: What progesterone reverse responding really is The difference between 5-alpha reductase pathways and sulfation How the brain uses sulfation to buffer stress and trauma Why progesterone may be stored instead of calming the nervous system The role of chronic stress, PTSD, perimenopause, and hormone volatility Why higher doses can make things worse How thoughtful, low-dose, individualized hormone therapy actually works 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!

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 responder How progesterone normally supports mood and brain chemistry through allopregnanolone Why some women experience paradoxical anxiety, insomnia, or agitation The role of the 5-alpha reductase pathway in progesterone metabolism Why oral progesterone can overwhelm the brain in certain women How PCOS, topical testosterone, stress, insulin resistance, and ultra-processed diets can amplify reverse responses Why kinetics and delivery method matter just as much as dosage 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 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, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—three key brain regions that shape your stress response, emotional stability, sleep, memory, and self-trust. This episode covers:✔️ Why perimenopause makes your brain feel “out of control”✔️ The link between progesterone decline and anxiety, irritability, depression, night sweats, and brain fog✔️ How progesterone converts to allopregnanolone (your brain’s natural calming signal)✔️ Why women under chronic stress or in their late 30s–40s feel symptoms more intensely✔️ How hormonal imbalance impacts memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation✔️ Why you’re not broken—and what real validation and proper care looks like   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, 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 25,000 sq ft facility, and the core of our success comes down to understanding progesterone’s impact on the female brain, stress response, and emotional resilience. In this episode, I break down: Why progesterone is far more than a reproductive hormone How it regulates the female stress response (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex) Why anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and emotional overwhelm often map directly to progesterone decline Why so many women feel “unraveled” in their 40s — and why it’s not their fault The science behind oral vs. sublingual progesterone (and why I use troches) How conventional medicine often misses the root cause The importance of physicians showing their work, their data, and their citations The lived stories and clinical outcomes that changed how I practice medicine If you’ve ever felt dismissed, unseen, or told that your anxiety or mood changes are “just stress,” this episode is for you. This is the beginning of a 7-part series where I break down the neurobiology, endocrinology, testing, dosing, delivery methods, breast health, perimenopause, and more.   Citations: Brinton, Roberta Diaz, et al. “Neurosteroids and Brain Function.” Steroids, vol. 81, 2014, pp. 61–78. Epperson, C. Neill, et al. “New Insights into Perimenopausal Depression: A Neuroendocrine Vulnerability Framework.” The Lancet Psychiatry, vol. 9, no. 2, 2022, pp. 110–118. Frye, Cheryl A. “Neurosteroids—Endogenous Modulators of GABA_A Receptors.” Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 116, no. 1, 2007, pp. 58–76. Genazzani, Andrea R., et al. “Progesterone, Stress, and the Brain.” Human Reproduction Update, vol. 16, no. 6, 2010, pp. 641–655. Meeker, John D., et al. “Environmental Endocrine Disruptors: Their Effects on Human Reproduction and Development.” Reproductive Toxicology, vol. 25, 2008, pp. 1–7. Mellon, Stanley H. “Neurosteroid Regulation of Central Nervous System Development.” Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 116, 2007, pp. 107–124. Mizrahi, Romy, et al. “The Role of Allopregnanolone in Stress, Mood, and Trauma.” Neurobiology of Stress, vol. 11, 2019, 100198. Paul, Steven M., and Graziano Pinna. “Allopregnanolone: From Molecular Pathways to Therapeutic Applications.” Current Opinion in Neurobiology, vol. 48, 2018, pp. 90–96. Pluchino, Nicoletta, et al. “Progesterone and Allopregnanolone: Effects on the Central Nervous System in the Luteal Phase and in Perimenopause.” Gynecological Endocrinology, vol. 36, no. 6, 2020, pp. 441–445. Rasgon, Natalie L., et al. “Perimenopausal Changes in the Brain and Mood: A Review.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 107, no. 4, 2022, pp. 1120–1134. Reddy, Doodipala Samba. “The Neurosteroid Allopregnanolone and GABA-A Receptor Modulation in Epilepsy and Mood Disorders.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 12, 2018, 933. Schiller, Crystal E., et al. “The Neuroendocrinology of Perimenopausal Depression.” Trends in Neurosciences, vol. 44, no. 2, 2021, pp. 119–135. Schumacher, Michael, et al. “Neuroprotective Effects of Progesterone and Its Metabolites.” Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, vol. 33, 2012, pp. 415–439. Selye, Hans. “The General Adaptation Syndrome and the Diseases of Adaptation.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 6, no. 2, 1946, pp. 117–230. Sheng, Jun, and György Buzsáki. “Neuronal Firing and Theta Oscillations in the Amygdala During Fear Conditioning.” Neuron, vol. 53, 2007, pp. 653–667. Smith, Sheryl S. “Progesterone Withdrawal Increases Neuronal Excitability in the Hippocampus: A GABA_A Mechanism.” Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 28, 2008, p

