PODCAST · health
Dr. Brendan McCarthy
by Dr. Brendan McCarthy
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2006. In his role as Chief Medical Officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving not only the Phoenix Valley, but also central Arizona.Dr. McCarthy is the author of, Jump Off The Mood Swing, A Sane Woman’s Guide To Her Crazy Hormones. He’s also internationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy. He has lectured physicians and pharmacists on topics such as weight loss, infertility, hormone replacement therapy, nutritional therapy and more. Through a growing referral network, individual patients have helped grow Protea Medical Center into the thriving practice it is today. Not through marketing programs or advertising schemes: one successful case after another has enabled Protea to achieve the position it currently holds. This podcast is to bring you everything Dr. McCarthy knows, to help you get your life to where you want it to be.
Episodes
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Progesterone & Your Uterine Health: What Women Need to Know in Perimenopause
Progesterone plays an important role in regulating the uterine lining, especially during the perimenopause years when ovulation becomes less consistent and estrogen may remain present without adequate progesterone. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy discusses the relationship between estrogen,...
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Why Progesterone Affects Women Differently: The Route You Take Matters
Why does progesterone help one woman sleep, feel calm, and finally feel like herself again—while another woman feels anxious, restless, or completely unlike herself? The answer may have a lot to do with how progesterone enters the body and what it becomes after you take it. In Part 11 of this...
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Does Progesterone Cause Breast Cancer? The Truth About Natural vs. Synthetic Progesterone
Does progesterone cause breast cancer—or could it actually play a protective role in the body? The answer isn't as simple as the headlines make it seem. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down one of the most confusing conversations in hormone health: the difference between bioidentical...
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Estrogen Delivery Methods Explained: Pills, Patches, Injections & Pellets
How you receive estrogen matters. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the different ways estrogen can be delivered — including oral estrogen, topical/transdermal estrogen, injections, and pellets — and explains why the route of delivery can change how the hormone behaves in your…
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Vaginal Estrogen, Menopause & Hormones: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling You
Vaginal and urinary symptoms are common during perimenopause and menopause—but understanding why they happen and how different forms of estrogen work can be confusing. In Episode 8 of this hormone series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the relationship between systemic estrogen, vaginal…
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Is Estrone Really the “Bad Estrogen”? What Your Labs Actually Mean
An elevated estrone level can be alarming—especially when you search online and immediately find scary information about cancer, diabetes, or obesity. But does a high estrone level automatically mean something is wrong? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea…
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The Biggest Mistake Women Make When Starting Estrogen Therapy
Should every woman take estrogen? Or should no one? According to Dr. Brendan McCarthy, both extremes miss the point. The best hormone therapy is personalized, evidence-based, and designed around the individual—not headlines or trends. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains why today's growing...
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Estrogen Isn't One Hormone: The Truth About Estradiol, Estrone & Estriol
When someone says, "estrogen causes cancer" or "estrogen causes blood clots," what estrogen are they talking about? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains one of the biggest misconceptions in hormone replacement therapy (HRT): estrogen isn't a single hormone—it's a family of hormones....
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Don't Stop Your Hormone Therapy Because of Social Media
Every day, women are exposed to endless hormone therapy advice on social media, but not all of it is accurate. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why fear-driven decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to unnecessary symptoms, confusion, and setbacks. He shares what...
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Why the Same Hormone Works Differently for Every Woman
Why does one woman feel incredible on hormone replacement therapy while another gains weight, feels anxious, or sees no improvement at all? The answer isn't simply the hormone—it's how your body processes it. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why the route of hormone delivery (oral,...
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The 5 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Before Starting Hormone Therapy
Many women are handed a prescription for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sign a consent form, and are sent on their way—but is that really informed consent? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why true consent is much more than signing paperwork. Understanding what you're taking…
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Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained: What Every Woman Needs to Know | Episode 1
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is far more than simply taking estrogen or progesterone. In this first episode of a new 36-part series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why hormone therapy should never be viewed as a one-size-fits-all treatment. From puberty through menopause, he explores how...
