Dr. Brendan McCarthy
Welcome! 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. Through successful case after successful case, Dr. McCarthy has been dedicated to hormone balance, healthy metabolism, and the best quality of life. Dr. McCarthy’s hallmark is his unorthodox approach to mental/emotional wellness and its link to hormone balance in women and men. Through the use of blood work and clinical investigation, Dr. McCarthy gets to the bottom of possible causes for common conditions such as anxiety, PMS, depression, slow metabolism, weight gain, insomnia and now wants to share his knowledge to the viewers with his podcast. Join the discussion, ask questions, and welcome to the podcast!
Episodes
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...
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 af...
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 ...
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 y...
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 i...
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 r...
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 b...
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.
...
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 ...
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 dis...
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 2...
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 allopregn...
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 thes...
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 effects, and why personalized medici...
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 emphasizes the importance of a compr...
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 and progesterone fluctuations impact ...
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 balancing estrogen is key to overall...
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. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Med...
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 misunderstandings, and emphasizes the impor...
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 during menopause!
This is Part 2 of...
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