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 disease What your estrone actually tells you about your metabolic load How phase 1 and phase 2 liver detox pathways determine whether estrogen becomes helpful or harmful How to use food, supplements, and prescriptions appropriately based on your labs Red flags to watch for with boutique labs, overpriced clinics, and “hormone hacks” You’ll learn exactly how clinicians should evaluate estrone, how to interpret the estrone–estradiol ratio, and how to identify where estrogen metabolism is blocked so you can take meaningful steps toward better health. If you find this helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who wants real, evidence-based hormone education.   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 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 our Estrone Series — and today’s focus is the real, science-based pathways behind estrone dominance: Estrone : Estradiol ratios 2-, 4-, and 16-hydroxyestrone pathways COMT function and methylation Liver health and detoxification capacity The nutrients and lifestyle factors that shift estrogen metabolism How to interpret patterns your regular doctor may overlook If you’ve ever been dismissed, told your symptoms are “normal,” or felt like something is wrong that no one is addressing — this episode gives you the tools, the labs, and the language to advocate for your health.   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 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 after menopause Why estrogen became wrongly vilified after the 2002 Nurse’s Health Study The truth about inflammation, insulin resistance, and detox pathways The role of methylation, glutathione, and liver detox in estrogen metabolism What lab markers actually matter (and how to interpret them) Practical ways to support your hormones through nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle This episode is about empowerment through knowledge, not fear.If you’ve ever been confused or afraid of estrogen, this conversation will change how you understand your body and your hormones.   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 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 women Natural ways to support estrogen balance, including diet, nutrients, and detox pathways Dr. McCarthy explains how understanding estrone can empower women through perimenopause and menopause — and why context and comprehensive lab work matter more than quick fixes. 💬 Have questions about estrone or hormone balance?Drop them in the comments — your feedback helps shape future episodes!   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 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 The impact of lifestyle factors like diet, body fat, stress, alcohol, and sedentary behavior on estrogen balance Practical tips to support healthy estrogen metabolism naturally Dr. McCarthy breaks down complex biochemistry in a clear, actionable way so you can take charge of your hormonal health.   Citations: 1. Bulun, Serdar E., et al. “Aromatase and Estrogen Biosynthesis in Adipose Tissue.” Endocrine Reviews, vol. 23, no. 3, 2002, pp. 305–342. 2. Labrie, Fernand, et al. “Importance of the Intracrinology of Estrogen Synthesis in Peripheral Tissues in Postmenopausal Women.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 118, nos. 4–5, 2010, pp. 273–279. 3. Sasano, Hironobu, and Toshihiko Harada. “Differential Expression of Aromatase and 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes in Human Tissues.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 86, no. 3–5, 2003, pp. 327–333. 4. Yager, James D., and Nancy E. Davidson. “Estrogen Carcinogenesis in Breast Cancer.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 354, no. 3, 2006, pp. 270–282. 5. Cavalieri, Ercole L., and Eleanor G. Rogan. “Depurinating Estrogen-DNA Adducts, Mechanisms of Formation, and Prevention.” Clinical Cancer Research, vol. 16, no. 3, 2010, pp. 596–602. 6. Suba, Zsuzsanna. “Circulating Estrogens and Estrogen Metabolism in Obese Women.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 98, no. 11, 2013, pp. 4336–4344. 7. Simpson, Evan R., and Konstanze C. Pike. “Aromatase Expression in Adipose Tissue: Relationship to Obesity and Insulin Resistance.” Endocrinology, vol. 156, no. 9, 2015, pp. 3422–3435. 8. Key, Timothy J., et al. “Circulating Sex Hormones and Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women: Reanalysis of 13 Studies.” British Journal of Cancer, vol. 105, no. 5, 2011, pp. 709–722. 9. Stanczyk, Frank Z., et al. “Oral, Transdermal and Injectable Hormone Therapy: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Estrone/Estradiol Ratios.” Menopause, vol. 24, no. 9, 2017, pp. 1080–1090. 10. Santen, Richard J., et al. “Estrogen Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Route of Administration and Risk.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 105, no. 7, 2020, pp. 2062–2074. 11. Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, Anne, et al. “Postmenopausal Levels of Estrone, Estradiol, and Estrone Sulfate and Breast Cancer Risk.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, vol. 23, no. 8, 2014, pp. 1531–1539. 12. Dall, Gabriella V., and Christine L. Clarke. “Local Estrogen Biosynthesis and Signaling in Breast Cancer Progression.” Steroids, vol. 78, no. 7, 2013, pp. 639–646. 13. Heald, Anthony H., et al. “Relationships Between Serum Estrone, Insulin Resistance, and Adiposity in Postmenopausal Women.” Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 67, no. 3, 2007, pp. 340–345. 14. Kuiper, George G. J. M., et al. “Estrogen Receptor β Selectivity of Estriol and Implications for Tissue-Specific Effects.” PNAS, vol. 94, no. 17, 1997, pp. 9105–9110. 15. Michnovicz, Joseph J., et al. “Dietary Indoles and Estrogen Metabolism: Effects of Cruciferous Vegetable Intake.” Journal of Nutrition, vol. 134, no. 12, 2004, pp. 3479S–   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 star