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The Hidden Risks of Oral Estrogen: What Every Woman Should Know About Estrone
Many women are prescribed oral estrogen without ever being told what happens after it enters the body. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy takes a deeper look at estrone, the estrogen metabolite created when estradiol is taken orally, and explains why the delivery method of hormone therapy...
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Estradiol Explained: The Truth About Oral Estrogen, Estrone, Testosterone & Informed Consent
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in hormone replacement therapy: estradiol. Not all estrogen is the same—and how estradiol is delivered can dramatically affect hormone balance, inflammation, clotting risk, testosterone levels, and overall…
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What Every Woman Needs to Hear About Health, Food & Healing
After 16 episodes exploring food, metabolism, cravings, and health, Dr. Brendan McCarthy shares the most important lesson of all: Your body is not broken. Too often, health conversations focus on calories, diets, lab results, and willpower. But lasting change isn't just about what you eat—it's...
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The 6-Week Nutrition Reset I Use With Patients
This episode is about more than food. It's about understanding why we reach for certain foods, creating a realistic off-ramp from ultra-processed eating, and giving your body a chance to reset. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still struggling with weight, energy,...
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The 9-Minute Method to Break Food Cravings
Most diets fail because they never address what the food was doing for you emotionally. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains the stress-craving loop behind emotional eating, why ultra-processed foods feel impossible to resist, and how shame actually reinforces the cycle. You’ll learn: •...
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The Exit Strategy: How to Escape the Ultra-Processed Food Loop
Why is it so hard to stop eating ultra-processed foods — even when you know they’re hurting you? In Episode 13 of this 16-part series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why the real problem is not just the food itself. The real problem is the loop: Cue or emotional state → Wanting → Bargaining →...
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The Shame Trap of Ultra-Processed Foods
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy dives deep into the psychology of ultra-processed foods, compulsive eating, shame, and why so many people feel trapped in unhealthy food cycles. This conversation goes far beyond calories and willpower. Dr. McCarthy explains how ultra-processed and...
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Trauma Is Driving Your Diet (Not Willpower) | Ultra-Processed Foods Explained
Why do so many people know what to eat… but still can’t follow through? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the powerful connection between trauma, stress, and ultra-processed foods—and why willpower alone is not enough. You’ll learn how the nervous system, PTSD, and chronic stress...
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Women, Hormones & Cholesterol: The Hidden Role of Ultra-Processed Foods
Today, we’re diving into a topic that should be getting far more attention: Cardiovascular disease in women. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women—yet it’s often under-addressed, oversimplified, and misunderstood in clinical practice. Most women are told: “Eat better. Take...
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Ultra-Processed Foods & Autoimmunity
Today, we’re diving into autoimmunity—what it actually is, why it happens, and how ultra-processed foods may be contributing to the problem. Autoimmune disease is often misunderstood. Some will tell you diet has nothing to do with it. Others claim diet is the cure. The truth is more nuanced—and...
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The Truth About GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are everywhere right now—but are they actually solving the problem? In Episode 8 of this 16-part series on ultra-processed foods, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the truth about GLP-1 medications: how they work, why they can feel like a…
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This Was Never a Fair Fight: How Ultra-Processed Food Trains a Child’s Brain
Craving junk food when you’re stressed isn’t a lack of discipline — it’s biology. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down what ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods actually do inside your body — from your metabolism to your hormones, your brain, and your stress response. But this...
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This Isn’t a Willpower Problem: The Truth About Stress, Cravings & Weight Gain
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center—dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in health: Why does it feel like you can’t stick to a diet… even when you’re trying your best? This isn’t about willpower. It’s not a character flaw. And it’s not...
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The Real Reason You Crave Junk Food Under Stress
Is weight gain really about willpower… or is something deeper going on? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, breaks down the real biology behind stress, cravings, and weight gain—and why blaming yourself (or cortisol) is missing the point. You’ll...
