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! 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...
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 1 of...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Are you experiencing changes in your body and wondering if it might be menopause? I’ll guide you through the key signs and symptoms of menopause, the role of hormonal changes, lab values and how to approach an accurate diagnosis. Understanding your body is the first step to managing this transition effectively.
This is Part 2 of 4
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, I'm giving a brief overview of what women experience during menopause and trying to find proper treatment. From common symptoms to the changes your body goes through, this is the first step in understanding this natural phase of life. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll dive deeper into symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- This is Part 1 of 4 -
Dr. Bre...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Autoimmune diseases can be complex and unpredictable, making treatment a significant challenge. From managing symptoms to addressing root causes, we uncover the hurdles in combating these conditions. How doctors should truly be helping YOU. Join me as we shed light on this crucial topic. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
This is a contin...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Got questions about PMS? I'm here to help! In this Q&A, we’re going over the most common (and some not-so-common) questions from our viewers about premenstrual syndrome during this series. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content like this!
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has gro...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! This episode brings you Part 3, the treatment segment. Hormonal imbalances might be the key to understanding and managing them effectively. In this video, we explore how hormonal treatments can help alleviate common PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. Learn about the types of hormones used, their benefits, and what to expect during treatment. Whether you're conside...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Are you experiencing mood swings, bloating, fatigue, or irritability and wondering if it's PMS — or something more? In this video, I break down the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and how to identify it accurately. As a hormone replacement specialist, I’ll explain how your hormones fluctuate during your cycle, what causes PMS, and how it can be managed effectively. Next epis...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, we dive into everything you need to know about PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). An introduction into the a 4 part series.
1. Introduction
2. Diagnosis
3. Treatment
4. Q&A
Whether you're experiencing PMS or want to better understand it, this introduction will provide helpful insights and tips. Make sure to come back to see the rest of the series!
Dr. Brendan McCarthy...
Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Are testosterone and prostate cancer connected? In this video, we dive into the science and myths surrounding testosterone therapy and its potential impact on prostate health. Learn what research really says about testosterone levels, prostate cancer risks, and what every man should know to make informed health decisions. Don't let misinformation guide your choices—get the facts her...
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