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 empathy in healthcare, accountability to patients, and the importance of bridging the gap between modern medicine and natural approaches. This episode is an honest look at what real medicine should feel like—human, compassionate, and deeply connected.   🔹 Topics Covered: Why women are leaving conventional medicine The rise of MAHA and MAMA movements How empathy and validation heal where prescriptions can’t Building accountability and integrity in patient care Bridging the divide between natural and conventional medicine   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 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 covered: The systemic dismissal of women’s symptoms How short medical visits and profit models harm patients The rise of “Make America Healthy Again” culture The dangers of influencer-driven supplement marketing Why reconciliation between women and medicine is essential   🎧 A thoughtful, research-backed conversation that challenges the system — and advocates for women’s health, time, and trust.   Citations: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AygX2JSGLMyDrQt5WW6v3Xk4m1lhPblE/view   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 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 “Valium era” to SSRIs and Ambien, I break down how systemic neglect, profit motives, and regulatory failures alienated women from traditional care — and what it will take to restore trust.   This episode is personal, reflective, and at times somber — but it’s an important conversation about accountability, reconciliation, and rebuilding the heart of medicine.    References: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mQKU7VpiT5KhXCFFLYtdVoWFAjKRi16J/view?usp=sharing   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!

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 popularity The role of pharmaceutical advertising and conference influence on medical practice Steps to rebuild trust and prioritize patient-centered care   Dr. McCarthy emphasizes accountability, understanding science objectively, and always keeping the patient’s well-being at the center of care.   📌 Citation / References: Steinman, Michael A., and Jerome P. Kassirer. “Is Continuing Medical Education a Drug-Promotion Tool? YES.” Canadian Family Physician, vol. 53, no. 10, 2007, pp. 1650–1652. PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2231419. ⸻ 2. Bowman, Marjorie A., and David L. Pearle. “Changes in Drug Prescribing Patterns Related to Commercial Company Funding of Continuing Medical Education.” Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, vol. 8, no. 1, 1988, pp. 13–20. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, https://journals.lww.com/jcehp/fulltext/1988/08010/changes_in_drug_prescribing_patterns_related_to.3.aspx. ⸻ 3. Bowman, Marjorie A., and David L. Pearle. “Industry-Sponsored Grand Rounds and Prescribing Behavior.” Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 283, no. 3, 2000, pp. 373–380. ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12077958_Industry-Sponsored_Grand_Rounds_and_Prescribing_Behavior. ⸻ 4. Fickweiler, Frederike, Udo Fickweiler, and Klaus Urbach. “Interactions between Physicians and the Pharmaceutical Industry Generally and Sales Representatives Specifically and Their Association with Physicians’ Attitudes and Prescribing Habits: A Systematic Review.” BMJ Open, vol. 7, no. 9, 2017, e016408. BMJ Publishing Group, https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/9/e016408. ⸻ 5. Fugh-Berman, Adriane. “May I Have the Sting? Cutting CME’s Ties to Pharma.” AMA Journal of Ethics, vol. 8, no. 6, 2006, pp. 356–360. American Medical Association, https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/may-sting-bit-cutting-cmes-ties-pharma/2006-06   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 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 empathy, profit-driven models, and the powerful role of storytelling in alternative health. This conversation is about more than medicine—it’s about empathy, validation, and radical transparency in how we care for one another. In this episode you’ll learn: Why patients often reject pharmaceuticals (even when safe & effective) The role of empathy and time in building trust How alternative medicine wins hearts through stories Why managed care models fail both patients and providers How we can rebuild trust in healthcare through radical transparency   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 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 both science and humanity. You’ll hear: The personal story that drove me to become the kind of doctor I am today Why I spend extra time with patients and focus on building trust The strengths and challenges of both conventional and alternative medicine How patients can learn who to trust in today’s confusing healthcare world   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 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 gain, fertility, autoimmunity, and thyroid function Why simply telling women to “eat less” or “relax” is not real medicine—and what actually works The role of intermittent fasting, hormonal support, and therapy in restoring health How to identify self-silencing behaviors and start healing from the inside out A discussion of GLP-1s, LDN, cold plunges, testosterone, thyroid labs, and more A call for modern medicine to return to true, whole-person care   Whether you're a patient, physician, or just curious about the future of compassionate medicine—this one’s for you.   Citations: https://academic.oup.com/mend/article/15/11/1864/2747880 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2012.00177/full   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!