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The Missing Piece in Weight Loss
We’ve all heard it: calories in vs. calories out. And while that’s not wrong… it’s not complete. Dr. McCarthy breaks down the three major approaches to weight loss: 1. Calorie restriction 2. Insulin management (low-carb, keto, etc.) 3. Exercise & performance …and explains why each works—but still...
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Why You’re Still Hungry After Eating
Why do you crave dessert after dinner? Why are you hungry again an hour after eating? And why does weight sometimes seem to accelerate even when you're watching calories? In Episode 3 of this series on ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down the biology behind...
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Why You Can’t Stop Craving Ultra-Processed Foods (It’s Not Willpower)
In this episode, we’re diving deep into ultra-processed foods — and why cravings in your 30s, 40s, and 50s are not a character flaw. If you’ve ever: Felt compulsive around certain foods Wondered why you “used to have more willpower” Eaten for stress relief and felt ashamed afterward Asked…
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Ultra-Processed Foods: Why You Can’t Stop Eating Them
If you're a woman in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you feel swollen, inflamed, stuck, exhausted, or like your body has completely turned against you — this series is for you. Let’s be clear: This is NOT a diet episode. This is NOT food shaming. This is NOT about willpower. This is upstream...
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The Progesterone Promise: Why Context Matters More Than the Hype
In this final episode of the Progesterone Promise series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, breaks down one of the most misunderstood hormones in women’s health: progesterone. Progesterone is not “good” or “bad.” It’s contextual. In today’s world of quick sound...
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Progesterone & Breast Health: What Women Were Never Properly Taught
In this episode of the progesterone series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy — Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona — explores the often misunderstood relationship between progesterone, estrogen, and breast health. For decades, women have been taught to fear their breasts and fear...
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Prolactin: The Overlooked Hormone Behind Unexplained Infertility & Low Progesterone
Unexplained infertility, PMS, and low progesterone are often dismissed when labs fall “within range.” In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why prolactin may be the missing piece. Learn how mildly elevated prolactin can suppress ovulation, lower progesterone, and impact fertility—even…
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Progesterone, Stress & the “Progesterone Steal” Explained
In this episode of our progesterone series (Episode 5), Dr. Brendan McCarthy — Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona — breaks down the often-misunderstood relationship between stress, ovulation, progesterone, and cortisol. We explore the concept commonly referred to as...
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Progesterone: Why Delivery Method Matters for Brain, Uterus & Breast Health
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, explains why progesterone delivery systems matter—and how different routes change what progesterone actually does in the body. Part 4 of the progesterone series covers oral, topical, vaginal, rectal…
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Reverse Responding to Progesterone: Why Your Body Isn’t Failing You
If progesterone makes you feel wired, anxious, angry, emotional, or unable to sleep, this episode is for you. In this deeply important continuation of our reverse responding series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center—returns to clarify what was missing in Episode…
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Why Progesterone Sometimes Backfires
Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, brings closure to an important and often misunderstood topic: progesterone reverse responders. Some women take progesterone expecting calm, better sleep, and emotional balance — but instead experience anxiety,...
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Sulfation, Trauma, and Why Progesterone Doesn’t Always Calm You
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona—continues his in-depth progesterone series with a deep dive into reverse responders and an often-overlooked mechanism: hormone sulfation. Many women take progesterone expecting...
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Why Progesterone Makes Some Women Feel Worse
Have you taken progesterone expecting calm, better sleep, or relief from PMS… only to feel more anxious, wired, or worse overall? You are not a failure—and progesterone is not failing you. Your body is responding exactly as physiology dictates. The issue is how progesterone is being delivered and...
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Progesterone & Your Brain: The Missing Link
In Episode 2 of this deep-dive hormone series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, AZ—breaks down the part of progesterone almost no one talks about: its powerful role as a brain hormone. Most women are only taught that progesterone is about fertility and...
