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 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 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

Citations: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R7oRXvuVDl5pW-pGXtfXXs0Ue3L11whZ/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!

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!