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 stress from silencing yourself impacts the body at a biochemical level, and what you can do about it. You’ll learn:✔️ How self-silencing triggers stress pathways that worsen inflammation and disease✔️ Why heart rate variability is a powerful tool for tracking stress✔️ Simple, science-backed therapies—from cold plunging to nutrition to breathing techniques✔️ How physicians can address both the cause and the symptoms of stress-related illness✔️ What treatments may help stabilize autoimmunity, cardiovascular risk, and fertility issues This episode wraps up Dr. McCarthy’s series on self-silencing and offers practical strategies to support healing while doing the deeper inner work.   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 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 medical system often overlooks stress as a factor in infertility A more compassionate, integrative approach to fertility care This episode is part of a larger series on self-silencing and women’s health.   If you’ve struggled with fertility or felt unheard in medical settings, this conversation offers insight and hope.   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!

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 and emotional suppression affect hormones, fertility, and cardiovascular health Why women face higher risks of heart disease when these patterns go unaddressed What men can do to better support their partners during PMS, perimenopause, and menopause   This conversation is about more than symptoms—it’s about validation, advocacy, and the urgent need to recognize how cultural conditioning impacts women’s health.   Citations: Jack, D. C., & Dill, D. (1992). The Silencing the Self Scale: Schemas of intimacy associated with depression in women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 16(1), 97–106.       •     Jack, D. C. (1999). Silencing the self: Inner dialogues and outer realities. Harvard University Press.       •     Jack, D. C. (2011). Reflections on the silencing the self scale and its origins. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 35(3), 523–529.       •     Jakubowski, K. P., Barinas-Mitchell, E., et al. (2022). The cardiovascular cost of silence: Self-silencing and carotid atherosclerosis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 56(3), 282–293.       •     Ussher, J. M. (2004). Premenstrual syndrome and self-policing. Social Theory & Health, 2(1), 56–77.       •     Ussher, J. M. (2013). Diagnosing difficult women. Feminism & Psychology, 23(1), 63–77.       •     Beauboeuf-Lafontant, T. (2008). Listening past the lies. Qualitative Sociology, 31(2), 105–124.       •     Rozanski, A. (2014). Behavioral cardiology. Circulation, 129(25), 2509–2516. 1.    Jack & Dill (1992) – Developed Silencing the Self Scale. Linked to depression and poor health outcomes.       2.    Framingham Offspring Study (Jack, 2011) – Women with high self-silencing had ↑ heart disease and premature death.       3.    Jakubowski et al. (2022, Annals of Behavioral Medicine) – Self-silencing predicted ↑ carotid atherosclerosis in midlife women.       4.    Beauboeuf-Lafontant (2008, Qualitative Sociology) – Black women’s depression tied to silencing under cultural expectations of strength.       5.    Ussher (2004, 2013, 2023) – Purity/self-policing associated with self-blame and somatic illness pathways.       6.    Rasmussen (2014) – Self-silencing linked to anger suppression, leading to somatic symptoms.       7.    Peterson (2015) – Shame and silence in purity narratives obstruct preventive health care.       8.    CRP & Stress Studies – High CRP consistently linked to psychosocial stress (Rozanski, 2014, Circulation).   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!