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Progesterone: The Breakthrough Women Deserve
In today’s episode, I’m opening the first chapter of what I believe is the most important series I’ve ever created — a deep dive into progesterone and why it became the heart of my medical practice. For more than 20 years, I’ve watched this “simple, humble hormone” transform women’s lives in ways...
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The Truth About Estrone: What Your Lab Work Isn’t Telling You
Join Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, for a deep, practical breakdown of estrone—one of the most misunderstood and under-tested hormones in women’s health. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explains: Why estrone matters far more than most routine...
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The Estrone Pathways That Predict Your Health: Labs Your Doctor Isn’t Running
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, takes you deep into the science of Estrone metabolism, why it becomes dominant during perimenopause and menopause, and the exact lab tests that uncover real root causes of symptoms like weight...
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Estrone & Cancer: The Truth About “The Forgotten Estrogen”
In Part 3 of the Forgotten Estrogen series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona—dives deep into the misunderstood relationship between estrone and cancer. For decades, women have been told to fear estrogen. But is estrogen really the enemy—or is…
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Estrone Explained (Part 2): The “Forgotten Estrogen” and Why It’s Not the Bad Guy
In this episode — Part 2 of our Estrone Series — Dr. McCarthy takes a deeper dive into estrone, the often misunderstood and overlooked estrogen. Learn: Why estrone isn’t the “bad” estrogen it’s made out to be How body fat, inflammation, and lifestyle influence estrone levels The connection…
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Estrone Explained: How Lifestyle & Hormones Impact Women’s Health
In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, dives deep into estrone, one of the three key estrogens, and explains why understanding it is crucial for women’s health. Learn about: The differences between estradiol, estriol, and estrone How estrone levels...
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Healing the Divide Between MAHA & MAMA
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy dives deep into why women are turning away from conventional medicine and seeking care in alternative spaces. He explores the growing Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) and Make America Medical Again (MAMA) movements, sharing his perspective as a...
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Why Conventional Medicine Failed Women
In this powerful episode, Dr. McCarthy continues his “Make America Healthy Again” series — exploring how conventional medicine has failed women through dismissal, invalidation, and profit-driven care. He discusses why so many women are turning to online influencers and alternative medicine for...
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How Medicine Lost Its Way with Women
In this episode, I dive deep into “Mama vs. Maha” — the Make America Medical Again movement versus the Make America Healthy Again movement — and explore how both emerged from a broken medical system. We’ll trace how modern medicine drifted from its original purpose, focusing more on economics…
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Understanding the Divide in Modern Medicine
Join Dr. Brendan McCarthy, as he dives into Part 2 of our series on understanding the divide in modern medicine. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy explores: How education, corporate influence, and lobbying have shaped medicine and nutrition advice The history and impact of the food pyramid and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2006. In his role as Chief Medical Officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving not only the Phoenix Valley, but also central Arizona.Dr. McCarthy is the author of, Jump Off The Mood Swing, A Sane Woman’s Guide To Her Crazy Hormones. He’s also internationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy. He has lectured physicians and pharmacists on topics such as weight loss, infertility, hormone replacement therapy, nutritional therapy and more. Through a growing referral network, individual patients have helped grow Protea Medical Center into the thriving practice it is today. Not through marketing programs or advertising schemes: one successful case after another has enabled Protea to achieve the position it currently holds. This podcast is to bring you everything Dr. McCarthy knows, to help you get your life to where you want it to be.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Brendan McCarthy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dr. Brendan McCarthy have?
Dr. Brendan McCarthy currently has 204 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dr. Brendan McCarthy about?
Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2006. In his role as Chief Medical Officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving not only the Phoenix Valley, but also central Arizona.Dr. McCarthy is the author of, Jump Off The Mood Swing, A Sane Woman’s Guide To...
How often does Dr. Brendan McCarthy release new episodes?
Dr. Brendan McCarthy publishes regularly with 204 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Dr. Brendan McCarthy?
You can listen to Dr. Brendan McCarthy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dr. Brendan McCarthy?
Dr. Brendan McCarthy is created and hosted by Dr. Brendan McCarthy.
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